Selena's heart thundered in her chest like a thousand drums as she stood at the altar, her father's piercing gaze burning into her skin. This wasn't supposed to be her moment – it was Sarah's. The sister who'd always shone brighter, who'd always been their father's favorite. But Sarah had refused, and now Selena was trapped in this billionaire's game.
The opulent ceremony hall sparkled like diamonds, reflecting the glittering lights and designer outfits of the elite. The air hummed with excitement, but Selena felt suffocated by the weight of it all. Her new husband, Adrian billionaire tech mogul, towered over her, his chiseled features a mask of indifference. Did he care she'd been forced into this? Did he care she wasn't the one he wanted?
Panic clawed at her throat as she repeated vows she didn't mean, her voice barely audible over the pounding in her ears. The scent of expensive perfume and fresh flowers made her stomach churn. This wasn't a fairy tale – it was a business deal. Her father's ambition had sold her to the highest bidder, trading her future for a lucrative deal with Adrian's Industries.
Selena's mind screamed questions – would she ever be enough? Would she ever break free from this twisted fate? The pressure of her father's expectations crushed her, making her wonder if she'd ever be more than just Sarah's substitute. Every beat of her heart pulsed with rebellion, every breath tasted like defiance. She was a bird in a gade, wings clipped, song silenced.
As she slid the ring onto her finger, a chill ran down her spine. This was real. This was happening. She was Mrs. Selena Adrian now. The crowd erupted in cheers and ululations, but Selena felt numb. The photographs blurred into a haze – smiling faces, champagne toasts, her father's proud grin.
Adrian's hand on her back was a gentle but firm reminder she was his now. His eyes met hers briefly, cold and assessing, before he turned to greet their guests. Selena's smile felt painted on. How did people do this? How did they trap themselves in marriages like this?
As the night wore on, Selena's thoughts spiralled into darkness. Would she lose herself in this life of luxury? Would she become a trophy wife, a showpiece for Adrian's ambitions? The thought terrified her. She wasn't made for this. She had dreams, goals – she wanted to study, to work, to be her own person.
But those dreams died the moment she said "I do". Now she was part of Adrian's empire, bound by tradition and duty. The music pulsed louder, the laughter more raucous. Sarah felt herself fading, lost in the sea of expectations.
Selena's gaze drifted to Sarah, standing at the edge of the crowd, a mix of guilt and worry on her face. Had Sarah known this would happen? Had she pushed meinto this? The questions swirled, adding to Selena's turmoil.
And yet... something inside Selena sparked. A spark of defiance, of fight. She'd not go down without a struggle. She'd find a way out. She'd find her voice in this billionaire's world. As Adrian led her to their waiting car, Selena's eyes locked on the night ahead – and she knew she'd fight.
The uncertainty terrified her, but that spark inside burned brighter. She'd fight for her freedom, for her voice, for her life. The city lights blurred as the car sped into the night. Selena leaned back, her mind racing – what lay ahead? What lay hidden in Adrian's world?
As the car turned into the driveway of a mansion that now felt like a prison, Selena steeled herself. This was just the start. She'd play along, she'd learn, she'd wait. And she'd fight.