Dear Wife, I Hate You (by Josephine Mbanefo) novel Chapter 2

Lilith’s Pov

Everybody clapped as Killian kissed me.

I couldn’t even smile.

Not after what he whispered to me. Not after those cruel, bitter words sank deep into my chest like thorns. Tears slipped quietly down my cheeks, but I quickly wiped them off, not wanting anyone to see me break.

I looked up at him.

There was no love in his eyes. Just hatred. Cold, dark hatred. He hated me with every part of him. And deep down, I knew he was going to show it. He was going to be cruel. He meant every word he said.

I turned to face the crowd.

They were all smiling. Clapping. Celebrating. But all I could see was how fake it all felt. Their grins, their cheers, their pretty clothes and glassy toasts. They weren’t happy for me. They were happy for the alliance. For the name. For the money. No one cared that I was walking straight into misery.

The wedding ended in a blur, It was all done. I was now somebody’s wife. Killian’s wife. The word sounded foreign in my head. Uncomfortable.

Wife.

I followed everyone to the reception, my heels clicking against the stone path as I walked like a guest at my own wedding. People laughed, the sound echoing into the open air, mixing with the music and the clinks of wine glasses. The reception was held outside too, beneath strings of warm lights and around decorated tables. There were trays of food, drinks, cakes, and people pretending like everything was perfect.

Emily helped me out of my wedding dress in the private changing area. I slipped into something simpler. A silky, cream dress that made me feel a little lighter. But not free.

I walked into the reception and looked around. My father was already in his suit mode, discussing business like today was just another power move. My mother was bouncing from one guest to another, laughing and fussing and showing off like she was the bride.

I stood quietly, alone in the middle of everyone.

People greeted me. I replied softly. I didn’t smile. I couldn’t. What was I supposed to smile about?

Everyone knew Killian wasn’t meant to marry me. They knew who he loved. My sister. Not me.

I didn’t eat. I didn’t drink. My stomach was too tight to even try. All I could think about was what would happen next when I go to my new home.

I could barely breathe just thinking about it.

*****

It was finally time.

Time to leave with my husband.

When I stepped outside, the cool air hit my skin, and I saw my parents waiting. My mother rushed to me the moment she saw me. She pulled me into a hug so tight, I almost lost my breath.

“My child,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “So you’re now a wife. Make me proud. Do not disobey your husband. If there’s any problem, just call me.”

Before I could even get a word out, my father cut in.

“She won’t be giving Killian any trouble. There won’t be any need for her to call you. Do you understand?”

I turned to face him, unsure if he was warning me or comforting me. He looked serious as always, the kind of man who thought hugs were weakness.

“Be good to your husband,” he said.

I nodded.

He nodded back.

That was his version of affection. I had learned not to expect more.

Then Emily appeared out of nowhere, throwing her arms around me without hesitation. I clung to her like she was my last thread of comfort.

“I’m going to miss you so much,” she whispered. “I’ll come visit you every single time I get the chance.”

I gave her a weak smile. “I’d love that. At least I’ll have someone around who actually loves me.”

She leaned closer, brushing my hair behind my ear. “Even if it’s a month from now and you still want to go ahead with the plan... I wouldn’t mind. I’ll come get you. I’ll find a way to leave.”

I nodded, but deep down, I knew I wouldn’t run.

Not because I wasn't brave.

But because I didn’t want to make things worse than they already were. There was enough tension between our families. Enough unspoken mess.

“Lilith,” my mother said again, “just promise me you’ll be good. Be good to your husband.”

“I—”

“Of course she’ll be good to me,” a voice interrupted.

Killian.

He had appeared so silently, like a shadow. My mother turned to him and forced a polite smile.

“Please take care of her.”

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