Cain, who openly showed his affection for Shelly since the day we met him, insisted on staying with them for obvious reasons. But mother ordered him to stay with us.
“Serena, is about to turn sixteen and make her debut in society. Are you suggesting that I let a stranger accompany her?” she asked.
Unable to contradict her words, Cain stayed with mother and I; Shelly stayed with father.
On my sixteenth birthday, mother didn’t simply introduce me to society, she also announced my engagement with Cain!
“Let’s toast to the engagement of my daughter, Serena, and Cain!” she announced.
Cain was none too happy with it. He left that night and stayed at our father’s place.
After the party, mom told me the truth.
Not too long ago, she was diagnosed with a terminal illness and was given less than a year to live. She didn’t want to leave me all alone.
“Cain seemed to be enraged with your decision, though.” I forlornly said.
“My dear daughter, does his opinion even matter?” She asked me.
“But mother, we all knew Cain was smitten with Shelly!” I protested.
“And you’re in love with him.” She told me.
“He wouldn’t even look my way…” I sobbed.
“My dear Serena, never sit under a tree waiting for apples to fall,” she said, as she gently held my face.
The next morning, Cain returned. He went to mother’s study and had a long talk with her. It lasted until late afternoon.
The next thing I knew, I was told that our marriage was happening in a month.
Prior to our marriage, Cain was the epitome of charm, as if it was me whom he was genuinely smitten with.
Mother gave in to her illness right after we were married.
In her will, she explicitly mentioned that her funeral must last only a day. Obeying her wishes, she was buried the next day.
My husband, going a full 180 on me, ignored my request for mourning and went on with the honeymoon.
It was a nightmare of sorts.
I ended up not only with a ripped nightdress, but with a broken lower lip as well.
Cain claimed my innocence in a very callous way. He left finger marks on my breasts, bite marks on my nipples, bruises on my thighs. My nether region felt ripped and I had a hard time moving the next day.
Right after his release, he stood up and left. I haven't heard from him since.
Three weeks later, I found out that I was carrying our child. I called him on his mobile phone to tell him of the good news, all I got was a “damn it” from him.