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Chapter 1: Mrs Lockwood
publish date:
2026-08-11 17:18:37Ava's POV
“Congratulations Mrs Lockwood” The words echoed through the chapel, followed by an 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 collected 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 escape 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 removed 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 came to a stop 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 looked at the mansion Home? I scoff mentally This isn't a home It's just a price I'm paying
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Ava's POV The first thing I noticed when I opened my eyes was the silence. Not the peaceful kind, the kind that made me wonder where I was. I stared at the unfamiliar ceiling for a few seconds, my mind still foggy from sleep. The room was bright, sunlight slipping through the curtains and spreading across the floor. Then I remembered everything. The wedding, the mansion, Brandon and the strange shadow down the hallway last night. I slowly sat up, pulling the blanket closer to my body as the memories from yesterday came rushing back. Rubbing my forehead, I let out a quiet breath. "This is insane.” I pushed the blanket aside, and placed my feet on the cold floor. Standing across the room, I glanced at myself through the mirror. My hair was a mess, and there were faint traces of yesterday's makeup still around my eyes. I looked tired. More than tired. I looked like someone who had just escaped an asylum. “Mrs Lockwood?” a voice called out after a soft knock on the door,
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Ava's POV “Mrs. Maxwell, this was delivered for you,” she beamed with joy and she said that. I stared at the box and back at her. “Delivered?” “Yes Mr. Lockwood sent it” My eyes narrowed slightly, of course he did. I took the box from her, turning it over in my hands. There was nothing written on it. No note. No explanation. Just a small, plain black box that somehow managed to make my heart beat a little faster. I looked at Lily who raised an eyebrow and told me to open it. “Why do I feel like I'm about to see something I wouldn't like?.” I gave her a look before slowly lifting the lid. My breath caught. A ring sat neatly inside. For a moment, neither of us said anything. It wasn't the kind of ring I'd imagined someone like Brandon would choose. It wasn't enormous or covered in diamonds. It was simple and elegant, with a small stone set in the middle that caught
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Ava's POV The silence that followed after my response was unbearable. It was like the walls themselves were holding their breath. I started feeling uncomfortable with the silence.He then turned around, his eyes trailing all over me for a second, like they were studying me and his expression plain, as usual.“Good” he replied, jolting me out of my thoughts. Then he reached out for a book which I assumed was the contract, and showed me where to sign. I quickly signed and dropped the pen. “Good?” I asked with the most confused facial expression everI wasn't sure what I had expected, but that reply was certainly not it. I thought maybe he'd ask if I was sure , or remind me of what I had just agreed to. Maybe at the very least, he'd look surprised.I'd just agreed to marry the man who had made my life miserable at work, and all he had to say was good?“I'll handle everything else when necessary. You can leave” I mouthed a little wow and turned towards the door. Soon, I was out of ther
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