Chapter 8

• I woke up from my bed and walked straight to the kitchen to get a glass of water. "Penny?" I call when I didn't notice her presence in the room. where could she have gone? "Penny?' I call again
• " Over here Ciara " she responded from the living room
• "there you are. I thought you were asleep or something" I say sitting next to her. "sleep well?“
• " yeah but the bed is too soft compared to what I used to sleep in" She let a low laugh
• "you'll get used to it"
• "I sure hope so" i say and she switches on the TV.
• "Ciara can I ask you a question?" penny asks and I turn to look at her.
• "Sure"
• "when was the last time you and Brian became intimate with each other?"
• it came as a, shock
• "Intimate? what kind of intimacy?"
• "you know being together alone... like let's say having sex"
• I blinked twice
• "No penny. never. Geez being intimate with Brian is the last thing I'll ever do. He's not my type of guy to begin with. I mean someone who loves everything in skirt" I say like I'm gonna puke in the next minute or something. yuck!
• "He could change you know... "
• "penny, why do you keep on insisting?" I cut her off "Brian was and will never be the man you thought he was. he's a horrible snake filled with deadly venom. one bite and you're gone, trust me. just the thought of him makes me sick"
• "Brian?" she asked feeling confused
• "you just haven't met the guy penny. maybe he hid it from you and pretended to be someone he's not." I say and shifted on my seat.
• "You can change him Ciara"
• "How? he hates me and I do too. he irritates me. I don't want to have anything to do with the guy and I'm perfectly sure Janelle can do better, don't you think?" I ask tilting my head to one side
• "Alright. let's make dinner on time cause I'll be leaving soon" she tells me
• "why can't you stay. if you leave then I'll be stuck all by myself with Brian. please stay" I beg
• "Sorry but I can't. so sorry Ciara" she apologize
• "don't worry, I'll make dinner myself"
• "can you manage?"
• "sure. I can do it. it's not really hard you know"
• "thanks Ciara" she says and I smile. I shifted my gaze back to the TV show. it was actually the first time I was watching the TV because we don't have one at home. and even if we did, I usually spend most of my time working so I never really sat down to enjoy a good show but thanks to Penny cause now I have.
• By five Penny told me she was leaving so after walking her outside, I returned home and went to the kitchen to cook dinner. Brian would be back any minute I guess and I don't want him to cut my head off.
• I finished making dinner and served them, Brian walked in afterwards with a shopping bag in his hands. he went shopping? why?
• I didn't bother to ask it out loud so I just pretended like I didn't see him.
• "Here," he said throwing the bag at me
• "why are you giving it to me? what's in it?" I asked feeling startled by his behavior
• He growled "change into that. we're going out" he tells me before sitting down on the couch
• "going out? to where?"
• "don't ask me stupid questions Ciara, I make the rules and you follow, have you forgotten that? now get dressed" he said with a very serious face
• "I demand to know where you're taking me, you can't just expect me to get dressed and follow you like a guard dog without asking questions. I believe I have the right to do so. what if you want to kidnap me?" I ask almost yelling
• "You are a guard dog Ciara. you're not supposed to ask questions and if I wanted to kidnap you, I'd do that instead of marrying you don't you see. now stop making me talk much and get dressed" he snapped
• "I don't want to" I say. I could notice the rapid rise and fall of his chest. I knew I was getting him angrier by the minute.
• "don't make me break you Ciara" he threatened. and the worse part is that he could do anything he says
• "isn't it better that way? break me so that you won't have to deal with me anymore" I yell and turned to make my way to the room when he said
• "I can't believe that Ben has a new job. it would be so much fun watching him get fired" he said and I quickly turned to look at him
• "what are you trying to say?" I ask but he only smirks and walks up to me.
• "Nevermind. I'll make sure he gets fired, that way, your parents would go back to the miserably life that they once had. I know your weaknesses Ciara so it'll be foolish of you to do something stupid so get dressed" he said eyes becoming red all of the sudden. Fuck you Brian! he was right. my family is my greatest weakness. I can't let Ben loose his job because of one useless place that Brian is about to take me. He needs the money to feed my family and it'll be selfish of me to put my interests first before my family's.
• Ben has, really been a great brother before I got married to Brian. I'm willing to compromise or should I say sacrifice so he could keep his job.
