TAINTED MATRIMONY

To marry the one you love is a rare thing. Some marry for money, others for fame or convenience. But I’ve always believed love should come first, above all else. And today, I'm living proof of that – I’m marrying the man I love. The sky is bright and clear, as though saying that our marriage is blessed.

The wedding bells and the sound of friends and family’s congratulations echo in my heart, filling me with a sense of bliss. The reception was short, and the drive long; as the night fast approached, my heart raced at the thought of my darling husband touching me on our wedding night.

“Don’t worry, you’ll be fine,” Henry says, his voice sweet, and his loving gaze showering me with love and care as he takes my hand in his, calming my racing thoughts. Our fingers intertwine, and a shy smile slowly forms on my lips.

Oblivious to my surroundings, I didn’t notice when we arrived at the country house. A chivalrous gentleman, I think to myself as he opens the door and helps me out of the car. Side by side, we enter the beautifully illuminated foyer, my eyes taking in the breathtaking view.

“Good evening, Sir.” The mysterious elderly woman greets us, her head low, showing respect to Henry. She adjusts her posture, standing upright; revealing the white detailing on the collar of the long black dress she wears, which matches beautifully with her white apron.

“Good evening, Madam,” she says, turning to me and bowing her head. From her voice and the few strands of gray hair, I think she might be in her late fifties, yet she doesn’t look a day older.

“Agatha, this is my wife, Christina.” As Henry speaks, he gives me a warm smile, which makes my heart flutter. “My love, this is Agatha, the housekeeper.” He adds, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me close to his side; I let out a soft chuckle but quickly compose myself.

“Good evening, Agatha. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I greet her, the delight in my heart showing in my smile.

“Agatha will be staying with us for the duration of our honeymoon,” Henry mentions.

“Henry, darling,” I struggle to keep my smiling face. “I didn’t know we’d have someone else staying with us. What I’m trying to say is, I thought we would be alone together,” I protest, in a low voice.

“Oh yes, you see darling…” he turns to face me, looking into my eyes. “It was an abrupt decision that I made because I didn’t want you to stress yourself or feel lonely while I’m away. I want you to feel like a queen in her castle.” He takes my hand, pulling it close and kissing the back of it.

“Alright, I understand that you were only looking out for me. She can stay,” I reply, not wanting to seem like an unappreciative or unloving wife, especially in front of a stranger.

“I knew you’d see it my way, my love. You know I only want what’s best for you,” he says, his smile and words soft, giving me a somewhat excited feeling. “I believe you’ve gotten acquainted with the inner workings of the house. You may head back until you’re called upon,” he says, his authoritative tone and dominant gaze thrilling as he speaks to Agatha.

Agatha nods, understanding that her presence isn’t needed for the moment, and leaves. Henry leans in close to my ear, his voice a low and sultry whisper. “Why don’t we leave as well? I’m sure you’d like to see the bedroom.” The truth in his words leaves me speechless.

Pulling me by the arm, he slowly leads me up the stairs to the master bedroom on the second floor. Standing in front of the queen-sized bed, its frame elegantly crafted, I begin to admire the beauty of it. But the sound of the door closing cuts my admiration short. Henry’s footsteps echo as they approach, and my heart begins to race.

His palm caresses my arm and shoulder, his lips trailing kisses from my shoulder and to my neck. He pauses, and my anticipation for what’s to come heightens. I can feel his breath close to my ear as he speaks softly in a low voice, “I’ll leave you to prepare for me. I look forward to our night together.”

Stunned like a fool, I couldn’t react. I wanted to tell myself to wait, that there was no need to prepare, but as soon as the door shut, signaling his absence from the room, I could think clearly and breathe a sigh of relief. Falling onto the bed, my heart racing, I toss and turn in denial until I fall off the bed.

“Ugh, my head,” I mutter to myself. Even in pain, I grin and giggle. Why? Because I’m in love, and today is one of the happiest days of my life because I’ve married my beloved.

Slowly standing up, I notice our luggage close to the wardrobe on the opposite side of the bed. I rush to it to find the special nightgown I picked out for our wonderful night. Luckily, I find it. Hastily, I take a bath, cleaning every inch of my body.

Afterward, I slip into the wine-colored lingerie. I strut and pose in front of the mirror, thinking of all the seductive and enticing positions I saw in magazines to use on my darling for a perfect night. Eager to see the look on his face, I wear the matching robe and step out to find my husband.

As I walk down the stairs and into the living room, I notice that the house has a beautiful color scheme of ivory and sage. It reminds me of when Henry and I first met. I was working in an interior decoration store as the receptionist. Henry came in to find a peculiar color.

He was dressed in a dark brown checked suit, exuding elegance and class. He walked calmly toward the receptionist's desk where I worked. I admired his handsome face and seductive build as he approached, but I quickly snapped out of my daydream the moment he spoke.

“Good day. I’m looking for a color that captures the essence of somber beauty, something that reflects the mystery of a quiet storm. Do you think you could help me find that?” he said, his smile warm and charming.

“Oh, that’s quite poetic. Let me show you to a professional to attend to your needs, sir,” I replied, sticking to my professionalism while admiring his use of words.

He came back with a list for three half-gallons of paint. I took it from his hand to run through the system. “Ah, I think I’d rather have you help me with this. You seem to have a keen eye for beauty. Would you be willing to… explore this color further with me?” he said, his voice low and inviting.

I chuckled, flattered by his words, but I had to be sure of what he wanted. “It depends on what you’re asking, sir. Where do you want this color to be?”

“Oh, I think I’d like to see it in a setting that showcases its true beauty. Perhaps… in a bedroom?” he answered.

I scoffed, not fully surprised by his comment, and out of annoyance, I replied, “You’re very straightforward, aren’t you? Unfortunately, I don’t sleep with… handsome customers.”

“Ah, I like a woman who can keep me on my toes. I assure you, I’m not just a handsome customer. Why don’t I show you what other tricks I’ve got up my sleeve, perhaps over dinner?” he continued.

“I don’t think I can do that. Sorry,” I turned him down, even though the idea of dinner enticed me.

“Oh, that hurts me. You really wouldn’t mind allowing this man to treat you to dinner?” he said, pouting his lips slightly.

He was cute when he looked like he was begging, so I wrote down my number on his receipt and gave it to him. The next day, we had dinner, and we’ve been together almost every day since. He also respected my wish to be celibate, which was rare. Now, I’m his wife, and it feels like a dream come true.

Oh, the world seemed so new, and it would be even more perfect once we had our wedding night… just as I was lost in thought,

“Madam!” Agatha’s voice startles me.

“Oh my goodness, Agatha, you scared me.” While calming my heart, I notice an object in her hand. “Um, sorry to ask, but what are you doing with a knife?” I inquire, taking a step back.