Chapter 198

Book 3 Chapter 34 ~WILLOW~

“It has to be Sharon.” Autumn hissed. “I should have known she would be up to something like this.”

“She couldn’t wait for an opportunity to talk to those damn reporters,” Clarissa says as she barges in. “If I didn’t have to worry about the overlords, she would see my worst side.”

Autumn walks over to me, “Are you okay?”

I wasn’t. Not in the least. Everyone from the academy would know about Dante and me after reading this article. They would see that we never consummated our marriage. They bullied me before even knowing this; it would only increase after this.

“Mom and Dad want to see you,” Atticus says to Dante. “You as well, Willow.”

Dante doesn’t look at me. Instead, he storms out of the room. He looks pissed as I follow behind. I’m sure that his parents would be angry over this article. They hated anything that messed with their reputation.

When we walk into their room, they seem to be deep in a deep conversation.

They turn to look at us after Dante shuts the door behind him.

“I’m sure you both have seen the articles by now.” His father says.

Dante clenches his jaw but nods his head.

“Now, son, your mother and I have been very patient with you. We know what you went through was not an easy thing. We’re also aware that you also had a difficult time Willow. However, it’s about time that you both tried to make your marriage work. The rumors are getting out of hand.” Mr. Fawn says in a calm but annoyed tone. “As a man of this family, you must step up and do your duty as a husband. Willow is your wife, whether you want to accept it or not. Atticus didn’t want to marry Autumn at first, but he did his duty as a son of this family, and now he can’t live without her. As a Fawn and a son of this family, we expect the same from you, Dante.”

Dante’s mother steps closer to us, and I can see the sadness in her eyes, “We truly are sorry for everything the both of you went through in the past. You both lost someone you loved. We tried to give you the time needed to heal Dante. You as well Willow.

But things are getting out of hand. You knew what you were doing when you married Willow. You decided to marry her, and now you must do your part as her husband.”

Dante takes a step closer to his parents, “what are you trying to say?” he demands. “Are you trying to force us to do something we don’t want to do?”

His mother sighs, “No one wants to force you to do anything you don’t want to. We’re just asking that you try to do better.

However, something needs to be done about these articles. The damage is already done. Now we must find a way to make people believe it is all lies.”

“How do you propose we do that?” Dante asks her.

“We never got the opportunity to do the traditional honeymoon ceremony.” She answers him. “You were supposed to take Willow to the same spring your brother took Autumn to. She is your wife, and to have a long successful marriage with her, we believe this must be done. Not only will it put the rumors to rest, but it will also bring you and Willow closer to each other.”

Honeymoon? Ceremony?

“Are we supposed to take another trip to that island?” Dante asks. He looks horrified at that idea for some reason.

What happens at that island for him to react this way?

His father nods, “we have already made all the necessary arrangements. We leave tomorrow, and we’ve also invited a few friends to ensure the word spreads. We expect both of you to at least act like you’re deeply in love when you are out in public.”

Act like we’re deeply in love? What was even love between a man and a woman?

“Why must we do that?” Dante demands. “It’s been weeks since the wedding. That ceremony only happens right after the wedding. How can this count?”

“It will.” His father snaps. “We’re done discussing this. This article puts a strain on your relationship. We can’t let this madness continue any longer. We must put a stop to these rumors once and for all.”

“I can’t do it tomorrow.” Dante insists. “I have a fight, and I can’t miss it.”

“A fight?” His mother gasps. “Didn’t we already speak about this nonsense Dante?”

“You’ve spoken about it, but that doesn’t mean that I must listen to you. I’m old enough to make my own decisions. I’m not leaving that underground ring.” He answers her.

His mother approaches him and grabs his arms, “Why are you insisting on ruining your life, son?” She demands. “For a woman that never loved you, to begin with. Why are you destroying your life? You have a wonderful wife and a happy home. Why must you ruin everything for her?”

Dante winced at her words, and a part of me wanted to comfort him. It must not be easy for Dante to hear that my sister never loved him. It was difficult for even me to hear at times.

“If you don’t want to leave the underground ring, at least cancel that fight for tomorrow.” His father demands. “One way or the other, you are going to that island with us. We will not let your names be tarnished. As your parents, we must do the right thing even if you refuse to do it.”

Dante’s jaw clenches, and I can feel the tension in the room. It was much worse than before.

His parents dismissed us after continuing their plans. When we exit the room, Dante doesn’t even bother speaking to me.

Instead, he storms away from me.

I sigh; whatever they had planned for the island seemed to upset Dante. Autumn would surely be able to tell me more about it.

I had to speak to her.