Two weeks ago, she had returned to the country to attend her twin sister's –Elle – wedding. They were conceived on the same day, born on the same day, only that she was a few minutes younger than Elle. To her, Elle was more than a soul mate because they shared a more incredible bond.
Although Elle was slightly different from her, personality-wise, she still loved her, and despite hating home, there was no way she'd miss her sister's wedding. They wore the same clothes, played tricks on one another, shared their first everything, and had been mischievous together.
Swapping roles to prank their parents had been a norm in their life as they grew up; even their mother had been a victim of their mischief a couple of times till things began to change, and she finally left home years ago.
Leaving home was one of the most difficult decisions she had made in her entire life, but at the time, she knew it was something she had to do to maintain her sanity.
But who knew they would take their role-swapping prank to another level years later? Here she was now married to her sister's husband in her sister's name. The world was indeed throwing a joke at her, but she didn't find it funny. Instead, this joke was scary – scary in the form of a devilish husband.
Neveah looked at him again, and she couldn't help but notice how perfectly he had maintained that still and calm look on his face throughout the wedding. Despite the cheer and smiles from guests, his countenance hasn't faltered.
It was as if that face of his was void of any expression. She didn't think her mother was right when she said no one dies from being married to him because right now, she was already petrified.
She was still very much caught up in her trail of thought, so much she didn't know when he turned and looked at her.
When those gleamingly blue-green eyes came into view, she caught her breath and jolted; his sparkling eyes and gorgeous face were bewitching. She had the urge to look away but couldn't bring herself to, not because she was enthralled but because she was most scared of him.
Helplessly, she stared back at him, and the more his intense gaze was fixed on her, the more her heart drummed. She could see his lips move, but she could barely hear what came out of them. The ramming sound of her heart has blocked out every other sound.
"Hmm?" She muttered out, her eyes rapidly blinking in an attempt to compose herself.
Dale sighed when he heard her. Repeating himself wasn't something he did often, but he had done it twice in one day. Dale had noticed his wife had trouble paying rapt attention when speaking to her. That was a problem he'd have to fix as soon as possible.
"Do you want us to leave?" She heard him say.
Neveah was surprised to hear his question. Was he also tired of the whole thing? She had thought he was the one who had requested this marriage – at least that was what they told her, or was she wrong?
Why was he tired of the wedding already? Neveah surreptitiously gave her 'husband' a scrutinizing look; she wasn't sure how she was supposed to reply to him.
Was she supposed to be honest, or should she tell a lie? After all, the whole wedding was a lie. And was that about his voice? It sounded so deep and mellifluous.
'Neveah!' She scolded herself. She wasn't supposed to be admiring or acknowledging anything about him, especially when she was in a dire situation.
His brows furrowed when he noticed her hesitation and the random movement of her eyes. She was behaving oddly, and it was strange.
"Elle," Dale softly called, almost as if he had chanted that name, and it made her shudder.
"Yes," Her voice was shaky, and Dale noticed how her eyes darted away from his face.
"Let's go." He said as he stood up and stretched his hand towards her.
'Go? Go where?' She asked herself. Were they going to leave the reception just like that? Without it ending properly?
She gazed at his face that was as calm as a still lake, her eyes locking gaze with his to ascertain if he meant what he just said about them leaving, but again his face revealed nothing—his expression as clad as steel. But the intensity in his eyes told her he wasn't joking.
Her gaze fell on his outstretched hand, and her eyelids fluttered. Hesitantly, she slowly placed her hand on his, and she couldn't help but notice how large and soft they were. She flinched when he gripped her hand and helped her up.
Everyone's attention in the room darted towards them when they stood on their feet. Questioning gazes shot through the air, but the man was unfazed. He had no intention of answering any questions; it wasn't as if anyone would be bold enough to ask anyway.
"My bride and I will leave now. Enjoy the rest of the party." He blatantly announced, leaving the guests in shock.
Was he joking? Who enjoys a wedding reception without the couple?
He looked to his side where he saw the men waiting, and with a single glance, they knew it was time to leave, and as such, they hurried to get the car ready.
Neveah gazed at her mother, who quickly made her way to her. She stared at her husband, who reluctantly let go of her hand so she could part with her mother; it wasn't like they were leaving the country or something.
"Mother," She mumbled under her breath as she hugged her. Her eyes felt hot.
"You'll be fine, honey. Mother will fix this. It'll be for a short while," She assured her, but Neveah wasn't consoled, not in the least.
She feared for her life, and she had a good reason to.