Chapter 04...Warning

"Who, Nessa?" Michael asked but only got a nod from David. Although Michael didn't like Vanessa, he tolerated her because of his brother. She was so full of herself and rude. He does wonder what his brother saw in her.

"No, I don't think she ever would. I wouldn't too if I were her... Telling her of the marriage on the phone? That was ridiculous, don't you think? No, she will not forgive you" Michael was never the one to lie. He was too blunt.

"Thanks for making me feel better," David said sarcastically as their father's house came into view.

"That wouldn't make you feel better but this will," Micheal said and smiled as he picked up his brother's interest. "He is going to give you the penthouse for going through with the wedding".

"What, really?" David's eyes sparked up in surprise. He had always wanted the penthouse. It was a large five-bedroom apartment with a porch, a swimming pool, a studio, a gym, and his favorite, an office facing the lake that he could use as his study. "You ain't kidding, are you?" He eyed his brother suspiciously.

"You wait and see" His brother chuckled as he parked and stepped out of the car, Jared and Evelyn coming out to meet him. David watched as Micheal picked little Jared and kissed Evelyn. Would he feel that way with Joanna, ever?

"You, to my office" His father's voice boomed authoritatively. He didn't notice his father's arrival. David signed as he followed his father closely behind into the office and quietly locked the office door behind him.

Mr. Anderson looked out the window as he smoked, letting the thin smoke trail out the window. He was a thick man, his height hovering over that of his two sons and he loved to let them know he was in charge but David always breaks the rule. He was even surprised David agreed to the wedding. He took his time staring out and David not the one with words, sat behind his father's desk and patiently waited.

"You left the wedding" Mr. Anderson simply stated.

"I have things to take care of" David shrugged.

"More important than your wedding?"

"What do you want, Father?"

"Your mother and I have decided to gift you the penthouse. For your wife and grandkids to come". His father said and looked at him but felt a bit disappointed that David did not seem surprised. He knew David wanted the penthouse and he thought it would cheer him after forcing the wedding on him. "Damn! Michael told you, didn't he?"

"Yes.." David chuckled at his father's scornful face.

"Here!" His father threw the key at him. "Take your wife and leave my bloody house".

"With pleasure" He chuckled as he stood. "Thanks, Old man".

"And David" His father's voice stopped him before he reached the door. "Please do take care of her".

He nodded swiftly and left. Could he do that? Take care of her when he wasn't in love with her? Was she that important to the family that he heard his father's voice quiver when he told him to care for her? His father had said grandkids. Could he ever make love to her without feeling he betrayed Nessa? Could he even make love to her knowing he doesn't love her? Damn! He shouldn't have agreed to the marriage in the first place.

"Oh, God! David, where have you been?" His mother brought him back from his thoughts as they bumped into each other.

"It doesn't matter Mom, you look stunning considering it is midnight" He teased his mother as he kissed her on both cheeks. He hardly sees her without makeup. She was a petite woman with a loud voice who worked so hard to look 40 instead of 61 and was always in high heels. He often wondered how she managed that.

"Oh, you!" She giggled. "Lots of the guests refused to leave. They still want to see you".

"You know I can't Mother. They will bore me to death."

"I do and that is why, your darling mother always has a solution," She said as she pulled him towards the back door where a black sedan car was waiting. "Your bride is in there waiting, take her home and let her rest" She passed him the key to the car and gently patted her hair which she does all the time but hardly notices.

"Goodnight Mom" David hugged her.

"Good night son and don't forget to give her the best of her wedding present" She whispered in his ear and he rolled his eyes. His mother never ceased to amaze him. He understood what she meant.

"Thanks for the house Mom".

"You deserve it".

He got behind the wheels and noticed Joanna sleeping soundlessly on the passenger seat next to him. She looked dead except for the rise and fall of her chest Her head was at an awkward angle between the seat and the car window. He wondered how she could sleep peacefully like that though he admitted that she looked adorable. More like a doll to him.

He got to the penthouse and was surprised when the gate was opened to him. The night watchman bowed as he made his way into the compound. He got out of the car and was met with three maids in the courtyard waiting. His parents were thoughtful to keep the place running.

"Good evening sir" One of the maids greeted. David nodded curtly."Your room is ready Sir".

"My.. umm..." David stammered. He didn't know how to call her his wife. She was a stranger to him. "There is a lady in the car. Will you mind waking her up?"

"No need. I am here". Joanna said as she got out of the car and slammed the car door. She was pissed. Why would he call her a lady? Doesn't he know anything about courtesy? She was his wife and he should as hell learn to deal with that!