Chapter 11 Don't Accept This Marriage

Nina, however, fixated a furious gaze on Mason and, unwilling to let him off easily, called out to him. Mason, nervously turning to face his mother, braced himself for what was to come. Nina's cold remark about his early return, hinting at a missed opportunity for a morning walk, stung Mason. Although he remained silent, internal rage festered, blaming Isabel for his mother's frosty reception.

Attempting to voice his thoughts, Mason was swiftly interrupted by Nina, who deferred the discussion for later and instructed him to go to his room where Isabel had been waiting for hours. Nodding in compliance, Mason retreated to his room, each step fueling his growing fury toward Isabel.

As he approached his room, Mason swung the door open with a resounding thud, fully prepared to unleash his pent-up frustration on Isabel. However, the sight that greeted him—a peacefully slumbering Isabel on his bed—added a volatile mix of anger and resentment to his already simmering emotions. The resolve to exact revenge from Isabel solidified in Mason's mind, determined not to let her claim dominion over his space and belongings.

The floral embellishments in Mason's room were a sight that sent him spiraling into madness. Blaming Isabel for everything, a surge of anger coursed through him, and an impulsive desire to harm her flickered in his eyes. The notion of Isabel peacefully sleeping while his life transformed into a chaotic nightmare proved unbearable.

His initial instinct was to rouse Isabel from her slumber forcefully, but a sudden realization halted his impulsive actions. Mason, calculating the potential consequences, feared that if he caused Isabel to cry, his parents would not be lenient. In his distorted perception, he believed Isabel had manipulated his parents into siding with her.

Opting to postpone any confrontation, Mason refrained from disturbing Isabel's sleep. However, the prospect of sharing a bed with her was out of the question. Grasping a pillow, he sought refuge on the couch, an uncomfortable departure from his accustomed sleeping quarters.

The couch, an unfamiliar surface, proved to be a source of torment as Mason struggled to find rest. His eyes, fixed on Isabel peacefully occupying his bed, radiated an intense glare fueled by the resentment of losing his sanctuary.

In a fit of frustration, Mason muttered, "Only God knows when this ugly creature will exit my life. My existence has transformed into an emotional hell. Damn it!"

The urge to eject Isabel from his room surged within him, yet he managed to restrain himself, if only for that night. The internal battle between his disdain for Isabel and the restraint he exercised painted a tumultuous picture of Mason's inner turmoil.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the soft light of the morning, Isabel stirred awake, her eyes adjusting to the unfamiliar surroundings. A momentary confusion clouded her mind before she remembered the events leading to this new chapter in her life. Hastily rising from the bed, a realization struck her—she wasn't supposed to sleep; she was waiting for Mason's return.

To her surprise, Mason was already there, seated in front of her. A sudden wave of fear engulfed Isabel as she beheld the unexpected intensity in Mason's expression. His captivating eyes radiated a fiery intensity, and an aura of cruelty seemed to emanate from him, as if he could dismantle her with a mere glance.

Stammering a hesitant "Good Morning," Isabel attempted to maintain a small, brave smile. In response, a mocking, cruel smirk played on Mason's lips, leaving her uncertain about the cause behind his ominous demeanor.

Unable to decipher Mason's emotions, Isabel briefly entertained the thought that she might have overslept. However, glancing at the clock revealed it was just 7 o'clock in the morning.

As Mason continued to gaze at her in silence, Isabel mustered the courage to inquire about the source of his distress. Yet, before she could utter a word, Mason abruptly brought his face dangerously close to hers, rendering her speechless. Mesmerized by the proximity, Isabel's heart raced uncontrollably.

"I want you to hear me very carefully, Isabel. Can you?" Mason's emotionless voice resonated, his breath sending shivers down Isabel's spine. Overwhelmed, she could only nod, uncertain of what would unfold next.

"I don't accept this marriage, nor do I accept you as my wife," Mason declared unequivocally. Isabel felt a fleeting moment of disbelief, hoping she had misunderstood. However, Mason clarified, crushing any lingering hope.

"I only married you because of my parents. I swear I had no desire to marry someone like you. Accepting you as my wife is impossible, and I doubt it will ever change. You will never have any rights on me as my wife. The wedding was a mere façade. Now, I want you to leave my life."

Frozen in place, Isabel struggled to process the reality unfolding before her. Mason's words echoed, shattering the illusion she had clung to. Despite her sinking realization, she gathered the strength to pose a question, "Is there any fault of mine for you to say so?"