✨ Chapter 1: The Wedding I Never Wanted
The hall was filled with soft music, glittering lights, and smiling faces.
Everyone looked happy.
Everyone except me.
I stood at the center of the stage in a white wedding dress, my hands trembling slightly. This was supposed to be the happiest day of my life… but it felt like a prison.
"Smile," my mother whispered from behind, her voice low but firm.
"People are watching."
I forced a smile, even though my heart felt heavy.
This marriage was not my choice.
I glanced at the man standing beside me—my husband.
Tall. Cold. Expressionless.
He didn't even look at me.
This was the first time I was seeing his face properly.
A stranger.
And yet… I was about to spend my entire life with him.
"Do you accept this marriage?" the priest asked.
My lips parted, but no words came out.
Do I have a choice?
I slowly turned my head toward him, hoping—just hoping—that he would say something. Maybe stop this. Maybe refuse.
But he remained silent.
Calm. Unbothered.
As if this marriage meant nothing to him.
"I… accept," I finally whispered.
The words felt like a knife cutting through my chest.
"Do you accept this marriage?" the priest asked him next.
There was a brief silence.
Then he spoke.
"I do."
His voice was deep, steady… and completely emotionless.
Something inside me broke at that moment.
The ceremony continued, but I couldn't hear anything anymore. My mind was blank. My future… uncertain.
After a few minutes, the guests started clapping.
"It's done," someone said cheerfully.
Done?
Just like that… my life had changed forever.
Later that night…
I stood alone in the luxurious bedroom, staring at the large bed in front of me. My heart was racing.
This was real.
This marriage… was real.
The door clicked open behind me.
I froze.
Slow footsteps echoed in the room.
He had entered.
I turned around slowly, my fingers gripping the edge of my dress.
He loosened his tie casually, his sharp eyes finally landing on me.
For the first time, he looked directly at me.
And the way he looked at me…
It wasn't warm.
It wasn't kind.
It was… calculating.
"Why did you agree to this marriage?" I asked, my voice barely steady.
A faint smirk appeared on his lips.
He stepped closer.
Closer.
Until I could feel his presence overwhelming me.
Then he leaned down slightly and whispered—
"Because… I needed you."
My breath caught.
Needed me?
For what?
Before I could ask anything, he straightened up and walked past me like nothing had happened.
"I hope you understand one thing," he added coldly.
"This marriage is just a deal."
A deal?
My heart sank.
I stood there, frozen, as his words echoed in my mind.
What kind of life had I just stepped into?
And who exactly… had I married?