Beatris looked from Norman to the road and back to Norman again.

She'd never seen him this pissed before. He hadn't even said a word to her since they left the house and all her questions fell on deaf ears.

If he was angry about something she did which wasn't possible considering he hadn't even been home all day, he could as well tell her. After all, by some measures, she was his wife.

Norman finally brought the car to a halt. She looked around at the fancy hotel they'd driven into. Other guests were arriving and couples walked out hand in hand.

Beatris summoned enough courage. "Thanks a lot for the dress, once again," she said admiring her long, sleeveless, shimmering red gown. It was like Norman knew red was her favourite colour. How wouldn't he? Apparently, he'd pointed out the fact that he was some sort of stalker and knew everything about her.

Norman turned to face her. His expression was cold. "Tris, do you love me?"

Her eyes widened in surprised as she gulped. Why exactly was he asking her this now?

'I don't know you'. would have been the perfect reply but she didn't want to hurt his feelings just as much as she didn't want to lie to him.

"Did you get married to me because I'm Norman Patterson, the richest dude you could find?" He asked maintaining his cold demeanor.

Beatris felt like in the next few minutes, she'd be gasping for breath. "Don't you dare insult me. You know very well that I didn't find you. I wasn't even looking," she said defensively.

"But I asked you to love me! I'm keeping my side of the deal. I've done everything you asked me for! I've given you everything!" He banged on the steering wheel and she visibly shivered. This was the first time she was meeting angry Norman and it wasn't a pleasant sight.

"Love does not work that way. You can't just leave me for a whole month and expect some kind of magic to happen. I don't know you. I don't even know what I'm supposed to love." *Beatris, don't cry. You'd ruin your make-up* She sighed deeply in a helpless attempt to soothe herself.

"I'm not going to be an easy opponent, Tris. Have that in mind." He opened the door and got out, placing the key in the hand of the valet, standing beside his car.

Beatris got out angrily as she walked closely behind him. But right now, more than angry, she was confused. How could Norman act like this all of a sudden? Thankfully, she could walk fast because Norman didn't seem to care and she couldn't afford to get lost.

"Norman. Shit. Mr Patterson," she mentally cursed as she tried to catch up with him. He finally turned and faced her, just as they were about to enter the hall.

He still had a frown on his face and she just couldn't understand why he was like this. He seemed very happy this morning. They had a fairly decent conversation. She'd thought they were getting somewhere. Unfortunately not.

"I'm sorry. I know we're in this together and I'm trying my best. Norman, I..." She placed her hand on his warm cheek and the cold stares were beginning to melt.

Desperate to appease him for a crime she'd committed obliviously, she leaned in to peck him on the cheek so he'd somehow see that even though she couldn't get herself to fall in love with him yet, she wanted them to have a decent relationship.

In response, Norman held her hands and put it down and then moved back to avoid her advances. Although, he never broke the eye contact.

"Let's not start like this, please," she said earnestness in her voice.

Norman stared at her, speechless. He looked around first before taking her hand in his and walking into the big and luxuriously designed hall.

She glanced around, quite nervous to see so many people. Some drinking, some laughing and all were richly dressed. She knew she'd definitely not fit into this crowd so clinging to Norman was the only option left.

"Hey, Norman." Leonard approached them all of a sudden holding a beautiful woman whom one could already tell from her protruding belly that she was pregnant.

Beatris tried to hide her disgust. It'd been one month already but she still didn't like him and it was evident he requited her feelings because he'd acted as though she was completely non existent.

"Hi, Leo. Sara." She felt scared as Norman pulled his hands out of hers to shake Leonard and then embrace, Sara who smiled broadly and looked like such a happy woman. Beatris felt somewhat envious.

"Norman, who's the lucky woman?" Sara asked nicely seeing that Beatris had retreated into the background of was seemed like a happy family reunion.

"Meet Beatris, my wife. Beatris, this is Sara she's expecting a baby." He announced.

"Hi, Beatris," Sara smiled warmly before embracing Beatris. She was a hugger and apparently very nice.

"It's so nice to meet you," Beatris replied trying her best to fit in.

Leonard walked closer to Norman and whispered something to him. Norman looked worried afterwards.

"Uhm... Tris," he called her and she turned to face him. "I'd be right back." He moved closer to her and whispered in her ears, "Don't talk to anyone. I mean it."

Beatris was confused. She wasn't allowed to talk to anyone? Before she was composed enough to argue, he pecked her cheek lightly and walked away with Leonard leaving her all alone with the pregnant woman beside her.

Sara smiled. "You'd eventually get used to being left alone at parties." She chuckled like it was supposed to be something fun. "Wanna come hang out with some friends?"

"I'd just wait for Norman. Thanks," Beatris replied. It wasn't that she was trying to follow his orders and not talk to others, it was just that she knew she'd definitely not fit in with other trophy wives.

They probably had perfect lives and perfect husbands. Most of them were from rich, well deserving and well respected families. Right now, she felt like a cheap social climber.

"Okay." Sara embraced her again before walking away.

She seemed to be a very nice woman. Made Beatris wonder why she was married to that man.

She walked away slowly and stood at a corner where she wouldn't have to mingle with or talk to anyone. Nobody noticed her here and she was just fine.

"It's sad for a woman to be left all alone in a party." A voice distracted her after fifteen minutes of her solitude.

Beatris wondered why she suddenly wanted to run away, looking at his tall figure and nicely cut black hair. Maybe she was actually following Norman's orders.

"Have you had anything to drink?" He asked.

She looked at him persistently for at least one minute before deeming it right to reply, "No. I didn't feel like it."

He took off his sunglasses, revealing his blue eyes. They were really attractive and she couldn't help staring at them admiringly. Something about them was familiar.

"Are you bored? I mean, this definitely is the most boring party I've ever been to. I can't believe Mr Patterson could set up something this..." He said staring at the place with disgust.

Beatris chuckled lightly. *If only you knew you were talking to his wife.*

"You don't seem like such a fan," She said still smiling.

The young man frowned. "I've heard some pretty interesting stories suggesting he's grumpy and mean. Who could be a fan?" He asked, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Me, I guess."

"You're his wife. It's not like you have a choice," The man said causing her to stare at him confused.

A butler carrying a tray containing glasses of fine champagne had passed and the man stopped him, taking two glasses. He held one and passed one to her.

"You know I'm his wife?" She asked collecting the glass from him. She had no intention of drinking and wondered why she'd even collected it in the first place.

"Who doesn't?" He replied. "I'm Mac by the way," he said extending his free hand for a shake.

Beatris reached her hand out and shook his. It was a bit prolonged and he held her hand afterwards, staring at the diamond ring wrapped around her wedding finger.

"This is beautiful," he said.

Beatris struggled hard not to blush. "Thanks," she said slipping her hands out of his gently enough for him to not think his presence had any effect on her.

He took out his glasses and wore it."You didn't tell me your name," he said.

Beatris smiled. "You seem like a know it all. I'm not sure you don't know that already." She let out with a light chuckle.

"I'm only trying to be polite, Mrs Patterson," he said.

"It's Bea... Beatris," she said.

He took all the contents of his cup in one gulp and placed the empty glass on the stand.

"I'll see you around Beatris," he said before his cold palm came in contact with her unclothed shoulder which almost caused her to shiver.

Beatris avoided speaking because she was still struggling with her composure but she didn't have to as Mac walked away.

What do you think about Beatris meeting Mac? He didn't seem like such a douche that he always is with his brother. Do you think he has an ulterior motive?

Don't forget to comment your thoughts and vote.
Thanks a lot❤❤