First night after forced marriage

Neha's POV:

Some time later, the photographers approached us and asked us to pose for more photos. I didn't want to. "I'm fine. Get out of here," I started to say, but before I could protest further, Edward grabbed my hand and dragged me to another room for the photoshoot. He forced me to take pictures with him.

After that dreaded photo session, Edward's mother came over and said, "It's time to leave." I was exhausted and didn't want to argue, so I stood up silently. Edward also got up, holding my hand tightly—his touch made me feel sick. As we headed outside, I didn't even glance at my relatives; I ignored them completely.

We got into the car. Edward and I sat in the backseat while the driver took the front. I didn't say a word—I was too tired, too drained to argue. I just stared out the window, trying to escape in my thoughts. Edward did the same. The silence was a small relief, but then I felt something on my thigh.

I looked down in shock—Edward's hand was on my thigh. I quickly pushed it away. "Don't touch me, you bastard!"

He suddenly grabbed my jaw tightly and said, "Don't you dare do that again. You're mine—mine to touch, mine to kiss. I can do whatever I want with you, and you can't say anything because it's my right."

I was about to snap back at him, but he interrupted, "Say one more word, and I'll kiss you right now."

I sighed and turned to look out the window again, holding back my tears. I had never been treated so harshly before, but I refused to let him see me cry.

The rest of the ride was silent. We didn't speak a word to each other. Eventually, we reached Edward's and my new home. He had bought our wedding house right across from his parents' house. Edward got out of the car, opened the door for me, and offered his hand, but I ignored it and got out on my own. His sister and parents were waiting for us, so he didn't say anything.

We went inside, where everyone gave us their best wishes. I couldn't help but think, "Wishes? You've destroyed my life." Laiba then stood up and said, "Come, I'll show you your room."

Pretending to be a good person now, I thought sarcastically. "What if I say no?" I replied in a taunting tone.

Edward cut in, "Do you really want me to kiss you right now?"

Damn it, I had forgotten he was there. I sighed and said, "Fine." Laiba led me to our new bridal room. It was a luxurious room, decorated in black and white, with an XL-sized bed in the center. A large wedding photo of us hung above the bed, taken just hours ago. The room was filled with expensive decor, but to me, it felt like a golden cage. I was lost in thought—how could I escape? I wasn't some bird he could keep caged forever. I would find a way to get out of here.

Laiba called my name a few times, snapping me out of my thoughts. "What? Why are you calling me?" I asked, annoyed. She didn't answer, just showed me the closet. "All your important things are here," she said. "I'm really happy for you, and I hope you accept this relationship soon because you don't have a choice." Then she left.

She was right. What could I do now? I couldn't even file for a divorce—no lawyer would take my case because of their influence. I felt trapped.

I sat in front of the dressing table, removing my jewelry and wiping off my makeup with an alcohol wipe. I was about to change my clothes when the door suddenly opened, and Edward walked in.

Why is he here?

Edward's POV:

I watched as she removed her jewelry and wiped off her makeup without even letting me see her properly. Anger welled up inside me, and I clenched my fists as I took a step toward her. She saw the anger in my eyes and tried to run, but I grabbed her hand and threw her onto the bed. I lay down on top of her, her small body fitting perfectly beneath mine.

It was the first time I'd seen her this close, and she looked even more beautiful without makeup. I couldn't stop myself—I kissed her wildly, sucking on her lips. I wanted to enter her mouth, to explore it, but she kept her teeth clenched tightly, refusing to let me in.

Frustrated, I whispered in her ear, "This is your fault," and licked it. I grabbed her bre*st, and her body started trembling. Then I pinched her ni**les, and she gasped in pain and shock, opening her mouth. That was my chance—I invaded her mouth, exploring it like a hungry beast, reaching every corner. She struggled against me, but she was too weak to escape my grip.

But as I was about to do more, I noticed tears falling from her eyes. Damn, she looked pitiful and cute. I didn't like seeing her cry.

I stopped myself and got up. "Stop crying. You're not allowed to cry. Understand?"

She looked up at me with tearful eyes and said, "Please, listen to me."

"What do you want to say?" I asked, slightly softer now.

"Please, give me some time. I'm not ready. This is too much for me. I need time, please," she pleaded, tears streaming down her face.

I realized she was right. I had forced her into this marriage, but if I forced her to sleep with me, she would never love me. I didn't just want her body—I wanted her heart, her love. If I pushed her too far now, she might end up hating me even more or, worse, do something to harm herself. No, I needed to control myself.

"Okay," I said, "I'll give you some time. I won't push you into anything intimate, but... you have to let me kiss you and hold you. And I expect a positive answer."

She seemed to be deep in thought, so I interrupted her, "You have 10 seconds to answer me. 1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6... 7... 8... 9..."

"Okay, okay," she said quickly, "But you have to sleep in another room."

"In your dreams, darling!" I replied. "I'll be sleeping right next to you."