Chapter 8 Jelousy

~^~ Anna didn't know what to do but she watched as Tony’s mouth descended and touched hers softly. Her heart broke further. Tony’s kisses were always aggressive and hungry but this time it was tender and soft. She couldn't help the tear that slipped from her eyes and went to mingle with their mouths. When they pulled apart, her family's applause in the background, she quickly wiped the tears from her face, seeing the way Tony looked at her, almost as if he was Sorry. "Happy now, husband?" she asked hoarsely before she turned to her parents. "Congratulations, you all got what you wanted." With that said, she hurried to her car and drove to the hotel, stopping by the bar to get a drink. She ordered her favorite - vodka and cranberry, and sat my the counter, drinking it slowly as she reminisced on her life. Tony glanced at the impressive ring on her finger. Five years ago she would've been ecstatic to be given a ring like it, but now it all seemed futile. "Nice rock you've got there." Her head flashed around as she came face to face with Fred. Apart from Tony, he was the last person she wanted to see. "Fred, what're you doing here," she queried, placing her hand in her lap. "I came to see you," he glanced at her hand. "Is that a fake?" Anna took another drink. "I wish." "You're married?!" She nodded. "Unfortunately, I am." Fred was shocked, he certainly wasn't expecting this and so it took him some time to start thinking clearly again. "All this time you've been engaged and -" "It's not what it looks like. The whole thing is just a measly arrangement," she explained. Frederick's eyes widened. "A what?" "I did it to save my dad's company." Fred blinked then raked his fingers through his hair. "My God, Anna. This world has evolved past arranged marriages." She rose a brow and gulped her drink. "Yeah, I thought so too but it looks like some things never change." Getting up, she placed her bill on the counter and smiled at Fred. "I’ll call you Fred." ~^~ A part of Tony felt guilty for what he was doing but another part told him it was the right thing to do. He knew he had made stupid mistakes in the past, but here he was, ready to right his wrong. He came back knowing he wouldn't find the same innocent Anna but he had hoped that if she had changed, it wouldn't be drastic. He was sourly wrong. This Anna - the mature and sharp-tongued she was nothing he had expected but yet he was enthused to find out more about her. Tony knew he could have every bit of info at his fingertips if he wanted to, but he wanted to find out for himself. Yes, she had told him bluntly that she liked sex and men but he knew there was more beneath. He couldn't have imagined Anna being with another man - she was innocent and was only his years ago and still to this date, the mere thought of her being with other men enraged him. He had wanted to rip out the man's throat when had walked in on them. It had taken him everything he possessed to not beat him to a pulp, but Tony promised himself that he would if he ever saw it again. As he walked inside the hotel, he recognized the very same man she had been within her suite. He didn't catch sight of Tony as he left but Tony was left to wonder why he was there. Was he with Gina? His subconscious questioned and he couldn't help but feel the raw rage that Consumed him. He marched towards the man behind the desk with his steely face, demanding, "Let me up to Anna’s penthouse suite now." "Excuse me, I'll have to call and-" "Now or I swear to God, you won't have a job after this," Hesitatingly, he muttered a strained, "Fine." The elevator to Anna’s suite opened and Tony was welcomed by a frightened Anna. "What the hell are you doing here?" she asked angrily, tucking the towel around her considering she just changed. Tony thought differently. He ground his teeth and determinedly strolled towards her. "Regardless of the circumstances, it's still our wedding day for fucks sake!" She was oblivious as to what he was referring but she had no interest in finding out. "Get the hell out!" He stood his ground. "Don't you feel an ounce of shame?" he roared. "Not one hour after our wedding and you invited a man into your bed!" Anna had no clue of what he was speaking but he could think whatever he wanted for all she cared. "What are you, jealous?" she scoffed, folding her arms. Tony’s nose flared with anger. "If you for one moment think you're gonna make a mockery out of this arrangement, think again.” Anna gritted her teeth as she looked up at him, unable to cower under his broodiness. "I will do whatever the fúck I want, marriage or not." Their gazes locked in a heated battle for some time, neither surrendering as they partook in a silent quarrel. Finally Tony smiled, surprising Anna. "Do anything that goes against the expectations of a marriage and I'll make certain I'm the one lighting the match when your father's company burns to the ground." His threats fueled Anna’s anger to the point where she could no longer keep her hands to the side. In one swift movement, she slapped him squarely across the jaw. His muscles flexed as he glared at her with lethal gray eyes that only seemed to intensify in its glaring. "Pack your bags, I'll have someone over to escort you to the house," he said as he straightened himself and moved towards the elevator. He paused to spare her a glance. "And Anna, I'll expect you in my bed tonight."