Chapter Five

It was already morning and the cold winter breeze in Los Angeles serves as a gentle reminder that Christmas is fast approaching. The holiday spirit fills the air as people prepare for the joyous festivities ahead. 

The squirting sounds of the squirrels hopping from one cinnamon tree to another fill the air, but their discordant melody is nothing compared to the pain that weighs heavily on my heart. The dissonance of nature mirrors the turmoil within.

I stood in the middle of my room, gazing at my reflection, adorned in a breathtaking ensemble for my wedding with Damien. I couldn't deny that I looked stunning, but deep down, this wasn't the marriage I had envisioned. It pained me to think that my special day would be overshadowed by sorrow and heartache.

Margaret has worked her magic, skillfully concealing the dark circles under my eyes with layers of foundation and makeup, transforming my face into a stunning sight. One would think I should be overjoyed, right? But despite the outward beauty, my heart feels burdened, weighed down by an indescribable heaviness.

I was supposed to marry Mason, the one I thought would be my forever. But here I am, about to wed a man I barely know, all because of one fateful night that shattered my world. It's a painful reminder of how one mistake can alter the course of our lives.

I feel so sad for my father. It's heartbreaking to see my father's company, a renowned establishment in Los Angeles, targeted by the infamous Albrecht family. Their reputation for living above the law precedes them, so it's no surprise that they would go to any lengths to acquire our company, even if it means creating a messy situation.

The Albrecht family is known for their extensive business ventures across continents, spanning both legal and illegal industries. Though no proof has ever been found of their illegal business, that's simply how they live above the law by paying off the law keepers and continuing to indulge in their tourism business. 

So when my father broke the horrible marriage news to me, it was devastating, leaving me feeling hurt and betrayed. Despite my infatuation with the heir of the Albrecht group, it was clear that they had no qualms about forcefully seizing my father's company, knowing how much it meant to him.

"It's time, miss," Margaret said, interrupting my swirling thoughts.

I gulped hard and turned to face her. With a nod, I acknowledged that it was time to confront the harsh reality. As she opened the door for me to step out, I was taken aback to find my father standing there, dressed in a sleek black tuxedo.

"Da……fath……d ....er," I looked flushed, unsure of the exact word to use to address him. 

He stretched his hand towards me, and in that moment, I could see the pain hidden behind the facade of his smile. "I am here to walk you down the aisle," he said, his voice filled with a mix of emotions.

I smiled, although it felt like a painful stretch. Today was meant to be a joyous occasion with my dad and Mason by my side, but instead, it turned out to be the most devastating day of my life. With trembling hands, I reached out and placed my hand in his, trying to find some solace in his presence.

Margaret seemed delighted as she beheld me in the pristine white dress, oblivious to the turmoil within me. My father nodded, turned around, and began leading us down the aisle, a bittersweet moment unfolding before us.

However, immediately the ceremonial hall swung open, and my heart skipped a beat as I took in the sea of people. It was astonishing to see such a crowd, considering the impromptu nature of this wedding. The paparazzi were swarming, capturing every moment with their cameras. The entire place exudes opulence, a testament to the involvement of a prominent public figure. What did I expect? Luxury was inevitable in this whirlwind affair.

My heart raced, and I couldn't help but notice the disdainful glances from the crowd as I made my way down the aisle. As I approached the altar, my gaze fell upon Olivia and Mason, sitting together, their affection for each other on full display. It was a painful sight, and my heart shattered as I watched them being all lovey-dovey.

I couldn't help but gaze at them for a moment, and I'm pretty sure my dad caught on. But before he could say or do anything, I quickly averted my eyes. We continued our slow walk to the altar, but having done his part he quietly left me at the altar alone with the old priest and went back to his chair.

Damien is not yet here, so I stood all alone with the priest at the altar in the presence of every single soul. At times and times, my eyes still moved to where Olivia and Mason were sitting, the smirk and disgusted look they were both throwing my way was enough to have the ground swallow me. 

My heart shattered as I witnessed the man I've loved for so long being all romantic with my step-sister. Hours passed, and still no sign of the groom. Murmurs and whispers filled the air, and I couldn't help but look up and see the embarrassment on my father's face.

