Irene sat in the limousine, surrounded by guests who had come to celebrate her wedding. Yet, now she found herself stuck at the moment when Neil was supposed to carry her out of the car, a tradition for newlyweds.
Suddenly, Neil bent down, half his body entering the car.
Irene thought he was about to lift her out, so she quickly adjusted her mood, her face breaking into a smile as bright as the morning sun.
But the next second, Neil's voice, cold as ice, shattered the moment. "Either get out and walk by yourself, or stay here till nightfall."
These simple words sent a chill through Irene's heart. She knew this was Neil's ultimatum. Even in front of all these people, he wouldn't spare her feelings.
Not just to save herself from further embarrassment but also to not keep the guests waiting, Irene forced a smile and got out of the car on her own. Facing the astonished looks from the others, she explained, "I'm afraid he might drop me, better I walk on my own!"
Seeing Irene comply, a barely noticeable sneer curled Neil's lips.
What followed was a series of challenging days for Irene.
Throughout the wedding, Neil didn't show Irene the slightest bit of respect or cooperation. Everyone saw it but remained silent, knowing well that Neil didn't value this marriage. Otherwise, with the Whitmore family's reputation and status, they would have announced the wedding far and wide, making it the event of the season.
Irene understood this as well.
Her close friends and family knew it too, especially her bridesmaids Stella, Alicia, and Barbara. Right after the wedding, they found her and began to vent about Neil.
"Who does he think he is, looking all sulky on his wedding day? God, he's impossible!"
"Seriously, Rena, why would you marry him? There are plenty of fish in the sea."
"What if he continues to treat you like this after the marriage?"
As they babbled on, worried about Irene's future, they didn't realize that Irene, ever the romantic, wasn't too heartbroken. Over the past five years, she had grown accustomed to Neil's indifference and challenges. Her greatest dream was to marry Neil, and now that it had come true, she was still basking in the joy of the moment. Those little hiccups didn't bother her anymore.
But she knew her friends were worried for her. If she told them she didn't mind, it might just break their hearts.
So, she held her peace.
Since it was Irene and Neil's wedding night, Stella and the others, annoyed as they were, didn't want to intrude on their private moments. After a short rant, they left.
Irene sat on the bridal bed, her emotions a mix of nervousness and excitement.
From the moment she fell for Neil, she hadn't been with another man, her heart solely belonged to Neil. Tonight was the night she would give herself to him completely, a moment any woman would anticipate eagerly.
Tears welled up in Irene's eyes, but she fought them back, merely nodding before lying down on the bed alone.
Their marital suite was still under renovation, so they were staying at the Whitmore family home for the time being. Neil's parents, Ryan and Faith, were also there, probably not yet asleep. After a shower, Neil joined Irene in bed, keeping a distance between them.
Unable to sleep, Irene lay there, staring into the night, her heart filled with bitterness.
Soon, Neil's steady breathing indicated he had fallen asleep, clearly unbothered by their earlier conversation.
Lost in a whirlwind of thoughts, Irene eventually drifted off to sleep, only to be awakened by Neil's phone ringing. Barely awake, she heard him answer, "Where are you?"
"Neil, who is it?" Irene mumbled.
"I'll be right there!" Neil ignored her question, quickly changed, and dashed out of the bedroom, leaving Irene alone, once again.
Irene snapped to attention too late. She dashed out the door in pursuit, but it was a futile effort; she couldn't catch up. Besides, Ryan and Faith were sound asleep, and waking them would mean she'd have to concoct some explanation for Neil's midnight escapade.
Defeated, she trudged back to her room, the night passing in restless solitude. Neil didn't return, nor did he call or text, leaving Irene feeling like a bride forgotten before the honeymoon had even begun.
It wasn't until the following morning, as Irene descended the staircase, that she spotted Neil. He looked terrible, his face pallid and drawn.
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