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"Look," he starts, rubbing the back of his neck, "I was downstairs. I know this isn't what either of us wanted or expected. And I don't want to make you feel... pressured. So, I'll be sleeping in another room tonight. I just booked it."
His words hang heavily in the air between us, and disappointment washes over me like a tsunami. It’s a feeling I didn’t expect to have. A lump forms in my throat.
Of all the nights in my life, I didn’t wish to spend tonight alone. Nothing has to happen, but even his company would mean something, wouldn’t it? A part of me had hoped for some kind of connection—even just a simple touch—to bridge the gap between us.
"Are you sure?" I ask hesitantly, trying to hide the hurt in my voice.
"Positive," he replies with a tight-lipped smile. "We have plenty of time to figure things out, Robin. Let's not rush into anything we might regret."
"Alright," I sigh, nodding reluctantly. "Goodnight, Boris."
"Goodnight," he murmurs before closing the door behind him.
As I lay down on the vast, cold bed, I can't help but wonder if this is how our life together will be—two strangers bonded in marriage just to maintain a facade. The thought is depressing and makes my chest hurt.
I don’t know what I was thinking. I imagined that if we spent more time together, we might slowly fall into some form of love. I’ve always dreamt of a happy, united family.
What form of unity can we build when Boris doesn’t even wish to spend our wedding night with me? We could have just talked, made a few jokes, ordered room service, and watched a movie.
If not love, I hoped to have at least gained a friendship with Boris. But tonight, even that seems out of reach.
Tears spring to my eyes. I clutch my phone tightly in my hand, feeling an overwhelming longing for connection. With a deep breath, I dial Adam's number and wait for him to pick up.
"Hello?" His voice is small and hesitant on the other end of the line.
"Hey, little bud, it's me," I say softly, relief washing over me at the sound of his voice.
"Robin!" he exclaims, suddenly excited. "How are you? How was the wedding?"
"Everything went smoothly," I reply, forcing a smile into my words. "I just wanted to check on you and make sure you're okay."
"I'm fine, really," he insists. "Uncle has been treating me alright while we’re in hiding."
"Good," I sigh, feeling the tension in my chest ease ever so slightly. "I miss you, Adam."
"Miss you too, sis," he says quietly. "But don't worry about me. Just take care of yourself, alright?"
"Of course," I whisper, my heart swelling with love for my brother. "You do the same, okay?"
"Promise."
We chat for a few more minutes before hanging up, and as I set my phone down on the nightstand, loneliness washes over me once again. All alone on my wedding night, I cry myself to sleep.
Chapter 15 - Boris
It’s nearing midnight, and I’m tucked away in my office. Since getting married three weeks ago, I’ve been burning the midnight oil. Once our little one arrives, my priorities will shift entirely to spending every moment I can spare with them.
That means spending more time with Robin, too. I sigh, tossing my pen aside and burying my head in my hands. Married life can't possibly be like this. Before tying the knot, Robin and I spent more time together than we do now.
I’m giving her space. This marriage wasn’t her choice, and neither was living here.
Considering Robin's perspective, I realize I've dictated much of her new life: where she lives, her safety, and even our relationship. I’m her boss.
She’s dependent on me, wholly and fully.
I can’t go now and demand she spend time with me, too. No matter how much I may desire it.
I need to give her options so she can discover what she wants out of this marriage. Plus, I want her to make my home her own without me hovering around.
