CHAPTER 6* *THE COLD REALITY*

Thersia's heart felt like a heavy stone, weighed down by the sad state of her marriage. For a second, she got lost in her fantasy and dream land world. How could she think this was something other than a cold contract marriage?

She was actually grateful to him because his words had slapped her back into the real world and she couldn't stop herself from feeling a little pang of sadness.

As they drove home in silence, she gazed out the window, her mind going through the chaotic events of the day.

She had been so caught up in the excitement of shopping and the confrontation with the she devil that she momentarily forgot her place

The rest of the day passed in a blur, Thersia going through the whole dinner and evening routine with zero enthusiasm. Luka was distant, as always.

The one thought that plagued her was, how did he act so so well at the mall. She thought of herself as a very smart and guarded lady, but even she was deceived.

Anyways, she assured herself that she wouldn't fall victim again. "Once bitten, twice shy." That would be her daily mantra till this marriage expired.

She was going to have a busy day the next day, so she might as well cheer up and head in earlier for the night.

Redecorating and refurbishing the house was something she loved doing with her mom as a kid, so the nostalgia feeling was still there.

She had her dinner earlier than usual and retired for the night. Thersia slept with excitement over her activities the next day.

The next day, she woke up and practically sprang to the bathroom from her bed to freshen up and not scare the servants. She also wondered if her husband had already left for work so she could at least, freely do whatever she wanted to.

She had lots of things to do today and she wasn't going to let him or anyone distract her. She sprang down the stairs bubbling with excitement, her fingers twitching to touch the room decora she purchased.

She didn't even realise when she hit something hard.

Holding her forehead and wincing in pain, she looked up to see the piercing blue eyes stare of her husband.

"Why is he staring at me like I'm some lunatic? He isn't even supposed to be home" she murmured under her breath

Luka looked at her like he was bored of her existence and looked at her shirt, where she held on tightly thinking she would fall down.

She traced his eyes and saw her hand clinging on to his shirt like her life depended on it.

"Ugghhh, did the universe have to start my day with this embarrassing moment?" She cried in her heart.

She hated the way he stared at her, like she was a nuisance, a disease he wanted to get rid of.

"Try making use of your eyes next time. Maybe walk with her eyes looking forward instead of downwards next time" Luka told her while walking towards the door.

"Before I forget, we'll be attending a charity work in a few days time. I've booked the best hairstylist for you. You can sort your dress yourself with my card" Luka added casually, like he wasn't dropping a bomb on her.

Apparently, it was time for her to play the perfect trophy wife.

"Okay, I'll see to the gown myself. Thanks for the..."

She wasn't even done with speaking before he walked out.

"He's so unbearable! Such a narcissist and an extremely rude man. I'm not about to let him spoil my well planned day" she said loudly, hoping he'll hear the part where she called him names.

She sprang to the storage room and called a few of the servants to aid her in bringing her materials out.

"Mhmmm, you have an amazing taste madam" one of the maids said

She didn't know if they were flattering her, but they all seemed cheerful and very polite to her every time.

"Wow this looks extremely pretty, just like you madam" another maid said

Thersia was blushing furiously with the sweet comments they were flinging at her.

"Well, thank you. I didn't even know I had great tastes until yesterday. But I'm glad I was able to take you all by surprise too" Thersia replied modestly

The maids stared at their madam and wondered if she had any idea how stunning she looked. Even a normal jean and casual top.

Thersia beamed with joy, her face lighting up like a kid on Christmas morning. She was over the moon with excitement.

She was literally grinning from ear to ear.

The maids were smiling at how goofy their madam was acting, her happiness was infectious and it didn't take long for the maids to be infected.

By mid afternoon, Thersia realised how much work she still had to do and she was already tired.

Beads of sweat rolled down her back. She was already tired and she just wanted to run towards the pool and jump in with her clothes.

The maids sighed as they watched how diligent and stubborn their madam was. The house was looking brighter and more like a family house.

"Miss, would you love to have a cold lemonade?" One of the maids asked

"Ohhh yesss please... I love youuu" Thersia squealed with excitement. Her throat has been parched and she's been craving something cold to moisten it.

The maid came back with the lemonade on a tray and handed it to Thersia. She downed it under one gulp and wiped her mouth with her hands.

"I think I've done enough for today. We've already done a beautiful job and i think it would be better to continue tomorrow " Thersia said

She was already tired and her body was screaming for mercy, her joints were crying out in protest. She winced as she walked towards the pool side because each step was a struggle.

"Ahhnnn, paradise at long last." Thersia said while flinging herself into the pool with her clothes still on.

Thersia's laughter echoed off the pool, her joy was extremely infectious. Her arms and legs grew stronger and more graceful.

She was still in the pool when Luka came back. Thersia was so engrossed in her pool fun, that she barely noticed when her husband was back.

"Where's the madam?" Luka asked, unbuttoning his shirt and pulling out his tie. He had a very busy day and he wanted nothing more than to dive into the pool.

He was on his way out when he heard the maid properly, but it was too late. He had already seen his wife.

Thersia's smile was wide and her eyes were so sparkly. The reflection of the pool in her eyes and the moon's light bounced off her skin.

The water droplets on her skin were glistening, her hair was slicked back and she had this youthful look on her face.

She looked extremely beautiful and he was lost for a moment as he stared at her.

Thersia felt someone watching her and turned immediately. She was met with piercing blue eyes and she wondered how she didn't hear his car drive in.

She caught an emotion on his face, but it disappeared almost immediately. It was so quick, but she knew what she saw, even though she wasn't too sure.

"Good evening Luka." She greeted as she came out of the pool and stretched her hands towards the maid to retrieve her towel.

"Good evening Thersia. I see you've made good friends with the pool" Luka replied her with a nod to acknowledge her greeting

He looked at her and noticed she was still wearing her clothes. She was completely clothed, apart from shoes .

"Why on earth did you dive into the pool without taking off your clothing ?" Luka asked her

"I was painting and I felt extremely hot. The best option was the pool and I didn't have the golden opportunity to think properly and remove my clothes" Thersia retorted

"Or would you have preferred that I had come out of the pool stark naked, flashing my lady parts for everyone in the mansion, huh??” Thersia threw the question at him and walked away with her eyebrows raised and her strides confident and taunting as if he was telling him that the situation was too stupid for her to explain.

"Why did he have to come back now and get me all worked up for nothing!? " She exclaimed

"Uggghh!!! He could have just stayed back at the office or he could have gone for an event or something"

"Why on earth would I not come back to my home?" Luka's voice thundered in the passageway

Thersia yelped as she almost lost her balance out of fear.

"Why on earth do you have to sneak up on me and give me hart attacks? Can you not make your steps to be heard properly?" Thersia screamed at him.

She shrank back as he walked up to her and backed her up in a corner.

She was done for!