I woke up early, slipped out of the house and went for a jog around the neighborhood. The thought of that guy watching me, made me scared but I managed to jog for 30 minutes and returned home.

Walking inside I was greeted by Haden.

"Where the hell were you? I called your phone and got no response." Haden questioned.

"Sorry I went for a jog."

"You can't just leave without an explanation Aubrey."

"And why not? You do it all the time." I snapped and pushed pass him. I went into my room and slammed the door.

I took a long, cold shower and changed into a floral print dress that reached mid-thighs with a belt at the waist. I paired it with black strapped sandals that reached slightly below mid thighs. I did my make-up and applied a light shade of pink lipstick. After that I curled my hair and let it fall down my back. Satisfied with my look I grabbed my phone and went downstairs.

Haden was in the kitchen when I entered. He was eating breakfast while he busily tapped away on his phone. When he spotted me he stopped and looked at me. His eyes raked over my body then focused on my face. His stare was intense but I didn't look away.

"You look beautiful." He admitted.

"Thank you."

"Uh- I um made you breakfast." He stuttered a bit. Haden Vanderbilt stuttering, this is a new.

"Thanks alot." I chirped as I took a seat opposite him.

"Aubrey I'm sorry for bombarding you like that earlier. I was just worried that the psycho could be out there and something could have happened to you." Haden apologised.

"Its fine Haden. I understand." I responded.

"So where are you heading?" He questioned.

"Over at Caleb's house."

"Why the hell are you going there? You're such a slut." He yelled. After realising what he said his face softened.

"I'm going there because his mom invited me over. If that makes me a slut then where does that leave you. Last time I checked , you're the one who leaves me to be with another woman most of the time. So buddy, I think we can see who the slut is!" I shouted leaving him stunned. I was tired of taking his cruel comments I knew he couldn't be kind for long.

"That dress is too short. What was I suppose to think?" He retorted.

"Since when did you care? Remember you said that this marriage is a sham. So I don't think you have the right to call me out on anything. Look at you, you don't even know me. You don't even know a simple fact that I would never throw myself at men. I wouldn't do that for attention."

"You're not leaving the house in that!"

At that moment a horn blew outside. I'm sure that was Caleb.

"Yes I am leaving the house in this." I retorted.

"Aubrey." He warned.

"Why don't you go tell Ivory how to dress huh? You're good at controlling her.And I'll be leaving now. So why don't you shut the fuck up and stop trying to tell me what to do."

I stormed out the kitchen with those words leaving Haden shocked. He's never heard me spoken like that but I couldn't help it. I was tired of him pushing me around.

I got into the car. Caleb was dressed casually and he smiled as I sat next to him.

"You look beautiful." He complimented.

"Thank you."

In about 25 minutes we arrived at Caleb's house. It was a huge mansion with a terrace and a beautiful fountain.

"Its amazing." I smiled.

"I'm glad you like it."

He drove into the mansion and parked in the yard. His mom stood on the porch accompanied by a man, a woman and a girl. I got out of the car and approached them.

"Hello darling. We meet again." Melissa gushed as she hugged me.

"I'd like to introduce you to Sofia." She gestured to a woman that looked not a day over 40. The woman had blonde hair, grey eyes with hues of blue and green. There were freckles sprawled across her nose and she wore a bright red lipstick. She was attired in a green dress that reached below her knees. She is really beautiful.

"Hi." Sofia smiled at me.

"Hi, I'm Aubrey." I returned her smile.

"This is Sofia's son, Nathan."

Nathan was around 6 feet tall. He had black hair with grey eyes that had hues of blue and green. Mom always told me my eyes were special and people rarely had it. I guess it isn't so.

"Hey Aubrey." He smiled showing his pearly whites. He looked really young, well around my age.

"Hi." I smiled.

"And this is Sabrina."

Sabrina had blonde hair and green eyes. She looked around 16 years old. She was very pretty and wore a mini skirt paired with a tank top and some sneakers.

"Hello Aubrey." She greeted politely.

"Hello." I smiled.

"We're the Hawthorne's. It's nice to meet you." Sofia beamed. She's so friendly.

"Its nice to meet you all aswell."

"Nathan and Sabrina, why don't you two show Aubrey around? We'll meet up at the back in 15 minutes." Melissa said and we nodded.

"So Aubrey, how old are you? Are you dating Caleb?" Sabrina winked and I chuckled. We were walking around and looking around the house.

"Easy with the questions sis." Nathan rolled his eyes.