• I shut my eyes for a while before opening them again. somehow I wish that this was all a dream cause I'm really not living my fantasy.
• "Alright. I guess you won. I'll do it" I say and open up the bag. He shopped for a gown, heels and a box which I assume had a jewelry inside.
• This is expensive. Even my savings for ten years won't be able to get any of this.
• I quickly brought out the gown. it was a short handless gown. I can't wear this. a dress like this would expose parts of my body that I want to be discreet.
• "I can't wear this" I blurt out
• "well you have to. it's a company party and everyone would be expecting my wife to look great" he tells me. At least he finally told me where we're going.
• "So you expect me to dress up like a whore? in front of people. sorry but I'll pass." I roll my eyes and threw it on the couch
• "pick it up Ciara".
• " I can't wear that. that is not my kind of dress. you know what? maybe you should've told Janelle to go with you. I'm sure she won't mind wearing a lingerie to impress you" I click my tongue
• "You're going with me. don't test me Ciara"
• "you don't even like the fact that we're married and everyone knows that you're a flirt so you don't have to hide anything. it shouldn't bother you that much if you take me and I'm cool with the fact that you should take Janelle." I say and it got him really pissed off. he dipped his hand into his pockets and brought out his cellphone. he dialled a number and placed the device on his ear.
• "Hello. this is Brian, Brian Salter. do you happen to know any Ben Smith working with you?" he asked staring intently at me
• "don't do this Brian" I beg
• he placed the device on loudspeaker
• 'yes sir, he's just a new employee that started working here recently " the voice from the other end of the line said. I felt the fresh tears trickle down my cheeks. I raised my head to look at Brian who was smiling uncontrollably.
• "I'll get back to you Mr Halowel" he said and switched off the phone.
• "so Ciara Salter. would you get dressed or would like me to finish that phone call?" He ask.
• I didn't respond. I just picked up my clothes and proceeded to the bedroom to get dressed.
• I had my shower and applied some lotion.
• I sat down in front of the mirror to apply my makeup.
• then I wore the dress.
• What would people think of me if they saw me in this!?
• Although the dress gave me a new look. it brought out all my curves that was hidden and exposed my cleavage and thighs. I sighed "I'm doing this for you Ben." I said to myself and tied my hair into a messy bun, letting some fall on my face. then I wore the heels and the jewelry.
• I hope I don't fall in these cause I've never worn a heel in my entire life. I was used to wearing slippers.
• i took one glance at the full length mirror before finally stepping out of my room.
• My heels gently tapping the floor as i walked.
• i got into the living room but Brian was busy on his phone to notice me.
• "I'm ready" I say and he turned around almost dropping his cell phone. He was clad in a black suit too. are we going to a Black party?
• I could tell he was surprised. I'm also surprised. I can't believe I'm pulling off the new look.
• "Great let's go" he said walking out the door and I followed him to the garage. he opened the door and I got in then he turned around and took the wheel.
• "Now when we get there, try to blend in with the others, don't act like someone who hasn't been to a party before alright"
• "Geez I haven't been to any party before so you could've saved yourself the trouble by taking Janelle" I scoff
• "The party was thrown by my parents so they'll expect you to be there and not Janelle" he explains
• "so am I some kind of leverage? you use me to get what you want?" I ask with disgust
• "Exactly"
• I hissed.
• He started the engines and pulled out of the building.
• About half and hour, we arrived at the party which I assume was his company.
• He stepped out and opened the door for me.
• "So you can be a gentleman when you want to huh!?" I say and stepped out. I folded my hands across my chest and stood still. The company was massive and the decoration was pretty expensive.
• "Hi Brian" A lady called. I could tell without looking that it was Janelle. penny was right. she works here.
• she kissed his lip and flung her arms around him.
• "I'm so glad you're here" she tells him. I've seen worse than this so I can't be affected. I mean they literally had sex on my matrimonial bed so what's new?
• She pulled away and glanced at my direction. I guess she was surprised to see me dressed like this. so glam like a doll.
• "has mom and dad arrived yet" he asked with excitement.
• "No. I was trying to tell you that they won't be able to make it so they said you should take care of everything" Janelle said and I noticed Brian's face turn sour. I guess he was really trying to impress his parents and that's why he insisted on taking me here. Penny was right, his parents never really had time for him. But that's not my problem.