"Poor, bride, she has been standing there for hours waiting for the groom," I overheard an old woman's whispering voice.

"Not like the groom is some wealthy man anyway..." Another woman replied, her tone dripping with nastiness.

"I came here to see the man she's been sleeping around with... Poor Mr. Harlow," another woman replied, her voice filled with what seemed like genuine sadness.

"I think we all wasted our time 'cause it seems like the man ain't coming. Shame," a man hissed in a low voice.

The murmuring confused me. Didn't they know I was marrying the supposed heir to the Albrecht group?

"According to the archon woman, she said she's marrying the man she had flings with... I wonder who it is?" Another man replied, yawning in boredom.

The next whispering confirmed my assumption. They had no idea, so I guess that's why Olivia seemed so excited, and this whole crowd came here just to mock my father. So this is what he was protecting - his image and reputation.

I turned around to see the smile on her lips. Olivia seemed like the happiest girl today, looking around, but there wasn't any sign of Layla. Guess she doesn't have the guts to face me, though, not after all she did.

The old priest standing in front of me looked pale and stressed out with what was going on. He kept throwing me a pitiful look. I'm sure his legs might be killing him by now. I felt so embarrassed and ashamed, but when all hope seemed lost and shattered, the priest decided to wed me all alone. He didn't mind the absence of my groom, since they all considered him a man of low caliber.

"Umm... I wed you, Ashley Harlow...." The old priest had barely completed his statement when suddenly the door was pushed open, drawing everyone's attention.

Just named the devil………!!

There was a wild gasp and confusion in the midst of everyone as a group of men, all dressed in black with 500 S&W Magnum pistols in their hands, walked inside the hall. The hall suddenly went dead quiet, and the tension in the air did not go unnoticed. The paparazzi all had their cameras brought down, fear and shock were in the eyes of every single person there, including me.

Oh! My God... is that a gun? My eyes widened in shock, and I just wished I could disappear from there. This is the worst day of my life. My heart was racing so fast, though I decided to stay calm and let's see what happens next.

As Damien stepped out from the group of men and slowly started walking toward the altar, my heart skipped a beat. Smoke swirled around his face, hidden beneath a large black glass and a black cap. For a moment, I forgot about the ache in my heart as I couldn't help but be captivated by his neat and handsome appearance like he had been sketched out in a cartoon magazine.

He looked absolutely stunning! Despite the dark aura surrounding him, I couldn't help but be mesmerized.

He climbed the altar and stood in front of me, gesturing to the confused priest to continue. "Go on with the marriage, I am here right now," he said coldly, causing a loud gasp from the crowd. The tension in the air was palpable.

"WHAT!!" I heard Olivia let out an unexpected scream, the shock in her eyes going unnoticed. Mason seemed surprised too... I guess they were all expecting to see some gray old-looking man just like Olivia portrays him to look. The unexpected twist definitely caught them off guard!

None of them were expecting to see Damien, the heir to the Albrecht group, as the groom. It's tempting to laugh at the shock and terror on their faces, but it's heartbreaking that this marriage is just a business exchange for my father's company.

I seem worthless and meaningless right now, the only things I can feel within me are pain, regret, and anger……..

The old trembling priest stared at him, then at me, before diverting his gaze towards my father's direction in fear. My father nodded, his face cold with a wrinkle stretched out on his forehead, showing that he was in pain. It's a difficult and complicated situation.

The priest turned and continued, his voice cracking. He kept asking a lot of questions, and I kept responding with an "I do." Meanwhile, my gaze moved back to my father. He wasn't even looking at us. He looked stressed out and lost in deep thought. It hurts to see him in so much pain.

I jolted when I felt the priest waving his hand in front of my face. I turned to find everyone, including the priest, and Damien's dark eyes on me. It's overwhelming to have all their attention focused on me at that moment.

Luckily, the priest was kind enough to repeat the question, "Do you, Ashley Harlow, accept Damien Albrecht as your husband?" 

My heart hammered against my chest as I looked at the demon in front of me. If ever there was a time to change my mind and finally free myself from this torture that I am about to enter, the time is now. It's important to listen to your heart and make the decision that feels right for you. I turned to look at my father, there was still a chance for him to make things right.