What is this? Bunglow?

A part of house was made of glass with quite attractive interior, the walls were finely polished and ceiling was decorated with heavy chandeliers. The clicking sounds of my heel was echoing.

After asking maids to prepare lunch mom directed me to my room well Zayden's room to be specific. Nervousness welled up my stomach when I was taking steps towards his room. I know our wedding isn't like others but at least I expect him to speak with me.

The door opened with a creak sound and I came face to face with Zayden. Clearing my throat I cautiously made my way inside the room. I let my eyes roam at the surrounding of the room; I could feel Zayden sharp gaze on me but I tried my best not to shiver in front of him.

Can you believe this? I'm standing in front of a guy who is dream boy of every other girl of our college. He peered at me without any emotions on his face.

Okay! This is kinda awk-ward...

I bite my inside cheek and avert my gaze away from him.

"Have you seen me before?!" his deep voice pierced my eardrum. A shiver coursed down my spine when I heard his voice.

"Uh? In pictures." I answered looking at him.

He gave me a curt nod and walked towards the couch and plopped down.

That's all! No hello? No congratulations?

For the love of God, I'm his wife now!! I have heard how normal people start conversation on their wedding night but today is the first time I heard a groom asking his bride - have you seen me before?

More importantly that's the only conversation he did.

A part of me was hurt with his behavior, I expected atleast a small smile but anyways I'm used to being ignored so I shrugged it off.

I sat on the edge of bed staring at ceiling, window and carpet. After what felt like eternity I huffed and stood up making my way towards the cupboard cause there was no way Zayden was going to acknowledge my presence so I thought of changing into something comfortable rather than sitting here waiting for Zayden to glance at me because I had worn such heavy and suffocating dress just for him!

Remind me to never dress for this guy again... Every effort Azra did on my dress and makeup was thrown into gutter.

With slight irritation I opened the cupboard and my eyes almost budge out of my sockets. My undergarments were sprawled in the front.

The next second I shut the door close with quite a lot of force which made a loud noise.

I just hope Zayden wasn't disturbed with the sound.

"Did you see something you weren't expecting?" He questioned, I turn around slowly to look at him. His eyes were now on me.

"N-No nothing, yeah nothing!" He stared at me for few seconds trying to understand why I was flushed. Giving me a nod he turned his gaze back to phone.

I hid my undergarments in the drawer and changed into my favorite hello kitty PJs.

I plopped down on bed with phone in my hand. Even though I had nothing on my phone I stared at few of my pictures. My eyes were heavy, I needed sleep. I waited for Zayden to tell something for another hour and at last I couldn't control anymore.

I cleared my throat twice and then finally my so called husband heard my sore throat's pain and looked at me with one of his brow raised.

"Where should I sleep?!" I asked

"Anywhere you want within this room... " He answered with straight face.

Gosh! Can't he atleast smile or speak a bit softly?

Without wasting another second, I got inside the comfy duvet and extra soft bed and instantly feel asleep.

I awoke to soft sheets, morning light trickled in through the window. Shedding myself of the remaining glimpses of a dream, I soaked in the warmth of my covers before letting my eyes see the angelic face sleeping next to me.

Zayden was sleeping on bed next to me leaving a huge gap between us. I peered at his face in awe cause it's rare you see Zayden without his gruff attitude or don't-you-dare-speak-to-me look. His features looked soft and the cute pout made me giggle slightly. God has blessed him with such nice features why does he waste it with his stringent expressions.
Suddenly his brows furrowed when sun rays hit his closed eyes directly.

I got up and pulled the curtains blocking the light. Just then there was a knock on the door. Looking at myself in the mirror I tucked the rogue strands of hair behind my ear and pushed the door open.

"Did you sleep well Harriet?!" Mom asked passing a tray with two coffee mugs to me.

"Yes mom"

"Wake him up, he never sleeps till 9..." Patting my head once she left.

Wake him up? No ways! He is gonna definitely yell at me.

I took measured steps towards the bed and stood there contemplating if I should wake him or just carry on with my work.

Muttering up enough courage I sighed, "Zayden?"