• "Great. you should've just left me at home." I blurt out and he gave me a deadly stare.
• "let's go inside Brian and have some fun. don't worry I'm here for you" she said taking his hand in hers
• "You can't leave me here?" I half yell
• "yes I can"
• "But you have to at least take me home and come back to finish your party" I suggest but he seemed uninterested
• "You're staying."
• "so what am I supposed to do while you're away?" I ask
• "watch my car till I get back" he winked at me and Janelle ended up laughing
• "Brian this is so not fair"
• "I know" he said before finally walking inside the building.
• I stopped outside for about an hour or two.
• I was already feeling tired. I can't believe he left me out here. he's Brian so I'll believe it.
• As if it wasn't enough, there was a thunderstorm followed by a lightening bolt. it's going to rain anytime soon. I need to take cover.
• Fuck you Brian" I cursed under my breath and ran up the staircase to the front door.
• The rain finally began to pour and I started feeling cold all of a sudden.
• I felt a light tap on my shoulder
• "Hi pretty" a guy who I assumed was from the party said to me
• "Hi" I gave a faint smile. I held my arms together
• "Feeling cold?" he asked but I didn't respond.
• "Let's have a seat over there. the lights would be enough to make you feel warm" he suggested, pointing at a building opposite Brian's company and I nod. he seemed nice and less scary unlike Brian.
• I followed him there and we both sat down. I know I shouldn't be sitting down here but no one gives a fuck about me so I have to take care of myself.
• He took off his jacket placed them on my shoulders.
• I caught a waft of his Cologne. so nice.
• He ordered for two bottles of wine and we were served
• "I can't have any of that." I protest
• "don't worry, it's not alcohol. just a mild drink. trust me" he tells me and pours into my glass.
• i quickly had a, sip. gosh it was so good.
• I quickly gulped all down my throat without tasting.
• "it's good" I compliment and he pours more for me.
• We drank for close to an hour, talking about stuff, work life and personal personal life. I was becoming tipsy by the minute.
• I started laughing and talking things that didn't really matter.
• "Brian" I call out
• "who's Brian" he asks and I look at his face. my vision was already becoming blur.
• "My husband" I blurt out
• "Are you two divorced?"
• "No we just got married recently" I say rolling my hair round my fingers. damn what's wrong with me. "He's a very bad guy. he doesn't love me."
• "are you serious. which guy in his right state of mind won't love a girl like you. you're extremely beautiful and perfect in every way" he says and I giggle
• "can you do me a favor?" I ask
• "Anything" he replies sharply
• "tell that to Brian when next you see him" I say and he chuckles
• "you're wasted pretty"
• "I'm perfectly fine aren't I" I say trying to stand up but I fell back to my chair
• "Alright I get it I'm drunk" I say hitting my face with my palm. what's wrong with me? what's happening?
• "Let's go inside. it's freezing out here" he says taking my arms. he pulled me out of my seat and drew me closer to him.
• "I don't want to go. Brian?" I call again
• "alright I'll take you to Brian OK?" he say and I nod
• "Okay" I say and follows him inside. He quickly bolts the door, once were inside.
• "Where is Brian?" I ask but he doesn't respond. he only moves closer to me
• "You'll see him really soon." he, said in what sounded almost like a whisper.
• He holds my waist and pushes his self on me. Then placed his, hand on my thigh.
• I quickly realise what he was up to and pushed him away forcefully.
• "Get away from me" I yell
• "You can't fight it doll" he says and comes close
• "Don't you dare, touch me" I say and pick up a vase close to me but he quickly caught me and threw it away.
• I made for the door but he held my waist and threw me on the bed.
• "Oh lord!" I say trying to get up but he pushes me down.
• He took off his clothes and reached for my dress.
• I don't want to be raped and I've never dreamt of loosing my innocence in this manner.
• "Please let me go" I beg but it all fell on deaf ears as be tried to pull off my clothes
• "BRIAN!!!" I scream with all my might.
• Just then the door flew open and a figure stepped inside. I couldn't see his face clearly cause I was drunk.
• I forced myself to see and I saw Brian standing there staring at me. his eyes were all red.
• Thank goodness. it was him. He came for me
• "Brian" I call before finally passing out...