I Married My Friend’s Wealthy Grandfather for His Inheritance – On Our Wedding Night, He Looked at Me and Said, ‘Now That You’re My Wife, I Can Finally Tell You the Truth’

“What?”

“I know how it sounds.”

“Do you?”

She shut off the tap. “Please tell me you said no.”

I thought she might laugh.

I didn’t answer fast enough.

Violet’s face changed. “I didn’t think you were that kind of person, Layla. Seriously,” she said quietly.

Some lines hurt more because they sound dragged out of someone against their own will.

“I don’t know what kind of person you think I am,” I said.

Violet folded her arms. “I thought you had more pride than this. But you’re just like everyone else, aren’t you? After his money. After his estate. You disgust me, Layla.”

“I don’t know what kind of person you think I am.”

I went still. “Pride is expensive, Violet. You should know. You’ve had the luxury of keeping yours.”

She flinched like I’d slapped her. “Get out, Layla.”

So I did.

***

I don’t remember the drive home.

I remember sitting in my car outside my apartment, hearing her voice over and over. That kind of person.

“I need the security,” I muttered.

“Get out, Layla.”

***

Three weeks later, I married Violet’s grandfather. The wedding was small, private, and expensive enough to make my skin itch. The flowers probably cost more than my rent.

I stood beside Rick and kept my shoulders straight.

There was a fifty-year age gap between us, and it wasn’t for love.

From the second row, Violet stared at the program in her lap. She never looked at me.

No one came for me. There was no one left to ask.

There was a fifty-year age gap between us.

At the reception, I was reaching for a glass of champagne when a woman in pale blue stepped into my path. It was Angela, one of Rick’s daughters. She touched my elbow with two fingers and smiled without warmth.

“You’ve moved very quickly,” she said. “My father has always enjoyed rescuing strays.”

I took a sip of champagne. “Then I hope this family is finally house-trained.”

She looked shocked. “Excuse me?”

Rick appeared beside me before I could answer. “Angela, if you can’t manage decency for one evening, please be silent.”

“Excuse me?”

Her face tightened. “I was only welcoming her.”

“No,” he said. “You were auditioning for my disappointment. As usual.”

She let out a breath through her nose and walked off.

We drove to the estate after dark. I barely spoke. Rick didn’t push.

***