Page 19 of Something Old

I pick up the other pillow and press it over my ears, doing my best to block out her crying - and my guilt.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Leora

My wedding night was one of the worst nights of my life. The rejection hit me so hard. And I still don’t understand it. It still hurts to think about it. Mas was so cold and abrupt. He pushed me away and didn’t even want to sleep in the same room as me.

I thought he wanted to marry me. I’m so confused.

And I know men have needs - isn’t it normal to sleep with your spouse.

We are married. Married couples have sex.

Maybe he’s not attracted to me?

No - that can’t be right. I think I’m pretty. He seemed into me when he kissed me - so why in the world did he turn me down on our wedding night?

I know if he just lets go of whatever he has against intimacy then we can get to know each other more and we can build an actual relationship.

We have just landed in Hawaii, and I am over the moon with excitement as we step off the private jet.

He has been his usual quiet self the entire flight, but now that we’re here, the vibe is going to bring him out of his shell. I just know it.

People rush towards us, throwing strings of beautiful flowers around our necks. Bright red and yellow. Our car is already waiting here for us and the driver is busy loading our luggage while Masaccio and I stand listening to the welcoming song as Hawaiian dancers sway their hips. It’s gorgeous, and so much fun.

I giggle and jump a little, grabbing Masaccio’s hand. He pulls his hand back.

Asshole. I will break him down.

He’ll soften over the next week.

The driver comes over to us. “Mr. And Mrs. Vece, we are ready to take you to your accommodation.”

Driving through Hawaii feels like I have been transported into a different world. This is nothing like the city at home.

It’s like I’m in a movie. Everything looks so perfect. Bright, warm sunshine is flooding everything, and the ocean looks so blue it’s almost like someone painted it that way.

Our accommodation is a beach villa. The back step opens right up onto the beach. The white sand is right up against the house.

I can’t believe this. It’s a dream come true.

Masaccio doesn’t look impressed at all as we walk through the villa. He picks up an apple from the fruit basket and eats it, glancing around as though he’s seen this all a hundred times.

“This place is magical.” I say, skipping around the sofa to open the big glass sliding doors.

“Mm. Yeah. It’s great.” Mas says with zero enthusiasm.

“Do you think we can go diving while we’re here? I’ve always wanted to try that.”

“You can go diving. Do whatever you want.” He turns his back on me and walks out of the living room area towards the kitchen.

I follow him, a playfulness in my step. “Are you hungry? Shall we go out for some seafood?”

“No. I’m going to make a toasted cheese and then get some sleep.” He replies blandly.

“Mm. Ok.”

If he wants to lie down for a while I have the perfect idea.

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