My Husband Married Me For Money, But My Secret Will Break Him
Part 2
The several weeks that followed brought a very subtle shift in the general air between us.
Finding random reasons to be in the same room, Craig began to appear much more often.
My opinion on various minor estate matters actually became something he actively sought out.
While speaking quite stiffly at first, his grudging respect grew noticeably each time I answered with obvious intelligence.
Discovering my habit of reading dry agricultural journals, he finally realized that a remarkably sharp mind resided beneath my quiet exterior.
But he absolutely did not learn anything about my true heart.
I kept that carefully locked away, heavily guarded behind a constantly polite smile.
The real jealousy arrived on a beautiful golden afternoon in October, carried by a friendly neighbor’s visit.
Tyler Dan was a rather young man from a neighboring property, always cheerful and very open-faced.
He had called to officially welcome me, and ended up finding me completely alone in the garden discussing vegetable yields.
Starved for any simple human warmth, I happily laughed at one of his silly jokes.
It was a completely unguarded, genuine laugh, and the very first one I had shared in many long months.
Craig returned from his afternoon ride to the exact sight of his wife standing brightly in the autumn sunlight.
My cheeks were slightly flushed and my eyes were bright as a very handsome young man leaned somewhat closer.
Craig quickly dismounted and walked directly toward us with a purposeful stride that made Tyler straighten up instinctively.
His tone of voice was cool as a frozen winter stream as he formally greeted our surprised guest.
Tyler smiled completely oblivious to the tension, eagerly mentioning my remarkable recent work on the tenant farms.
Craig just gave a single sharp nod, making the gesture look exactly like a heavy door closing shut.
I clearly noticed the sudden tightness forming around his strong jaw.
I also noticed the subtle way he positioned himself slightly in front of me, acting as a protective shield I had not asked for.
I felt a tiny, treacherous flicker of female satisfaction, and then I deeply hated myself for it.
When we were finally alone together, Craig turned fully to me, his dark brow deeply furrowed.
He coldly noted that I seemed to rather enjoy Tyler’s energetic company.
I met his intense gaze evenly, casually adjusting the lace cuffs of my sleeves.
I simply agreed that having a friendly visitor made a very pleasant change of pace.
Craig’s eyes immediately darkened, and a prominent muscle began ticking visibly in his jaw.
He stepped menacingly closer, firmly reminding me that I was his legal wife.
I lifted my chin defiantly, refusing to ever look away from him.
I told him I had never forgotten that fact for a single moment, but I openly wondered if he could truthfully say the same.
The loaded question hung heavy between us, feeling incredibly sharp and deeply dangerous.
For a very long moment he said absolutely nothing in response.
Then he simply turned on his heel and walked completely away from me.
One quiet evening he found me sitting in the library bent intently over a large ledger.
He moved silently closer until he could easily see the estate accounts, suddenly noticing additional financial entries written in my own hand.
A deep frown cut across his features as he tapped the paper page with one long finger.
His hand clamped down firmly on the page before I could snap the heavy ledger shut.
He stared frozen at the specific name that made his blood run completely cold.
Greg Miller.
My late father.
The dark suspicion that had been quietly sleeping inside him finally stirred and fully opened its eyes.
He leaned menacingly across the large desk, insisting on knowing exactly what sort of massive secret I was hiding.
I stood up very slowly, keeping the large ledger clutched securely to my chest.
Would he ever manage to forgive me for the terrible secret that had originally brought us together?
