MARRIED WITHOUT CONSENT

ZALE POV

I turned off the ignition of my car as I stayed seated. It had been a year since I last came home and I don't want to be here. My fists clenched tightly around the steering.

I could be busy attending meetings and signing contracts. Mrs. Layla had insisted that I come home, making it impossible to refuse.

Taking deep breaths, I steadied myself before exiting my car. With one hand tucked in my pant pocket, I took measured, yet deliberate, steps.

My skin crawled, my brain screaming that I should turn around and leave, never to return. It seemed the old wound reopened. Dreadful memories flooded every nerve and vein.

The soles of my shoe clicked against the marble floor. The butler opened the door for me. "welcome home, young master Zale," giving me a brief bow.

I asked, "where are my parents?" My eyes fixed on the large family portrait on the wall.

"At the garden," he replied and without waiting another second, I walked out on him, heading to my room.

Twisting the doorknob, I entered, and unlike the last time I was here. It was warm, which is not supposed to be. For the cries and silent screams this room had heard, it should never be warm again.

Even though I hardly came home, mom frequently came here and tidied it up. She wants to force things that shouldn't be. I'm afraid she'll be heartbroken in the end.

Although I tried to convince myself of what I wanted to believe, I could feel it in my gut. Something was wrong.

I stripped off my clothing and stepped into the shower for a quick bath. After I was done, I wore a black shirt and trouser. Not bothering to style my hair, I raked it backward with my fingers.

Before going to meet my parents, I decided to get some work done. Few minutes later, I descended the stairs.

A group of maids greeted, but I ignored them. Their murmurings faded behind me. Stepping into the garden, Mrs. Rhode rushed towards me and engulfed me in a tight hug.

"Oh my son, I've missed you," she feigned tears, as she placed kisses all over my face.

Fuck. My skin itched beneath her arms. She knew I hated close contact. Despite the discomfort, I dared not break the hug to protect the bit of sanity I have left.

"That's enough darling, you're hugging him too tight" papa said, trying to pull mom away but she wouldn't budge.

"If you don't stop now, I might never come back home again," I groaned. Immediately, she pulled away before smacking my arm roughly.

Placing her hands on her hips, she eyed me. "are you threatening me Zale Rhode?"

I didn't respond because what I said was the truth. My dad, sensing the growing tension, patted my back.

"How have you been, son?" He asked, changing the topic.

"Fine," I replied, sitting on the....., folding my arms. Eager to know why they told me to come.

I faced my mom, "why am I here? I don't believe it's because you just want to see my face," I sighed.

They both shared a look, and that didn't sit well with me. Everything screamed suspicion.

"Is it wrong for us to see our son again? It's been over five years," she sniffled.

I rolled my eyes, so dramatic "a year, mom"

She huffed, "that doesn't count. The last time you claim, you didn't use up to two weeks"

Dad nodded, clearly in support of his wife, "that’s true son. You barely visit us since you moved out. That's not fair, you know"

I palmed my face. It's not intentional, for fuck’s sake.

"That doesn't matter anymore. You're here now and that's what matters," mom beamed, cupping the side of face.

That was supposed to make me calm, but my stomach churned instead. The Mrs. Rhode I know would have been all defensive by now.

We talked for a while when dad spoke up. "Let's go in," he said, wrapping his arm around his wife's waist. He led her inside, and I trailed behind.

That unsettling feeling from earlier returned, this time stronger.

The butler served drinks.

"We should eat," mom announced, and I shook my head, "I'm good, mom,"

"Why? Your mom made your favorite," dad urged, his eyes searching mine.

"Favorite?" I murmured. The word tasted bitter as it rolled off my tongue.

Do I still have favourites? Hell no, "thank you mom but I'm not hungry"

She sighed and nodded.

Hmm, dad cleared his throat, "I must commend you for doing a good job at the company, it was indeed the best decision to let you take over," he smiled.

"But there's something else your mother and I would like to talk to you about," he paused. The surrounding air became tensed.

I could tell they were about to cross a line they shouldn't cross.

"How is your love life going?" Mom said. I paused before answering.

"Why do you ask?" I replied in a low voice. My nose flared. I was on the verge of losing it.

She shrugged, clasping her hands. "Well, maybe we thought it was time you had a wife,"

A cold, humorless laughter erupted from the back of my throat and they both looked at me like I've lost my mind.

My laughter died down. "You're late by a decade. I'm not interested."

"What do you mean you're not interested?" Mom asked, her pitch higher. "You're 30 years old, Zale"

"So what?" I asked, staring at her with a blank face. "There's no such rule that states that I must get married, besides I have a child. I'm content with that"

Dad chuckled dryly, "you don't have a choice, son. You are married.” he dropped the bomb on me.

My heart raced, not out of excitement but anger. My fists clenched, teeth gritted. Was this another betrayal? Hopefully not.

"I don't remember getting married," I said, trying to get them to admit that everything was all a joke, but no. They were serious.

I froze. "To who?" My heart thudded.

"Isla," mom said, smiling like what she had said was normal. I turned. My gaze slowly followed theirs as they looked at the corner of the room.

There stood a girl with strawberry blonde hair and amber eyes.

I stared at her, my eyes void of emotions, and she visibly flinched.

If I can't get out of this sham, she'll bleed for it.