chapter 7

A set of people were waiting for them as the driver drove them into the popular Grand Hotels and Suites.

Anita had never been to a hotel so grand as the name suggested. It was more magnificent than even the hotels she went to with Zachary for meetings.

“This hotel was built by my father and I had my first birthday party here. See how much it has changed” Zachary said as they alighted from the car. The features of his face softened as he looked around with a fondness for the place.

“How you remember how it looked when you were just a year old?” Anita asked.

“I still have the pictures” He supplied.

“Welcome Mr and Mrs Smith. We are most honored to have you here. The chairman has ordered me to be at your beck and call during your stay.” A frail looking lady with milky skin and blond hair met them halfway. She handed a bouquet of flowers to Anita and whispered “Happy Married Life ma'am.”

Anita wondered why everyone was smiling at him and struggling to please him with their every move, meanwhile, Zachary didn't care.

“Thank you Manager Kate but I think we will do just fine without your help” Zachary snapped.

Manager Kate swallowed hard but maintained her smile. Anita found it vain that she kept on smiling even when she was obviously displeased by Zachary's reply.

“Noted sir” Manager Kate replied and ushered them in.

As they strode into their penthouse suite, Zachary dropped his suitcase on the couch.

“Welcome to our honeymoon paradise.”

His commanding presence filled the room and Anita found herself staring at him. The tallness she had forgotten about. His handsome gaunt face and supple lips, and his brown chestnut eyes. The reasons he was her crush for a long time.

“Why are you looking at me that way?” He asked suddenly, jolting her from her thoughts.

“I wasn't staring at you” She defended.

“I will prefer it if you stare at me like that when we are outside” He said, a smirk on his face

“Sorry?” Anita was taken aback.

“I know you find me attractive but unfortunately, I don't feel the same way so look at me with all the love you have in your eyes. We can't have anyone here find out this is a sham marriage”

Anita laughed, “Attractive my foot”.

Their dinner was set out outside the penthouse, under the beautiful stars that graced the sky. Scented candles and flowers filled her nose with a lovely scent as she sat at the table to eat. Zachary didn't come out and she was conflicted in her heart whether to wait for him or not.

He appeared about thirty minutes later. He had changed into a loose fitting shirt and shorts. The smell of his cologne wafted into her nose.

“I can't believe you waited for me so we could eat together like a couple” He said, his voice filled with sarcasm.

Anita instantly regretted waiting for him. She commenced eating. She could not afford to let him ruin her perfect mood.

He took his seat beside her, a smirk on his face. “The food here is nothing like you have ever tasted, right?”

Anita gave him a sour look and stayed quiet, hoping to avoid any form of conversation with him.

“You have this marriage to thank for this opportunity. I'm sure you have never imagined that you would fly to Paris in first class and eat great food in The Grand Hotel and Suites. So much for being my wife”

Anita tried hard to stay quiet but she could not. His voice sounded so annoying at that moment that she felt like stuffing serviette paper in his mouth.

“So much for being a fake wife that has to be where she does not want to”

Zachary laughing and poured his drink. He took a sip. “You are hopeless” He said.

Anita wondered what was making him amused meanwhile she was boiling with rage towards him. He must be happy about finally getting his inheritance. She got up to leave but he stopped her.

“You can't just leave” He said. She hissed and snatched her hand away to Zachary's bewilderment.

The penthouse was a suite with one large room. Anita peeped inside the room, unsure of the sleeping arrangement they were to take. She decided she would sleep on the bed no matter what.

“I won't allow that arrogant man to relegate me to the lowest level.'' she muttered. She undressed and got into the bathroom. It was a bathroom with transparent glass. She let the water deep on to her skin, causing her to relax from the stress of the trip. Just then, her phone rang. It was Sophia.

“Hey Anita”

“Good evening.” She replied.

“I heard you are away on your honeymoon” Sophia stated, her voice lacking the usual vibrance

“Yeah.. Zachary’s grandfather gave us plane tickets to his Hotel here in Paris” She replied

“Wow! So you are in The Grand Hotel and Suites… Are you sure about this marriage?” Sophia asked. Anita raised her eyebrows. Why was Sophia strongly pushing against the marriage?

“Yes dear. I would not have married him if I wasn't sure” She replied flatly.

“Well, I'm just worried about you. Marrying a rich man is not always bliss”

Anita could understand that Sophia, her friend since high school, was worried about her. Especially after all the things she had told her about Zachary being an arrogant, over demanding and perfectionist boss.

“There's nothing to worry about. I will be fine. Are you back from your trip?”

“Oh, no. It's dragging out more than I thought but I think it will be over soon. Let's catch up when you are back from your honeymoon” Sophia said and before Anita could reply, she ended the call.

Just then, Anita heard the sound of the door as it opened. Her eyes darted to the door instantly and back to her naked self. What separated her from the room was a clear transparent glass door. She jumped out of the bath and wrapped herself hazardly with a towel on time to catch Zachary's eyes on her.

“What the hell?!” Zachary exclaimed. “Are you trying to seduce me now?” He moved closer to her, pushing the glass door open. Anita felt her heart skip a beat.

“No… what… why are you coming… stay away…” She stuttered. Her mind was racing with thoughts of having Zachary lay his hands on her but he was not going for her. He clicked a switch and the glass door was covered by a white curtain.

Anita gasped. She didn't know there was a curtain. She felt blood rush to her cheeks as humiliation washed over her.