"Zayden?"

No response!

"Uh - Zayden?" This time my voice was louder, his eyes opened a little. He rubbed his palm against his half closed eyes and sat straight looking at me with confusion laced on his face.

After staring at him for few seconds, I cleared my throat.
God! Why was I ogling at him?

I forwarded coffee mug towards him which he took without saying anything.
I decided it's better I leave the room cause no way in hell Zayden will thank or ask me anything; with this thought in my mind I turned around to leave but was stopped by his modulating voice which made me shudder, "Harriet"

Can his voice sound any more sexier?

"You don't need to do all this for me." Zayden voice brought me back from my la-la land.

And here I thought he would atleast thank me for coffee. But who am I kidding? It's Zayden Harley - The Ice King.

"Mom asked me to wake you up and give you coffee." I replied

First thing he told after getting up - 'Harriet you don't need to do all this for me ' while other normal husband's say ' Good morning. '

I guess I was wrong about getting love from my husband.

We stayed at LA for another 6 days, In these days I became very close to mom and dad.
But zayden and I barely spoke, we used to speak hardly three to four sentence in a day.

Once we were back from our little trip, I was asked to shift to Zayden's place. And to make things worse, dad had actually transferred Zayden to my college.

How much I love staying with my in-laws. Mom is super sweet, very caring and that's why I ended up telling her everything about my past, about my tortures and surprisingly I also blurted Zayden and I's rugged relationship.

"Give him time Harriet, I know you can change him." this is what mom replied after listening to me.
But I don't think I can change anyone cause even after 15 years I couldn't make my aunt treat me well.

°°°

Zayden house was not so big but it was luxurious.
As usual I woke up early and prepared breakfast for him. When he came down after taking bath I served him food and rushed towards room to get ready for college. I still don't use makeup but I wear better clothes of my size now.

Just before exiting the room I grabbed his watch and hankie. He always forgets them, I wonder what he did before we got married.

I rushed out to see standing outside the car. I handed him the things for which he only threw a thank you in my direction.

To be honest, I really wonder if he even knows how to smile. I have never seen Zayden smiling. Never!

A small part of me was happy even if he doesn't speak, compliment or smile at me atleast he isn't making me cry. I have a better room, better clothes to wear and very comfy bed to sleep.

"Um, I think it's better if you don't say anyone about our marriage..." His sharp voice pierced my ears. My heart almost dropped in my stomach when I registered his words.

No one wants me! My brother and my husband were ashamed of me. They didn't want anyone to know that they are somehow related to me.

I bite my lip harder with my face facing the window I asked, "Why?"

"Don't you think we got married like really early. We are too young to get married. When the right time comes we can make it public... "

I gave him a curt nod and averted my gaze looking outside. Atleast, he didn't say I'm ugly and that he was ashamed of calling me his wife.

He dropped me at the back gate and took a U turn speeding his car towards front gate.

Like usual, I kept my head low and was lazily walking towards my classroom when girls suddenly started sprinting towards the railing. They were looking at something or rather someone. I slowly made my way towards the edge and peered down.

The jet black car halted with its tyres screeching drawing almost everyone's attention. Zayden and Alex got down from the car.

Zayden raked finger through his hair and pulled his hoodie over his head whilst swinging his bag on his shoulder. Alex was speaking something and Zayden was nodding while his gaze remained glued in front. Just to make it more A-d'aww-able a gust of wind blew past them fluttering his jacket and making his baby hair fall on his forehead...

It was droll worthy sight! Almost all the girls awwed. Little did they know he is already married.!

Apart from Zayden and Alex, there were three more new students who joined our college. One of them was girl; who was already popular before she could step inside the classroom - Jannet Barlow.

Within no time people paired her with the hottest guy of our college - Zayden obviously! They would make sizzling pair and I don't deny this fact.

As usual I plopped on first bench when Zayden and Alex walked into the class.

Holy hell! Why are they in my class?

I stared at them just like all the other students of our class. Zayden had a straight look on his face. Without glancing at anyone he walked towards the second last row and took his seat.
Alex like always smiled at everyone and slightly bowed his head when his eyes met mine.

