Chapter 3 - The Wedding

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After what felt like an eternity, the limo finally stopped in front of a grand estate, guarded by imposing figures.

I stepped out of the car, and then out of nowhere a group of maids hurried toward me, trying to usher me inside; it was as if they had waited for me.

“Wait a second,” I protested. “What’s the hurry?”

The maids exchanged glances but offered no explanation, as they pushed me forward. “Hey!” I objected again, but they didn’t listen.

My father tried to reassure me. “It’s alright, dear. We’ll wait for you inside,” he said as we passed through the door.

Inside the mansion, I expected to find myself in a dark room or some hidden corner, but instead, I was led into a lavishly decorated space.

The bed alone was twice the size of mine, and the closet was enormous, filled with exquisite gowns and shoes. “Oh,” I murmured, taking it all in.

My attention went to a golden standing mirror adorned with jewelry and more wedding gowns. It was clear they intended to dress me for the occasion.

Lost in thought, one of the maids suddenly placed her hands on my shoulder.

The others urged, “Tire it off.”

I turned sharply, annoyed. Tire what off? Do you have any idea how much this outfit cost? It’s worth ten times your combined salaries!” I snapped, though I didn’t know the exact number. “Either you act like normal human beings and explain what’s happening, or we deal with the situation another way,” I warned, glaring at them.

The maids looked at each other.

To my surprise, one with black hair laughed. “Seriously, when I heard Mr. Creed was getting married, I thought it’d be someone impressive. But for him to marry… this,” she gestured at me, “it’s disappointing.”

“Lisa, keep it shut,” an older maid scolded. “Who the boss marries isn’t your business.” She turned to me. “I’m Josie. The one with the lizard tongue is Lisa, and the redhead is Mary. We didn’t mean to scare you earlier.”

“It’s fine,” I replied, still a bit irritated.

Josie continued, “Mr. Creed gave us strict orders. We have less than thirty minutes before the priest arrives, and he wants you ready.”

“Thank you, but that’s not necessary. I’m ready,” I said, unwilling to give up my expensive gown.

“Huh?” Mary seemed surprised.

“He didn’t just say to get you ready. He said to take off whatever you have on and put on one of these,” Josie said, pointing to the gowns on the bed.

“That’s exactly what he said,” Lisa added.

“Sure, that’s how the bastard put it.” I muttered under my breath,

Then turned to them. “But this outfit? It’s a gift from someone important. First time I’m wearing it. I’m not taking it off. You can either help me add a few touches or we’ll stand here staring until the priest arrives.”

“Not good,” Mary murmured.

“I’m sure it isn’t,” I replied.

“Why do we need her consent? It’s a shitty wedding away. We could just make her change,” Lisa suggested, pissing me off.

“I’d love to see you try that,” I snapped. “And I wouldn’t mind dragging you to hell myself.”

Lisa looked frightened.

After some back and forth, Josie agreed to my choice and began adjusting my look. What should have been a quick touch-up took a long agonizing hour, but the final result was impressive.

A knock at the door announced it was time.

My father took charge and escorted me downstairs.

“Mira, smile. This isn’t a funeral,” he said.

“To you maybe,” I replied firmly, forcing a smile. “Losing my freedom isn’t something I take lightly. It feels worse than death.”

“Oh, come on. It’s not that bad,” he sighed.

“Really? How about you take my place, Dad?” His silence spoke volumes. I muttered under my breath, “Just as I thought.”

He had no idea what I had to give for this crap, even though it was his idea.

Downstairs, a group of men in suits awaited. They were handsome, and I wondered which one was my groom. Or were all of them? I shook off the thought, hoping this wasn’t some absurd polygamous setup.

My dad guided me past them. Relief washed over me when I saw the young priest up ahead, though the groom was nowhere in sight.

“Where is he?” I demanded, frustrated.

“Stand at the altar. He’ll arrive,” my father instructed sternly.

I did as I was told, awkward and uncomfortable, avoiding the priest’s overly cheerful grin, I stood there trying not to look stupid.

Two men suddenly walked by, deep in conversations, with papers in hand.

I stared, hoping to spot my groom. My eyes settled on a taller man with black hair and a commanding build. His charisma was impossible to ignore. I reminded myself this was just a contractual marriage and tried to push the attraction away.

That must be him.

But the men continued their conversation, oblivious to what was going.

Then annoyed, I shouted, “Excuse me, are we getting married or not?”

“Oh, dear!” my mother gasped, mortified by my outburst.

Lucian’s head shot up. “What’s happening?” he frowned.

“Your wedding, sir,” I heard the other man beside him reply.

He looked around, confused. “Today?”

“Yes,” He confirmed.

I muttered under my breath, “This… this fucker.”

“Mira, calm down,” my mother’s birdlike voice tried to reach me.

Yeah, I had anger issues.

I thought I’d outgrown them, but here it was, bubbling up as I watched the handsome bastard walking… no… strolling towards me like it was another day in the park.

I took a deep breath and turned to the priest, trying to calm myself.

When he finally reached me, he smiled at the priest. “Let’s get this over with.”

“Thank God,” I murmured.

The ceremony began.

The priest recited the customary verses. There were no romantic vows, no intimate moments, but at least it was moving forward. After the rings were exchanged, the priest prepared to instruct a kiss.

“No way,” I cut in. “Let’s skip to the next part, Father,” I said with a forced smile.

The handsome man beside me nodded with a smile, and we moved on.

Just like that, we were officially husband and wife.

“Finally, I can breathe,” I whispered.

“Thank you, dear,” my mother said, hugging me.

“It’s okay,” I replied stiffly. “All that remains is the paperwork for Father’s company,” I added, eager to move on.

“He’s about to return it,” my mother reassured me.

“Oh, that fast? Maybe this marriage will end before it even began. Good,” I smiled.

Then the man in glasses I had seen with Mr. Creed... I learned his name was Ken... walked over to us and informed me that my so-called new husband wanted me to join him.

“I’ll pass,” I said.

“It’s not a choice,” he replied. “If you have something to say, say it to him.” He pointed to where he was seated with my father.

My mother’s expression changed immediately. She went pale in a second, and the more I looked at her, the more I felt they were hiding something from me.

Still, I didn’t push her for answers.

I turned, and our eyes met, and I swear I hated the way that gaze of his was making me feel. “I’d rather not,” I said, then pulled my gaze away and looked back at my mother.

Lucian looked slightly puzzled but didn’t press it. As he went back to his conversation, I reminded myself this was just the start of a contract marriage. Nothing more. Still, a small part of me was curious—what did he want?

“I know,” my mother said, pulling me out of my thoughts. “But if he asked for you, then it must be something important.”

She said it, even with that worried look still on her face.