Bound by Desperation

Ava's POV

“Congratulations Mrs Lockwood”

The words echoed through the chapel, followed by applause that made by stomach twist.

Mrs Lockwood.

That name doesn't belong to me, it never would.

I forced a smile as cameras flashed in my face, but my eyes drifted to the wedding band on my finger.

It wasn't the ring that hurt, it was the one hidden beneath my glove.

“She doesn't look happy” a random lady seated across said

“No she is, she's just nervous” the lady beside her told her

“I think she's just tired but she looks really pretty though” came from the third lady

Well they are right about one thing, I'm not happy about any of this. But I don't have much of a choice do I?

We were led by some guards to a small office inside

“Sign here” the officiant said as he offered us both a pen

Brandon signed without hesitation, why wouldn't he?

I collect the pen with shaky hands, trying to fight back my tears

Staring at the papers, ‘God what am I doing?’ I thought before signing

Shortly after, we left the office back to the chapel

Photographers crowded us

“Closer please”

“Look at your bride”

“Smile”

He places his hands on my waist, I flinch a little. Not dramatically, just enough for Brandon to notice

He leans close enough for me to hear him

“If you're going to hate me, at least wait until everyone is gone”

I mentally roll my eyes

I took a glance at him. His facial expression, very unreadable. I despise everything about this man

He looked like the type of man I'd spend months trying to avoid

But here I am, carrying his last name

Everything about today makes my stomach churn. From a distance I could hear the some comments made by a few guests

“They look perfect together”

“They're the power couple of the year”

The more these comments were made, the more I felt guilty and disgusted. Well, mostly guilty, sigh

In the midst of the crowd, I sighted my mom wearing a neat tailored trousers and a blazer top with white gloves. A white fascinator that covered a part of her face, smiling satisfactory as she approached us

‘Great’ I thought

She hugs me and whispers

“You made the right choice”

“Don’t you dare say that to me mom”

I replied sternly and pulled away from her.

She was the last person I wanted to see here

Brandon took my hand and we were led outside by the guards.

Remembering the comment my mom made a tear almost escaped my eyes. But I had to shake the thought off, they were too much cameras and reporters.

“Mr. Lockwood!”

“How did you meet”

“How long have you been dating?”

Questions everywhere

Brandon stops to reply a few, while I was led to the limousine

“Is your wife okay Mr. Lockwood?” came from a reporter as Brandon entered behind me

God these people really do not mind their business

We kept our distance inside the car.

The tension in the air could be cut by a knife

No one said a word to each other, it was just silence. Awkward silence

I slowly remove my glove, revealing the beautiful ring that captured my heart since day one

Gently kissing it I whispered “I'm sorry”

From the corner of my eye, I could see that Brandon looked over but then quickly looked towards the window

Did he see it?

Did he pretend not to?

My heart raced with different thoughts

Shortly after, the limousine arrives

The towering wrought iron gates glided open without a sound, revealing a long driveway surrounded by rows of tall palm trees

The Lockwood mansion was right at the end of the driveway.

The size of this mansion was mind blowing

This has to be the biggest house I have ever seen

The mansion was built with cream coloured stone and large glass windows that reflected the evening sun. The warm lights that glowed from every corner made the place look expensive and in the middle of the compound sat a beautiful water fountain with blooming colourful flowers around it

Luxury cars were parked in front of the entrance and several uniform guards stood by the gate

A few housekeepers stood quietly at the front door like they had been waiting for us all day

Brandon gets out of the car and walks over to open my door

He looks directly in my eyes

“Welcome home, Mrs Lockwood”

I look at the mansion

Home? I scoff mentally

This isn't a home

It's just a price I'm paying