"Its fine. I don't mind. Well I'm 22 years old and I'm already married." I remarked.

"Just when I thought my cousin nabbed a girl." Sabrina laughed and I joined in. Nathan just shook his head, a smile playing on his face.

"I'm 16 years old. I'll be 17 next week Thursday, the 14th of August. You're invited to my party. Nathan is 22 years old, his birthday is November 10th. When is your birthday?"

"Thanks for the invite and my birthday is the 18th of November."

"Your eyes are so pretty. Those eyes are rare you know. Did you inherit them from your parents?" She beamed.

"Yes I suppose." I smiled.

"So do you have any kids?" She asked.

"No, not yet. What career path are you looking at?" I asked.

"I wanna be an interior designer. My dad isn't too fond of it but that's what I really want to do." She replied.

"Where do you work?" Nathan asked.

"I don't really work I mostly stay at home. But I wanna start helping out at an animal shelter and a children's home."

"That's really cool. Maybe when I'm free we can go together." Sabrina gushed. I like her already she has an energetic personality. Nathan seems cool to talk to. He's chill.

"Are you married Nathan?" I questioned and he blushed.

"No, he can't seem to get over his ex-girlfriend, Rebecca." Sabrina rolled her eyes.

"Shut up Sabrina." Nathan poked her gently and looked away.

"This is the terrace." Sabrina interjected and we continued walking.

I took a quick tour of the place and met with the others in the back. There was quite a large number of people gathered outside. There were tables stacked with food and grills busy at work. Walking down, we met a man standing next to Sofia which I think is her husband.

"Honey, this is Aubrey. Aubrey this is my husband, Terrance." Sofia introduced us.

"Nice to meet you Aubrey." He smiled kindly. Terrance looked around the same age as Sofia and had green piercing eyes. He had black hair and looked alot like Nathan. They were such a cute, perfect family.

"Nice to meet you too." I smiled.

I felt a hand over my shoulder and realized that Caleb had returned.

"Wanna grab something to eat?" He questioned and I nodded.

He got a plate and filled it with two hotdogs. Then got us drinks. We sat in silence as we ate.

I played a couple of games they had then sat down by myself and checked my phone. I messaged Vincent and told him he could pick me up at Caleb's in an hour.

I wandered around and found the restroom. Upon entering ,I came face to face with Ivory. She looked surprised to see me there and so did I.

"Aubrey! What are you doing here?" She questioned.

"Caleb's mom invited me. What about you?"

"I came with a friend." She answered.

Her hair was flat-ironed and she wore a baby blue dress and a pair of white sandals. She was really glowing.

"But I'm gonna leave in a bit. I have an appointment at the doctors to check on the baby."

"Oh well I hope everything is okay with you and the baby." I smiled.

"Thank you. I hope Haden shows up." She stated.

"We both know he will. He spends alot of time with you Ivory. He loves you." I whispered.

"But you're his wife." She countered.

"And I know I get in the way of what you both have." A look of guilt flashed across her face.

"Its okay Aubrey. Things will work out." As she said that a look flashed across her face. She smiled but it wasn't really genuine, it looked force.

"Yes, I'm sure it will." I responded.

I quickly used the washroom and returned outside. I wanted to see who Ivory came here with.

I spotted Caleb and walked up to him.

"Ivory was here. You invited her?" I questioned.

"No I didn't and mom didn't either." He furrowed his brows.

"Well she's probably a plus one." I shrugged and he nodded.

"So when are you leaving?" He questioned.

"In an hour."

"I'll drop you home." He stated.

"Actually, Vincent is coming for me."

"Oh I see. Does Haden know?" He questioned with a smirk.

"Does it matter?" I countered.

"Hm I guess not."

"Aubrey, Haden does care about you, you know."

"What makes you say that?"

"I can see it. He is a bit stubborn but he has a big heart."

"I'm questioning everything now Caleb. The fact that I'm so in love with him and he isn't trying with me hurts and for once I would like to be loved. Just loved without it being forced."

"And you feel that with Vincent?"

"I...I don't know. I feel happy when I'm with him. He makes me really happy." I smiled remembering our moments.

"Happiness is the start of love. It is love." Caleb said as he looked over the balcony.

"I don't wanna rush into anything. My feelings are undecided."

"Its okay to be confused. It's okay to be unsure. Just don't rush into anything."

"Thanks for the advice. I appreciate it."

"Anytime and you know what? When the time comes you'll know who to choose. I think you do already." He smiled.

~

I was currently sitting in Vincent's car and looking out the window. What would my parents say? How would they feel?

