Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption by Lilyheart

Chapter 7: 7 The world won't wait for you

~Davis Mansion~

It's been a few weeks since Davis return to the mansion but the ones peaceful and happy home had transformed into a home of fear where everyone had to thread cautiously. In the kitchen, a group of maids huddled together, their whispers filled with unease. Their faces apprehensive with anxiety etched into their expressions, as they spoke in hushed tones about the unpredictable temper of their boss that could flare into violence in an instant.

"Did you see him today? He threw a glass at the wall when the gardener asked about the new flowers," one said, her voice trembling.

"He's terrifying," another whispered. "I heard he shouted at Henry again this morning."

"He wasn't like this before the accident," the cook said softly, glancing toward the study. "He's hurting."

"That doesn't mean we're not," the first maid muttered.

"He should at least consider that his situation isn't our making", another chimed.

Ethan standing at the door was furious "Are you ready to leave?", he asked with his tone icy. The maids were startled and quietly bowed their heads in submission. "We are sorry sir", they echoed.

Ethan issued a stern before he turned on his heel towards the study —Davis sanctuary since his return.

It's been weeks since Davis returned to this home but he has become an unrecognizable man from who he had once been. He had transformed into someone irritable and bitter. His frustrations boiled all over erupting unpredictably as it creates a tense atmosphere that seeped into every corner of the house.

Despite the exquisite furnishings and serene environment, the house now feels more depressing than ever. Every member of the house avoids Davis as plague while they ensure to work with little or no noise to attract his attention and avoid his fury and will occasionally gather in the kitchen to talk about the day.

Even Henry, his butler had learnt to avoid situations that will implicate him further and will always go through Ethan who is more of their saviour to pass across information or request for instructions.

Davis sat in his study, an empty glass on the desk in front of him as he gaze into the blank void oblivious of his surroundings.

"You missed a call from Elder

wants!" Davis snapped, his voice sharp enough that Henry, who stood in the doorway

the folder on the desk. "You can't keep ignoring him, Davis. You

his voice dripping with sarcasm. "What influence? Look around, Ethan. I'm a cripple sitting in a house that feels

his throat from the doorway. "Sir, would you like

barked, slamming his hand down on the desk. "All of you, just leave me alone!"

The butler stepped back and disappeared

folded his arms across his chest as , leaned against the wall. "You don't scare me, you know. You can shout,

the exhaustion behind his anger. "Why are you still here, Ethan?

lightly, his gaze unwavering. "Because you're my friend. And unlike the others, I don't turn my back on people when they're at their lowest, that doesn't mean

laugh, shaking his head. "Friend? That's

shoulders nonchalantly. "Then maybe it's time you stopped wallowing

there's

his gaze on him and in a steady voice "Then find something. Because this," he gestured around the room, "this isn't living, Davis and

men stared at each other for a long moment, the tension thick. Davis finally looked away, his expression

him a choice to fight back was his fiancee but then it is impossible. She has chosen her path and her

going to let them win, then?" Ethan broke the silence, his voice sharp with frustration. Desmond, Aaron... all of them. You're handing everything over without even putting up a little

from the distance he is staring at. "It's not handing over when everything is already gone," he muttered, his tone devoid of emotion. "What's left for me

his frustration glaring. He had tried talking to Davis severally but at the end of the day, he will ignore it. Severally he had tried to make him see reasons but he is stuck in the past. "You were Davis Allen, the man people feared and respected. Now you're—" He hesitated, biting back the words, to organize a nice choice

ahead. Say it. I'm nothing.

Ethan snapped, his anger glowing "You're acting like nothing because you've convinced yourself you've lost. But you haven't. Desmond may think he's won, but he hasn't buried you yet —or has

it, Ethan. Do you know how humiliating it is to be written out of your own

his jaw tightening. "No, I don't. But I know that sitting