The Love That Passed

Jared’s POV

Ingrid helped me pack my things and send them to Grandiose Villa. I wanted to live with mom and Ingrid because we only have each other. But because of Coleen, I will have to live in our old Villa.

It was beautiful, but my mom and dad’s memories were there and I didn’t want to ruin it because of that woman. I can’t even say her name.

I came from work and I overheard them talking so I got worried thinking that a woman was threatening my mom but mom immediately denied that. Although I can say that that woman looks really weak, we cannot deny the fact that looks can be deceiving as well.

I went up to our bedroom and left them there to do whatever they wanted to talk about. Mom likes her so they should be fine.

Our bedroom was big, it was my mom and dad’s room before, thinking I had to share it with a woman which I don’t know anything about was unusual. Will she be comfortable sleeping in the same room and bed with me?

The closet was full of my clothes and I looked at that woman’s side and found that it was full as well and I think they were all new. Did Ingrid and mom buy them for her? I sighed thinking she started to spend our money.

It’s not that I was being calculative but we just married and yet she already spent that much money. She should have the decency to decline or reject if mom and Ingrid invited her to go shopping. I took my clothes and started to change. That woman may come in and I didn’t want her to see me naked or whatever. I still don’t want to share my privacy.

Betty, Mom and Colleen were having a conversation in their meal happily when I came into the dining hall. “Jared, come and join us.” Mom said.

I sat down and Colleen took me some food. Mom and Betty are just watching. “You don’t need to do that.” I said coldly. Mom was going to nag at me but I saw Colleen shaking her head at her.

“It’s the least I can do.” Colleen replied not minding my cold stare.

I decided to ignore her and eat the food she had offered me. I was going to get another food but I knew that mom would get mad at me.

“Jared make sure the ref is always full so Colleen can practice cooking for you.” Mom said,

“She doesn’t need to cook, Betty is here to do that.” I replied which earned me a stare from mom.

“It is going to be her hobby, you don’t expect her to stay here and do nothing, right?” Mom asked.

“It’s not what I meant, all I’m saying is that she doesn’t need to take care of me because I can do it myself.” I replied, trying not to be too arrogant. I didn’t want mom to worry about my marriage.

“Because you already accepted this marriage and are living together under one roof, you have to try to live with each other like two civilized people. how are you going to know her better if you are going to push her away?” Mom asked. I get her point but I didn’t want to do that yet. I still think that she made me do this and she forced me into this marriage.

“As you said, we are already married so there’s no need for you to worry. We will try our best to be civil with each other. Let us do that ourselves.” I answered.

“Mommy Claire, Jared is right. It’s not easy to be with someone you don’t know and let us handle this.” Colleen agreed with me. Mom still looks worried but when Colleen smiled at her, she started to smile again and continue eating. I looked at Colleen who was eating as well and I realized that mom really liked her. She never listens to anyone, even to me or Ingrid but with Colleen, I don’t know what to think anymore.

We had finished our meal and mom decided to go home. I went back to our bedroom and waited for Colleen to follow. After about thirty minutes that she was not yet coming, I decided to go downstairs again and looked for her. I found her in the kitchen with Betty and without them knowing, I overheard their conversation.

“Ma’am Colleen,” Betty said worriedly.

“I told you to call me Colleen, no need for ma’am. It’s too formal and I’m not used to it.” she said, and Betty nodded. “Please promise me that you are not going to tell Mommy Claire everything that’s going to happen here. Whatever ‘s going on with me and Jared, it’s between us and we will settle it ourselves.” she added.

“But Ma’am, I mean, Colleen, Ma’am Claire send me here so that—”

“I know, she sent you here so you could report to her if Jared is treating me right. But you must know that it was hard for him as well. It wasn’t easy to end up marrying someone you don’t know when you already had someone in your heart and in your life whom you expect to get married to when the time comes.” Colleen stopped Betty from talking.

“I know that Colleen, I was feeling sorry for Sir Jared as well. But he already agreed to it so he had to be responsible for his actions and decision. It wasn’t right to get mad at you when he had a choice.” Betty said, I started to feel angry with her but I know that she has a point.

“It wasn’t easy to let go of the company Betty, you wouldn’t understand it. But to him who worked really hard so everything in their company will be alright, it was a big blow for him. It’s like you adopted a child and love him so much and then after a few years, his biological mother will come and get him and you have no choice but to give them back to them.” Colleen explained to Betty. I admire her after I heard her say that, I thought she was selfish not to understand my situation.

“Will you choose to marry someone you don’t love because of money and leave the one you truly love?” Betty asked her.

“Jared and I are in different situations, if you are going to ask me that then my answer will be biased. Yes, I am going to choose the person I love over money. You know why? Because I hate money. It was the root of every good relationship and promises to fall apart. I don’t have good experience with money to choose it over the person I love. I am not happy because of money.” she replied, I don’t know why but I got curious with her answer.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

She hates money, so why did she marry me? What is she going to attain in marrying me? Is she for real? “Colleen, let me tell you this. I have known Sir Jared ever since he was a kid. He may have his girlfriend but I knew that he didn’t love the woman at all. That’s why he chose to marry you. Sir Jared is a kind of person who cares about the people he loves and ma’am Claire knows that. He may be confused with his feelings but I am sure that he would disregard his company if he really loves that woman. So you better do your part as his wife and continue being a kind person so he will notice and fall for you.”

Colleen laughed but not the kind of laugh that sounds happy, “I don’t want to hurt anyone, so it’s better if we stay civil with each other.” she replied.

“Colleen,” Betty said,

“I am fine and this conversation is between us only, OK?” Colleen said and Betty agreed. “Now, can you clean the room beside yours for me?” she asked. Betty was confused.

“I don’t like getting up and down the stairs, it’s too high so I decided to stay down here.” Colleen said, I didn’t know why but I feel a bit angry about that. Didn’t she like to stay with me under one roof as well? I wanted to talk to her already so I decided to make a noise to let them know that I am coming.

They were both looking at me when I entered the kitchen totally,” We need to talk.” I told her and she nodded. I turned around headed to our bedroom, I can feel her following me so I continue walking up.