Chapter Twenty three

Damien's POV;

I stared at her from the corner of my eye. She was resting her head, while looking out the window. I knew she was avoiding my gaze, I was also well aware of the fact that I had really grated on her nerves with my statement at the wedding reception. It was what I thought and I said it without thinking about it thoroughly. I mean, every girl I met was like that, always wanting to show off to the world especially with wealth like mine. What made her so different?

The wedding had finally come and gone, I was glad. Now that I was a married man, my name would be cleared and I would eventually be deemed as a responsible man, no longer a playboy, that was the plan. I could easily have gotten married to one of the models I had on my arm at every other event back in the past, but those people were not fit for married life. No offense. Ariana seemed somewhat traditional and I could easily control her especially because she was so vulnerable.

I have to admit, she looked almost ethereal when I saw her walk up the aisle towards me in her wedding dress. I had not seen the dress before hand but I knew in my heart of heart that her beauty was way beyond the dress, makeup and accessories she had on.

When we said our vows and had to seal it with a kiss, I was elated that I would finally taste her luscious plump heart shaped lips. They tasted like honey and elicited a desire in me, thank goodness we were in public, I might have taken things further. It sounded so good when I called her my wife, the novelty of the title to my person was thrilling.

I thought back to how the month had been. From meeting her in my office, to signing the contract, down to the proposal. I might have planned all of that but there were some really spontaneous moment that took me by surprise.

For instance, I did not plan on taking her back to New York with my private jet that day, in fact I had to make a trip but I cancelled it, for her sake. Then again, I did not plan on staying in New York after dropping her off but I somehow found myself following her to her apartment and even after we argued, I still did not want to leave.

I went over to her father's place and made sure she saw me there, just so I could be in her good books. I did not even understand why I was seeking her validation and trying to keep her somewhat happy and comfortable.

I left New York angrily that day because it hurt my cold heart a little bit that she thought marrying me was no good for her. It was the truth though, a girl like Ariana belonged with a man like Nolan but unfortunately that fairytale was not going to happen, not while she remained married to me, that is.

Her words that day, brought me back to my senses, we could never be a true couple. I was no good for her, she was too good for me. I saw that she wanted nothing to do with me and probably hated me for ruining her quiet and peaceful life with my tumultuous one.

I gave her all the space she needed before the wedding. I was positive that she was elated that she did not have to see me all the time and was glad to not have to speak to me. It was so obvious that her being in the same space as me made her uncomfortable.

I had to give it to her, she did a great job keeping up the act. That was one of the reasons why I thought her simplicity was also a facade and a plot to win me over. It was pointless because I had shut everyone out, including her so there was point in trying to get in my good books.

I noticed how she wanted to sink into the ground when she saw the crowd and the cameras that came with it. She hated being in the spotlight, I assumed.

My eyes glazed over to her and I noticed that she had fallen asleep during the ride. She must have been so tired.

We soon arrived at my mansion, her new home. She was sleeping in an uncomfortable position, one that would have her neck hurting when she woke up, I had to do something.

I pulled her sleepy self close to me, she snuggled into me, moaning sleepily. I pulled her shoes off and held them in my hands before getting out. I carried her in bridal style, she did not even stir.

"Congratulations sir." I heard my Chief butler say in a whisper, he was waiting at the front door.

"Thank you, Walter." I said.

He peered at the sleeping beauty in my arms.

"Seems like the new Mrs is already exhausted. Sad." He chuckled.

I breathed an amused sigh. I knew what he was implying. He did not know there was not going to be any wedding night action, even if she was awake. Sad indeed.

Walter was a man in his sixties and I had known him all my life. He was one of the few staffs, I could joke around with. We had lots of inside jokes. The only other person I related with in the same manner was his wife, Rosa.

I shook my head and walked past him, I headed towards the staircase and climbed straight up to my bedroom.

I put her down on the bed carefully, as, expected, she snuggled into the sheets. I decided it was best for me to take a quick shower before waking her up to do same.

I took off my clothes in the walk in closet and dropped them in the empty laundry basket. I walked into the bathroom in my shorts, took a pretty long shower before walking back into the closet to get something to wear for the night.

I picked up a pair of grey pajamas from my pajama section of the closet and pulled it on. I glanced briefly at the section reserved for Ariana's outfits. I had someone clear out the closet in my penthouse suite and arrange her stuff here so she could have something to change into when we arrived. I hoped she would be able to locate it when she needed something to wear.

I walked back into the bedroom, my eyes involuntarily trailed to Ariana on the bed, I figured that the dress she was in, would make her sleep uncomfortable. Rosa wasn't in, neither was my mother, nor my sisters to take her out of her dress and I could not take it off myself, not that I couldn't but knowing Ariana, she would be mortified if I did that. She blushed at the slightest things.

I tapped on her twice, but she snuggled deeper into the bed like she wanted to sink into it.

"Nolan? Let me be." She said, still sleepy.

I instantly got infuriated.

Of all names to call, she picked Nolan. I had every reason to believe that there was something between them. Maybe they were lovers plotting to elope but they needed funds and that's where I came in. It got me paranoid which was so unusual. Just what was this woman up to?

I pulled her up aggressively. She gasped in shock and came awake immediately.

"Damien? What the heck?!" She said, rubbing on her neck.

"Get up." I said coldly. She gave me a perplexed glance.

"I said, get up!" I thundered. She got on her feet abruptly.

"Go freshen up before you call it a night." I said icily and marched out of the room, leaving her standing in one spot. I banged the door behind me as I headed for my study. I would only return when I was sure she was done with her business.

Nolan was not even around but he was already ruining my night. I shook off the thought immediately. He was a mere employee of mine and whatever hold he had on my wife, I was going to break it. I was really irritated by what happened earlier. I'm a possessive man and I do not want anything or anyone coming between myself and what was mine.

I ordered for dinner with some black coffee, to be brought to my study, I had not eaten all day, I doubted if Ariana had anything to eat either. I made sure some food was sent to her as well.

I got working on my laptop before my dinner was brought up to my study, I was informed that my family had arrived and retired to their own wing but not without bidding Ariana and I, a good night. I ate in silence and sipped on my coffee when I was done.

I had just a few things to round up before going to bed. Truthfully, I wanted Ariana to be asleep by the time I got back in.