What should I wear today? It was the first time John had taken me out to dinner together after a few crazy weeks of marriage. I didn't dare imagine how this dinner would go because the first thing I had to do was prepare myself.
I found a box on my doorstep that must have come from John. He was a man full of surprises, and it was a loss for a woman not to love a man like him. I also wondered why Hell would prefer a stiff man like Doctor Karl to keep him around.
It was surprising, but it had nothing to do with me anyway. Even though I was John's wife, as he said, being his wife didn't mean I had the right to know and interfere in his affairs against his will. So, I would obey because that was also stated in the contract.
I reached over and opened the white box. Inside, I found a small but beautifully detailed black evening gown embellished with Swarovski crystals. Why would John buy such a fancy dress just for dinner at home?
I'd already made up my mind—home was a private area that no one else would ever visit unless he deliberately brought Hell here to thwart everything. However, I wasn't sure John was that kind of man. He would always keep his word and keep his promise.
When I finally arrived home, it was already five o'clock, and I was confused about what to wear. There were a few dresses, but they were old ones I had worn too many times. It should have been time to buy a new one, but with John's gift, I could put the savings aside for something else.
I caught myself in front of the mirror once I was ready with everything. John would definitely knock on the door right at seven o'clock, and sure enough, three knocks and an immediate door opening signaled his arrival.
Don't get me wrong, John always did that, and I never minded it. Even if he saw me completely naked, I would never protest. Even though this marriage was a sham, we had made our vows before God, which meant that God had indirectly witnessed my submission to John, and I was, inevitably, his property.
This was only in theory, but in practice, you knew it.
"Are you ready?" I nodded, and then John extended a hand that I didn't immediately reach because next, he said a line that made me look forward to heading to the dining table: "I've prepared something special for our dinner. Shall we?"
I reached out and took his arm, then walked to the back of the house, where a round table with two chairs, candles lined up neatly, and, not to forget, flower petals scattered around added to the romantic impression.
With a view of the lake twinkling in the moonlight, we sat facing each other and enjoyed the meal that John had also prepared.
"You know what? I cooked all this food myself," John said, almost choking me. What else don't you have, John?
You'd got a handsome face and perfectly sculpted body, a piercing gaze that was mesmerizing, an authoritative if sometimes crazy demeanor, and a well-established life that must made you a woman's dream. It could be me—if only there was no Hell in your heart, I'd be willing to wrap my legs around your hips every night, especially after becoming your wife.
He laughed lightly as he wiped his lips with a napkin. "Are you surprised?" I nodded. "There will be many things you'll discover in the future, so be prepared."
Well, I'm ready. It was just—could we change things so there would be no plans to destroy other people's love stories but to build our own married life filled with love? Could we, John?
"Hey... what are you thinking?"
"Uhm, no. I'm just thinking about Jenna and our plans. And one more thing."
"What's that, if I may know?"
"Hell—uh, I mean, Hellen. I just can't get over how a woman like her rejects a man like you."
"What kind of woman is she? And what kind of man am I?" That question seemed like a gun to my head. I couldn't tell the truth about how I viewed Hell and him. "Just tell me."
"Well, you're a man full of surprises all women would wish to have. Why are you spending your time chasing after a woman who already belongs to another man?"
John's face instantly changed, and I didn't know what to do. The sentence had already slipped smoothly out of my mouth, and now I regretted it.
"Sorry, I-I mean–"
"It doesn't matter what you think. No one can change my stance on getting Hellen. That's why I asked you to dinner," he said, which made me frown. Was this dinner, for Hell's sake? How? "Look, I want us to get closer and get to know each other. Not for either of us but to make Hellen more jealous and leave Ryan to choose me."
"You—you mean?"
"The first time she found out I was marrying you, she looked angry."
"It wasn't just `look`, John. She slapped me hard. Did you forget?"
"Yes, she slapped you and took out her anger on me. But our sex got hotter. I like that. The hotter and bolder she is, the more anger and jealousy she has. And you know what that means?"
No, I didn't. I never wanted to know!
"It means she loves me. She's even planning a vacation for the two of us next week."
Damn it! I fell silent for an instant. My chest felt like it was being squeezed tightly, and I didn't know how to finish chewing this damn meat inside my mouth without choking. I was happy that John might be planning this dinner, even if it wasn't out of fondness, at least as a form of gratitude for my hard work in cooperating with him. But it wasn't.
He was a heartless man who used me as a tool in his favor.
"Why aren't you answering? Are you jealous that my relationship is getting more intense while yours isn't? Come on, Clara... you can be like me if you try harder."
BRAKK!
I gripped the cutlery tightly in my hand, and if I could have, I would have stuck it on his handsome face. You can use me however you want, John, but don't ever use me to get another woman. This applies to anyone.
"Hey, what's wrong with you!?"
"So this is all for your benefit again, John?" I asked with a tightness in my chest, and luckily, I finally could swallow this piece of fucking meat, despite choking for a while. "At least say thank you because, as a result of this agreement, I'm the one who became the victim of your bitch's madness. Fuck Blake, Jenna, Ryan Karl, or even that crazy Hell. Fuck you all! I never want to go through this. Thanks for dinner, Doc. At least for the food, you put in the effort. Even if you did it all again to take advantage of me."
I got up and turned to leave. However, John stopped me with a manipulative magic phrase I was sure he would always use to make me finally stop and give in.
"You remember the articles of the contract. And don't forget, I have your ace in the hole. You have much to lose if you dare to quit without my permission, Clara! Did you hear that?"
Of course, I stupidly always hear you, Jackass!
I turned around, grabbed my wine glass and poured it right on his face. "Do whatever you like, morrone! FUCK YOU AND FUCK ALL THAT!"