"You okay Aubs?" Vincent's smooth voice penetrated my ears.

"I'm just a bit nervous."

"You'll be fine." He put his hand on my leg and rubbed it gently.

A few minutes later we pulled up at my parent's house.

I rung the doorbell and the maid opened it.

"Hello Aubrey." She smiled and let us in.

"Hey Stacy, are mom and dad home?" I inquired and she nodded.

I walked into the living room and found my mom reading a magazine. As she spotted me she came over and hugged me tightly.

"Oh darling. I missed you soo much. I'm glad to see you. My sweet baby finally visited me." She babbled as her eyes lit up.

"Yes mom I just came to check on you guys."

"Honey, Aubrey's home!" Mom called from downstairs.

"Hi Vincent. Nice to see you again." She smiled.

"The pleasure is mine Miss Katie." Vincent kissed her hand causing her to giggle like a schoolgirl.

"Aubrey, welcome home. You rarely ever visit us." Dad said as he walked downstairs.

"Hey dad, I'm sorry. I've been busy but I promise to visit more."

Dad hugged me and we all sat down on the sofa.

"So what's with the surprise visit?" Dad asked.

"I just came to check on you guys."

"That's so sweet." Mom smiled.

"How are things between you and Haden?" Dad asked.

"Its been alright."

"If things are tough home just let us know." Dad said sternly and I nodded.

We chatted for about half an hour then we left.

"Why didn't you ask about your birth parents?" Vincent asked.

"They looked so happy to see me. I couldn't bring myself to spoil that. Maybe some other time." I said and he nodded.

Vincent pulled into a park and we both got out. I went on the swing because it was my favorite ever since I was a kid.

"This is so fun. I almost forgot how it felt." I screamed in excitement.

Vincent was pushing me higher and higher and I felt like I was on top of the world. Then we took turns. I pushed him and then he pushed me. When we were both tired we sat on the benches and enjoyed the evening breeze that blew.

"This is nice. It's peaceful." I stated and he nodded.

"Aubrey?" Vincent called.

"Yes."

"I'll always be here for you." He said as he placed a kiss on my forehead. It was gentle and warm.

"Thank you and I'll be there for you aswell." I hugged him and he smiled.

"Now let's get you home."

~

Arriving home I was greeted with the stench of alcohol. Haden has been drinking.

Immediately I was pinned against the wall.

"Where were you?" Haden asked. His breath reeked of alcohol and I resisted the urge to puke.

"I was out Haden."

"Answer me! Damn it!" He barked.

"Didn't I tell you I was going over at Caleb's?" I rolled my eyes.

Haden just stared at me.

"Then why did Vincent drop you off?" He sneered.

"Because he took me to my parents." I retorted.

"Are you two seeing each other?"

"If we are , what's it to you?" I snapped.

Haden smashed his lips on mine with such force that it made me gasp.

"Does he kiss you like this huh?" Before I could answer he kissed me again and again until I felt weak.

He then threw me on the couch and pinned my hand over my head.

Once again he kissed me. It was rough and raw.

"Haden stop!"

He ignored me and ripped off my dress. He kissed my neck all the way down and peppered kisses all over my body. I squirmed under him and tried to wriggle free.

"Haden please stop." I begged him but he ignored me.

Tears stung in my eyes. Haden wouldn't do something like this.

He sucked on my neck and I knew that would leave marks in the morning.

A few seconds later I was completely naked and tears were cascading down my cheeks.

"Didn't you want me Aubrey? Didn't you want me to be here? Well I'm here and a husband deserves to make love to his wife." He spat as he slapped my butt causing me to yelp.

He kissed me again and prepared himself to enter me. He tightly held my hands over my head which would leave bruises.

"Haden no. You're hurting me please stop!" I shouted and he paused.

He realised what he was doing and backed away from me. I was sobbing and the tears wouldn't stop. How could he do this to me ? I grabbed my clothes and the little pride I had left and ran away from him and into my room.

I took a very long shower and went to bed. I knew he was drunk and that scared me. He had no right to act like this. It's absolutely disgusting!

Everytime I closed my eyes I saw him doing that to me. I knew I couldn't stay in this house.

I quickly gathered some stuff and packed a bag with some clothes. I tiptoed downstairs and slipped out the door. I ran down the street and didn't stop.

Suddenly, I felt someone grab me and put their hand over my mouth and nose.The substance they used caused me to lose consciousness. The last thing I saw was the blonde guy and a couple other guys as I drifted into the darkness.