Chapter 1

I watched in silence as my mother fastened a pearl necklace around my neck. Her hands were steady and practiced, like she'd done this a thousand times before.

"It goes beautifully with the dress." she gushed, clapping her hands in delight. "You look absolutely stunning. I'm so glad we picked this gown."

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, not bothering to hide the annoyance on my face. I hated the dress. It was too frilly, too lacy and far too much for my taste. But of course, mum thought it was perfect. And now here I was, wearing it on my wedding day.

A wedding I didn't even want.

"I look ridiculous." I muttered.

Mum frowned. "Don't be dramatic. You look beautiful, like a proper bride."

"The gown is suffocating." I groaned, tugging at the neckline. "Just like this whole wedding ceremony."

Mum let out a sigh as her fingers brushed the edge of my veil. "Elena, please don't start now."

I turned to her, my voice coming out shakier than I expected. "How do you expect me not to? I'm about to marry a man I've never met before. You know that's insane, right?"

Her eyes softened, but her voice stayed firm. "It's not insane. It's necessary."

"Necessary for who?" I snapped. "For Dad? For his business?"

"Elena-"

"No Mum, you need to listen. You're letting him do this to me. You're standing by while he hands me off like I'm some pawn piece."

She looked away, her gaze falling to the floor. "You think I have a choice?"

"You're my mother." I said, voice cracking. "You're supposed to protect me."

"I'm trying." she whispered. "In my own way."

"By dressing me up and walking me down the aisle?" I stared at her, stunned. "Maybe if you had tried harder I wouldn't be here. Maybe Eleanor wouldn't have run away in the first place." I paused. "Are you even worried about her at all? What if something bad happens to her?"

Her silence was enough of an answer for me.

A knock at the door broke the moment and a blonde woman peeked in. "It's time. Everyone's waiting outside."

"We'll be out in a minute." Mum replied, her voice tight. She turned back to me, smoothing the veil over my shoulders. "We have to head out.  Are you ready?"

I looked at her, eyes burning. "If I say no will you stop the wedding?"

She didn't respond. Just gave me a tight-lipped smile, handed me a bouquet and opened the door for me to step out.

Feeling defeated, I took in a deep breath and tried blinking away the tears as I lifted my dress and I followed her out. My heart thudded against my ribs as I stepped into the hallway. The air was thick with tension and as I got closer to the wedding hall, every step felt heavier than the last.

The procession music was loud and overwhelming as we made our way to the main hall. I hated everything about this: the dress, the venue, the rushed planning. It was all thrown together in a week, just like the engagement, courtesy of my father and his selfish plans.

Mum walked beside me, her arm linked with mine. She kept her gaze forward, her posture perfect but I could feel the tension in her grip, like she was bracing herself.

At that moment I wished I had my sister's courage. Maybe then I'd have run away too. But instead, I found myself walking through those stained glass doors, dozens of eyes watching me as whispers floated through the air.

My gaze locked in on one person. Nathaniel Sinclair.

I couldn't help but be curious. In a few minutes we'd be married and all I knew was his name. I hadn't seen a photo, hadn't even heard his voice either. From what my mum had told me, though I'd barely been listening, he hadn't even been in the town until last night. He flew back the day before just in time for the wedding, like it was some business meeting he needed to attend. 

Nerves hit me hard as I walked closer. I gripped the bouquet tighter and tried to ignore the stares all around me. There wasn't a single familiar face in the crowd. Not even Kaylor, my best friend, who was off to Greece for a trip she couldn't miss. I could've been there with her, sipping martinis and soaking up the sun. Living my best life.

Instead, I was here, at my own wedding.

At the front, I finally saw him clearly. Nathaniel Sinclair. He had pretty green eyes, a sharp jawline, high cheekbones and wavy brown hair. He was really handsome and I didn't hide the fact that I was checking him out. And from the way he looked at me, I guessed he was doing the same.

The priest cleared his throat, snapping us out of our silent exchange.

The ceremony dragged on. The priest spoke about love and unity, but it felt hollow. Nathaniel looked bored and I couldn't even blame him. I'd also rather be anywhere else but here if I could.

After we exchanged our vows, the priest declared us husband and wife and asked us to seal it with a kiss. Nathaniel raised an eyebrow and I blushed. He stepped forward, hesitated, then gently kissed my forehead, his lips barely touching my skin.

And just like that, I was married. To a stranger.

Applause and whistles filled the room as we walked down the aisle together. I glanced to the side and saw my dad, arms crossed, watching silently. His face gave nothing away.

My mother sat beside him, her face a mirror of his. I thought back to our conversation in the dressing room. I don't know why, but a part of me had really believed we could have a heart-to-heart. That maybe, just maybe, she would see how scared I was and save me from all this.

But she hadn't.

I quickly brushed away a tear slipping down my cheek, hoping no one noticed. Outside, Nathaniel and I were met with a flood of smiling faces, guests congratulating us and wishing us well in our new marriage. 

I couldn't even fake a smile. And with the buzz in the air and everyone's happy spirits, I doubted anyone noticed just how unhappy the bride looked.