Her Dreams

Days melded into months and months into years and yet Skyla's life didn't take a turn for the better.

In the last three years, she was reduced to a mere showpiece. He refused to let her complete her graphic design degree. Skyla always wanted to become a successful digital artist. She had dreamt of creating beautiful art, to give life to characters that existed in her mind.

Yet all her dreams crashed with her father's illness and then this sham of a marriage. Doran didn't permit her to continue her studies, nor did he let her pursue a career or teach her how to handle the business.

Skyla didn't give up though. She decided to keep learning and joined many online courses. She was practising creating her art one day when Doran walked inside the room and threw a cursory look at her.

"This is a waste of time. Why are you interested in drawing cartoons? Grow up," he derisively remarked.

"It's a form of art and I enjoy making it. I want to create my own comic someday," she informed him, not ready to give up on her dreams.

"It's ridiculous. I don't understand adults who watch anime and read these stupid munwas or mangas or whatever they are called," and Skyla facepalmed herself, he couldn't even pronounce manhwas correctly.

"It's a visual experience like no other. Sadly, it's not for the dull-minded," she retorted back, clearly disappointed with the man who had no taste and liked to put others under for it.

Not at all liking her tone, Doran snatched her tablet from her hand and in one swift movement smashed it against the opposite wall. Shattering the screen and leaving her dumbfounded. Her hands went to her mouth

"Neither do I have patience for people who waste their time on trivial things. I don't want to ever see you working on these again. Go get changed, we have Caleb's wedding to attend and wear something attractive, not dull," he hollered at her, leaving her flabbergasted and sauntering towards the bathroom as if he had done nothing.

This was her world of escapism. In this dull unromantic married life, anime and her digital art had been her constant companions. And he just yanked that away from her.

She rushed to her tablet and picked it up, the screen was completely broken. But she had backup of her work and relief washed over her. Nothing he would say or do could deter her love and enthusiasm for the world of anime and digital art.

"If you can't be supportive then I will do it secretly. If you can have your harem of women, then I can create one with 2D men." A knowing smile spread over her full lips as she put away the tablet and walked inside her closet.

Choosing an off-shoulder maxi dress in violet colour she donned it. She then did her hair and make-up and wore silver heels.

Doran was waiting for her when she emerged from the walk-in closet. He was all dressed up in a white three-piece suit and olive green loafers.

His awaiting eyes took her in, she looked ravishingly beautiful. For a fleeting second, she thought he would compliment her but he didn't.

"Come, we are getting late," he instructed before briskly walking out. She sighed and followed him.

Their elderly chauffeur; Mr. Anders offered a polite nod and opened the door of the car.

"Good evening, Mr. Anders," she respectfully greeted the man and settled inside the backseat. Doran comfortably reclined beside her. As the car began to move he turned slightly and spoke in a stern voice.

"Caleb is my best friend. Behave at his wedding, don't make a spectacle of me or yourself. Don't try to act over-smart and engage in minimum conversation. Remember to smile, nod and look pretty. That's what is required of you,"

His chauvinistic instructions always kindled rebellious desires in her.

"I am not a Barbie doll, I am your wife. I have my own views and thoughts."

"Not required, don't give me a reason to resort to means I want to avoid," the underlying threat in his voice had her gulp with some difficulty. His lips had curled upwards as he sneered at her. She didn't want to be hit again and arguing with a rigid man was futile.

Mr. Anders slightly glanced at the couple from the rearview mirror and thought that history was indeed repeating itself.

Skyla turned her face away from her husband. The suffocation she experienced in his presence was always overwhelming.

Doran got busy on his phone. The clicking sound of his typing was the only noise that could be heard.

They arrived at their destination soon and his whole demeanour changed. Gone was the brooding, sneering man and was replaced by a charming smiling one.

He helped her alight the car and held her hand, the photographers who had gathered clicked and their cameras flashed. Extremely fake smiles both of them offered the camera as he held her by the waist and waved at the media.

"Just one more, Mr. Doran," cameramen insisted and shouted for his attention.

Once they were done with the photo session he led her inside and whispered.

"Fix your smile, it looks forced. At least learn how to act," the words were said while his face held an ominous smile and Skyla nodded her head at him.

Burying the emotional turmoil that was going rampant inside of her, she plastered a big smile on her beautiful face and just hoped he would spare her later.