Catherine walked into her room, closing the door behind her. She saw her husband, Jerry, pacing back and forth, his face red with anger.
"Jerry, calm down," she said, walking over to him and wrapping her arms around his waist.
Jerry stopped pacing and turned to her, his eyes flashing with frustration. "I'm just so disappointed in Nolan's attitude, Catherine," he said, his voice low and gravelly. "He's now married to Vanya for what, just some days? And already he's sleeping in different rooms. He agreed to the marriage, he's supposed to abide by it."
Catherine hugged him tightly. "I know, dear. But we have to be patient. Nolan's been through a lot, and it's going to take time for him to adjust to married life."
Jerry pulled back and looked at her, his eyes searching. "But that's just it, Catherine. I don't have time. I want a grandchild, and I want one soon. And with Nolan's attitude, I'm starting to worry that it's never going to happen."
Catherine's face softened with understanding. "I know how much you want a grandchild, Jerry. But we can't force Nolan and Vanya to have a child. They need time to get to know each other, to build a life together."
Jerry sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "I know you're right, Catherine. It's just hard to see Nolan throwing away his chance at happiness like this."
Catherine smiled and hugged him again. "We'll just have to be patient, dear. And maybe, just maybe, Nolan and Vanya will surprise us and give us that grandchild we're so longing for."
....
Nolan frowned as he wheeled himself into their room, his eyes fixed on Vanya. "My dad was right," he said, his voice low and serious. "It's not okay for us to be sleeping in different rooms... Anyone that gets a wind of this will gossip..I don't want that"
Vanya felt a surge of defensiveness. "I don't see what the big deal is," she said, crossing her arms over her chest. "We're not exactly...compatible, are we?"
Nolan's eyes narrowed. "That's not the point," he said. "The point is that we're married, and we need to start acting like it."
Vanya raised an eyebrow. "And how exactly do you propose we do that?" she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Nolan's face darkened. "I propose we start by staying in the fucking room," he said, his voice low and husky.
Vanya felt a shiver run down her spine. "I don't think that's a good idea," she said, trying to sound calm.
Nolan's eyes flashed with anger. "Why not?" he demanded. "Are you afraid of me or something?... I'm crippled, what could I do" he said sarcastically
Vanya felt a surge of frustration. "No, I'm just not ready for that kind of intimacy," she said, trying to keep her cool.
Nolan's expression softened slightly, but his eyes still gleamed with determination. "I never expected that" he said, handing her a pillow. "But you're still sleeping in here with me."
Vanya took the pillow, feeling a sense of uncertainty. "Where am I supposed to sleep?" she asked, looking around the room.
Nolan shrugged, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I don't care," he said, helping himself to the bed. "You can sleep on the floor for all I care."
Vanya felt a surge of anger, but she bit back her retort. Instead, she looked around the room, trying to find a comfortable place to sleep.
As she settled onto the couch, Nolan turned off the light and settled into bed, his back to her.
"Goodnight," he said, his voice low and husky.
Vanya felt a shiver run down her spine. "Goodnight," she replied, trying to sound calm.
As she lay there in the darkness, Vanya couldn't help but wonder what the future held for her and Nolan. Would they ever be able to overcome their differences and find happiness together?
Only time would tell.
Vanya lay on the couch, her mind racing with thoughts of her loveless marriage. She had never intended to marry actually Nolan, but fate had other plans.
She had thought he'd be very angry with her defiance and call of the engagement but no...he married her. She planned to leave later but after seeing his face, knowing he was the kind hearted man of her past life, she changed her mind.
The couch was so uncomfortable, she kept on rolling, unable to sleep, she sighed and shut her eyes.
Just as she was drifting off to sleep, Nolan's voice cut through the silence. "Vanya..if you're not comfortable..get in bed."
Vanya hesitated for a moment before getting up and walking over to the bed. She climbed in beside Nolan, feeling a sense of awkwardness.
As they lay there in the darkness, Vanya tried to break the silence. "Nolan, can we talk?"
Nolan's response was curt. "What's there to talk about?"
Vanya sighed, feeling frustrated. "Us. Our marriage. What do you expect from me?"
Nolan's voice was devoid of emotion. "I expect you to fulfill your duties as my wife. That's all."
Vanya felt a sting from his words. "And what about intimacy? Do you expect us to...?"
Nolan's response was immediate. "No. I don't. We'll maintain separate beds. I don't want any...complications."
Nolan's voice cut through her thoughts. "Goodnight, Vanya."
Vanya's response was barely above a whisper. "Goodnight, Nolan."
As they lay there in silence, Vanya couldn't help but feel a sense of isolation. She was trapped in a loveless marriage with a man who didn't even want to touch her but at least it was better than her previous life. She had loved Emrys but he destroyed her.