My heart - fluttered. I look down hiding my flushed cheeks.

After half an hour, Jannet Barlow walked along with her two cousins - Finn and Jack.

Woah! Even she is in my class.

Finn and Jack strolled towards the last row and took their seat while Jannet stood in the front looking at everyone. She glanced at the entire class and finally her eyes feel on me.

She is really beautiful.

She slowly strolled towards the first row, "Is the seat reserved?" She asked.

"Uh? Seat... No, no." I blabbered grabbing my bag from the chair next to mine.

She gave me a smile and sat next to me. She had no idea that no one dares to sit next to me cause if they do - they will have to face the wrath of William.

Later we were asked to assemble at auditorium. I was sitting in the corner all by myself like always. The speaker announced that everyone should participate in some department to help make the college fest a success.

Sighing I got out of auditorium. I'm very bad at every cultural event, I'm not sure what I should choose. When I was making my way through the cafeteria someone called my name making my eyes go wide.

Another torture is on the way!

I nonchalantly turned around, my eyes caught a sight of entire basketball team sitting at the corner. Zayden and Alex were also present in that crowd.

Gulping the huge lump formed in my throat, I lowered my head and walked towards their table. I was muttering a silent prayer - I didn't want William to make me do something stupid in front of my husband.

"Harriet can you walk a bit faster already?!" William friend voice held a sense of annoyance.

"Why?!" Two voices spoke at the same time. It was William and Alex.

"What do you mean by why?" William friend asked them.

"Why did you call her here?" William questioned.

He gave them a wierd look which scared me to core.

"I want her to do my assignment." He stated forwarding his yellow book towards me.

I took in deep breath and moved my hand forward but before I could hold the book he dropped it down.

Blinking my eyes I bent down to pick up the book but the entire crowd in the cafeteria screamed making my heart race and next instant chilled water hit my head and my face making me gasp. I clench my teeth tightly while hot tears streamed down my eyes along with streams of chilled water.

The entire cafeteria went silent, there was eerie silence which sweeped the surrounding. This is what happens everytime. People love watching me in pain.

Clutching the book firmly in my hand I stood up. My shirt was damp and it was sticking to my body and to make it more worse I had decided to wear a white shirt today.

The guy who poured water on me was now standing right in front of me with his eyes scanning my damn shirt. I gulp bringing the book in front of my chest.

"I never knew you had such sexy -" Before he could complete there was a enormous sound of hand slapping against the table.

"Enough! Who gave you the right to do that to her?! It's only me who can torture her... Don't ever try any such things here after if you want to stay alive." William's voice blared, he was giving the guy a murderous glare.

No matter how much William hated me. He never allowed his friends to touch me or comment on my physical appearance. He usually asks me to drink something or makes me do all their assignments.

Giving the guy one final glare he stormed out of cafeteria with his friends following his lead.

I hiccuped while my eyes roamed the surrounding finally stopping at my husband. He was sitting in his place with a straight face. It looked as if whatever happened just now didn't bother him at all.

I'm his wife. Atleast he could have uttered a word? Or atleast showed some emotions on his face but he looked unaffected.

I ran outside with tears rolling down my cheek. The agony had increased ten folds just thinking about Zayden reaction. When the guy spoke about my body Zayden didn't tell him anything. Is that how much I mean in his life - a nothing!

I shut my eyes tightly trying to guzzle down the pain but Zayden unaffected face kept repeating in my mind making me cry out loud.

"Harriet wait!" Alex came running towards me.

How I wish it was Zayden and not Alex who came after me.

"You shouldn't be around me..." I mutter wiping my tears.

"Nonsense, " He paused wrapping his jacket around my shoulder, he sighed, "Why? Why didn't you tell that guy anything?!"

"I can't..." My voice dropped an octave as people around us were staring at us. I turned around to leave but Alex grasped my wrist.

"I will drop you home." He stated pulling me along with him.

My aunt tortures were better compare to this emotional discomfort.

❤...

Who hurts you...? your own expectations..!