Isolation at the Heart of Marriage

Chapter 4 04

Word Count: 1163 | Released on: 26/04/2025

immediately greeted by every

she pulled Erica into a tight embrace, planting a kiss on both of

armth was undeniable, and for a moment, she forgot about the weight of their fake marria

sparkling with genuine affection. "We hope your softness can soften him a little bit." Sh

ention of his "softness." He wasn't the type to show vulnerabi

her own. "You know, being the only girl in the family has been such a pain. They always look down on me, especially since I'm th

a chuckled softly and returned the hug, her hands patting Alice's back in a comforting gesture. She cou

twinkling with mischief. "We can work together to get back at him.

r got revenge. Your tricks won't fool me anymore," he said, thou

evident in the way she teased him. "You just

in mock exasperation. "Sorry, Erica! They just can't go one day

g sometimes got out of hand. "Don't apologize, Mr. Binder," she said kindly. "You've raised wonderful childre

l smile. "Well, I was definitely a failure as a father, then," he

d slightly. "I didn't

er voice a little more serious now. "You married our son, so we

any other circumstance, it would be easy to slip into the role of a daughter-in-law.

moment slip by, however. "Th

aration. She wasn't sure how to respond. The titl

ure of how to handle the situati

tent. He gave her a pointed look, a silent warning that she knew all t

anaged to send a small jolt of emotion through her. She looked at him for a moment, her mind racing. He was so effortless in

led brightly at Barbara, and then turned to Andrew and Martha. "Thank you for making me feel so welcome. I've always been an only child, so it's nice to

mating him," she teased. But Erica could tell Alice wasn't truly worried. There was a camarade

ok on his face. "You're going to need more than confidenc

nough chatter! You two head upstairs and get some rest. I'll call you

gentle hand. "No, no! You've had a long day. Alice will help me in the kitchen. Righ

ht of her mother's disapproving glare and sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine," she muttered. "I'll

hand as they headed toward the stairs. "Thanks, Alice," she c

isappeared upstairs, leaving the rest of t

unconventional and filled with playful bickering, was warm and welcoming. It made

Chapter End

Claim Your Bonus at the APP

Open

Isolation at the Heart of Marriage

Vikings Romance

“There stood the most gorgeous man in Erica Ferguson's eyes, her groom, Arnold Binder. Tall, handsome, with a smile that could melt even the coldest heart, he had been the man of her dreams, or so she thought. The wedding had been nothing short of a fairy tale, and the love he had shown her before their vows had made her believe she was the luckiest woman alive. But then, the truth hit her like a tidal wave, shattering her illusions into pieces. Her world crumbled when she discovered that her husband had never loved her like he had claimed. All the sweet words, the tender gestures, were nothing more than a facade. Arnold had married her to please his grandmother, a cold business arrangement that meant nothing to him beyond obligation. The realization tore through Erica's heart like a knife, leaving her breathless, drowning in a sea of disbelief. Since that painful revelation, Erica's life had been nothing but a living hell. She had expected love, care, and partnership, but instead, she faced indifference and loneliness. Her husband, once the center of her world, now felt like a stranger. He never bothered to see her pain, nor did he try to comfort her. She was left to face it all alone. Erica, despite her strength, could feel herself slowly starting to break apart. The weight of betrayal was unbearable, and though she tried to hold onto the pieces of herself, they were slipping through her fingers like sand. She had always been strong, but even the strongest woman had her breaking point.”