Ann’s POV
I don’t know why Vince insisted on taking me to the academy today, but I know I am glad he is here, driving me instead of those intimidating soldiers of his.
I tried conversing with one of them the other day, but he just ignored me like I was some statue.
It makes me question whether I was, indeed, their queen. I didn’t see the need to report that to Vince because it would have looked silly and stupid.
The fault is mine. And that of Tessa’s, for always being too busy for me.
I miss that girl.
I’m glad I have my hands full with the academy, too. I smile before turning to Vince, who has his eyes fixed on the road.
“Why did you insist?” This is the umpteenth time I have asked him, but I know he can’t get tired of my questions. I already know his answers, but it gives me pleasure to trouble him and make him talk.
“Nothing.”
I let out a short laugh.
“Why are you laughing?” He questions sharply. When I look up, I see he is watching me with curiosity.
I shrug nonchalantly. “Nothing.”
He doesn’t look like he believes me. The smile tucking in the corners of my smile is an objection to my words.
I expect him to insist on knowing the reason for the laugh, but he keeps quiet instead.
Typical of Vince.
No wonder he has been single all his life.
Another smile crawls to my face.
“Do I look silly to you because I am driving you to the academy?” His question makes the smile on my face drop.
“Of course not. You look like a romantic man trying to please his woman by driving her to wherever she wants to be. It makes me feel special and…”
“Never mind.” He cuts me short, and I laugh again.
When my laughter dies down, I eventually reveal. “I laughed because I knew your answer would be “nothing”. You should talk more often, especially with me and laugh and smile more often. It looks good on you.”
He spares me a glance before darting his eyes away quickly.
From the corner of my eyes, I catch him smiling.
I look out of the window, watching the streets as we proceed into the street to the academy.
It’s been three weeks already, and I enjoy every bit. When I heard about the registration fee and saw how young the chefs was, I thought it was a small culinary academy. It turned out it was beyond my expectations.
Their fees are way cheaper than those of other schools around here.
It’s just three months of training at the academy, but I already intend to ask about more courses to take after that.
Personal practicals will begin soon, and I can’t wait to try some food and have Vince taste it.
“How long is this for?” Vince demands from me, bringing me back from my reverie.
“You mean the academy?” I ask, and he nods. Three months. Why do you ask?”
He doesn’t say anything for a while. “I’m just worried. You shouldn’t be up and about…”
“Vince, the guards follow me there on a daily basis.” We already talked about this. It’s just a 30-minute drive from his mansion.
“You are the queen,” he suddenly announces, his tone harsh and icy. “You have some responsibilities to perform, Ann. You shouldn’t be seen about doing this sort…”
“Excuse me? What do you mean?” I am trying to contain my anger. Did he just speak ill of my dreams? I know this has always been about him, but don’t I have my life to live anymore because I have accepted to be his wife and queen? What the hell?
“You should understand. I worry every single minute each time you come here. I don’t trust anybody and want you to do the same. Don’t trust anyone at the academy or anyone else. This might just be a ploy to get to you or us.”
His reasons are genuine but I won’t take it. I accepted all his offers so he should do the same with me. His guards are always around me. Even though it makes me feel uncomfortable, I decide not to do anything about it just for his sake.
At this point, I think there are more things I have to compromise for him. This is a lot. Each day, I keep finding out more strange things about this title.
The fact that we can’t get divorced has always troubled me lately. He has no idea I spoke to his mother because I am sure he would have asked me what we talked about.
I have been thinking of how best to tell him what she said and find out what he thinks, but I haven’t been courageous enough to ask.
Probably because of the fear of finding out his mother was right.
I guess now is the time to know.
“I understand. Can I ask a question?”
“Sure.”
“Why didn’t you ever date anyone?” The question surprises him, and he doesn’t hide it.
A low chuckle leaves his mouth. If I weren’t still boiling in rage, I would have taken time to appreciate that sound and the way his face lit up with laughter.
“Nothing,” he mutters and darts a glance my way. “Well, I never thought of doing something like that.”
“What about Isabel? Why didn’t you marry her?”
Isabel is beautiful and classy. She is his friend’s sister. She has been training for this since she was little, just like his mother had informed me. She would have been the perfect person for him, not me, who didn’t even plan for this, who didn’t see this coming.
The smile on his face is replaced with a stoned expression. “Nothing.”
“Don’t tell me nothing, Vince. I need to know why.”
“Why do you want to know?”
“Well, your mother was at the house the other day…”
“What did she tell you?” He cuts me short, his eyes flashing with ire.
“To be honest, she was friendly. We spoke at length, and I believe she has finally accepted me.” I inform him against my will. But the look of anger on his face made me spill.
I can’t stand him mad at his mother.
“Can you answer me now?”
“What does this have to do with her?”
I shut my eyes, frustration drifting through every part of my system.
“Well, I told you already I don’t believe in love and marriage. I never wanted to be married…”
“But you are married to me. We are married.”
“Yes, that was an accident.”
“An accident that has a remedy. A solution. If you are married to me, I think that is enough to eliminate whatever you have against marriage. Marrying her shouldn’t be a big deal anymore.”
“What is this about?” He turns to me with a frown etched on his forehead.
This is it.
Put it to him.
Let’s see if he accepts.
“Let’s get an annulment,” I announce sharply, scared it will never come out of me if I don’t say it now.
The car abruptly stops, making me fall sideways, my head swinging towards him.
He pulls me into his arms, our faces inches from each other. Softly, he questions. “What did you just say?”
Enthralled by his closeness, his breath fanning my face, and his goddamn handsomeness, I find my lips glued to each other.
Unable to repeat what I just said.