“And good his type of girls gave him, huh?” I shrugged, standing beside Tyler.
“In the end, ‘I’ will become his wife.” I smiled, wrapping my arms around his shoulder.
“I was just saying.” She laughed off nervously.
“Candice Moretti. I hope this type of girl will remember it.” I mocked with my smile still plastered over my lips.
“Of course.” She said with anger burning in her eyes. She then excused herself and left.
After she left I sighed and began to mutter.
“Tyler, don’t you think I was rude? She was your business partner, I shouldn’t have talked to her like this. I can apologize to her if you say so. Maybe I should. I-”
Tyler chuckled and pulled me close, “What? I am serious.” I said angrily.
“Candice.. You are cute.” He chuckled again and pinched my cheeks.
“Candice… you are my wife. There’s no need for you to apologize to anyone. Here, if you don't speak for yourself, they will trample over you.” He tried to make me understand.
I looked at him innocently and gave him a slow nod. “Good.” he cupped my cheeks.
“Besides, I don’t think I have to worry about anything. I have you.” I giggled.
“Is that so?” He asked teasingly, leaning in and brushing his nose against mine.
“By the way, are Sophie and Mr Elvis here?” I asked, looking for her.
Tyler and Mr Elvis are great friends so I thought he would be here but he is not. I wonder why?
Tyler’s smile faded and he pulled away.
“Christian don’t attend parties anymore, no matter how important they are.” He said nonchalantly.
“Why?” I asked, being curious.
“Sophie didn’t like them.” He quickly said.
I blinked, not understanding his demeanor so I decided not to ask anymore and mumbled, “I don’t like them either.”
“Then we can go home.” He said, looking in the other direction.
“NO.. I was just kidding.” I said. He hummed and somehow I managed to survive that boring night.
Finally we went home and I was resting my head on Tyler’s chest while he was stroking me fondly.
I grinned and relaxed in his arms which never fails me and made me feel secure.
I closed my eyes and we remained like that, receiving a great lull giving solace to our soul.
“Candice…” Tyler called me after a brief silence.
I hummed and he continued, “It’s been a month of our marriage and you never said you wanted to meet your father.. don’t you miss him?” He asked.
I don’t.
Who would want to remember the person who is trying to back stab you very proficiently and ruthlessly.
“I miss Rufus too..” I replied, playing with his shirt.
“We can go to meet him this weekend.” He said.
“Really!?” I said excitedly, happy to meet Rufus.
“Yes.” He smiled.
I pecked his lips and whispered, “Thank you.” He didn’t say anything and we both fell asleep.
***
”Rufus!” I said enthusiastically and hugged him tightly. “How are you?” I said joyfully.
”I am good and you?” He asked, hugged me back tightly.
“I am so happy.” I said as a tear pricked in the corner in my eyes along with a dread built inside of me.
Rufus then greeted Tyler, “Hello, Sir.”
”No need to call me sir. You call me just by my name.” Tyler said.
“I will try.” Rufus said. I then slowly turned to Father.
“Hello, Father, how are you?” I asked feebly.
“Happy…” He said grumpily. Tyler looked at him with a questioning look and he continued with a fake smile.
“To see my daughter happy.” I laughed a little and hugged him to show how much love is present between us and he whispered to me.
“Don’t forget what we talked about.”
“Don’t ruin my marriage.” That was my only reply as I pulled away and then we sat down to have dinner.
After dinner I went to my room. Me and Rufus are in my room while Tyler is out with Father.
“I am scared, Rufus. I don’t know what Father will tell Tyler. Can you go and check on them?” I asked anxiously.
“Calm down Candice. He will not tell him anything… for now.. not unless you do what he told you.” He said.
My heart drop it beats in terror. I swallowed hard, trying to control my urge to cry.
“I cannot do this, Rufus. I don’t want to become an obstacle in my happy life. Tyler is an ideal husband and I don’t want to break his trust.” I whispered as a few tears rolled down.
“I cannot take it anymore.” I let out a soft sob. Rufus engulfed me in a hug and kissed my head.
“Don’t worry, I am with you. I will do something about this.” He said, trying to assure me but it was so hard because I know he cannot do anything and Father will get what he wants.
I cried a little to ease the pain in my heart. After shredding a few tears, I put them to a halt and wiped them off.
“Don’t let my marriage fall apart.” I whispered, pulling away from him.
“Don’t worry. Nothing like this will happen.”
“Of course. I will never let that happen.” Another voice of Tyler came from behind which stiffed both of us.
My strength drained from me as my heartbeat lost its pace. A shallow breath escaped my lips.
I hesitantly turned to Tyler and looked at him, fearing he might not have listened to our talk. I gulped and Tyler came close.
He put his hand around my shoulder and kissed the side of my head.
“Don’t worry. I am with her. Nothing like this will happen. Your sister has a habit of saying things like this, don’t mind her.” He said laughing a bit.
I forced a smile and put my hand over his, “It’s just an insecurity.” I said in a barely audible tone.
“I think we should eradicate it,”Tyler said sweetly.
I nodded and then Rufus said, “Please take care of her.”
“I will.” He said sincerely.
“Anyways… shall we go?” Tyler asked.
I looked at him and smiled, “Yes.” And we left.