Chapter Three: Honeymoon

Aria's POV

The ride to Jameson’s estate was silent. I sat beside him in the limousine, clutching my bouquet so tightly my knuckles turned white.

He stared out the window, his expression unreadable.

When we finally arrived, the sight of the Blackwell mansion took my breath away. It was massive, elegant, and intimidating, much like its owner.

A sprawling garden stretched across the front yard, and the tall iron gates made it clear this was a fortress as much as it was a home.

The moment we entered, Jameson’s staff greeted us politely, though their eyes were filled with curiosity.

“Welcome, ma'am,” They all chorused, bowing at the same time. I could feel their stares lingering on me, silently judging. This got me fidgeting.

Jameson didn’t wait for me to process the grandeur. He rolled his wheelchair forward, his cold demeanor like a wall between us. He didn't say anything to me and left just like that.

I was taken to my room and I sat on the bed, finding myself wondering about this new life I just signed for. I laid on the bed and stared at the ceiling, pondering deeper.

But then, I was startled by my ringing phone that was in my bag, and I quickly went to retrieve it, desperate for a distraction from all this.

Seeing Mia’s name on the screen, I felt a surge of relief and quickly answered. She's my favorite person on earth.

“Aria!” her voice came through, frantic and full of concern.

“What the hell is going on? Was that you on the news? Married to some guy in a wheelchair? I swear the person looks exactly like you aside from the fancy wedding gown and jewelries. Where have you been and why weren’t you picking my calls?” She bombarded me with questions, and I massaged my temple.

Sighing deeply as I settled on the bed. I bit my lip, hesitating.

“It was me,” I admitted quietly.

“What?! Are you serious? What’s going on? Who’s that guy? What happened between you and Adrian? And why didn’t you tell me anything about this?” She was really shouting. Well, I don't blame her. She must have been really worried.

“It all happened so fast, Mia. My… parents—they arranged everything without telling me. I didn’t even have a choice. And for Adrian, I guess we're done. I sent him a text, informing him about this wedding but he responded to none. My heart is really broken right now.” I wept.

“Aria,” Mia said softly, her tone filled with concern. “Are you okay? This doesn’t sound right at all.”

“I’m not okay,” I confessed, tears threatening to spill. “They forced me into this. They said it was repayment for raising me. And the worst part? I’m not even their real daughter. They’ve known all along. I’m the daughter of a servant who died, Mia. I’ve been nothing but a burden to them.” I wept silently.

“Oh, Aria…” Her voice cracked, and I could tell she was on the verge of tears too. “I’m so sorry. You didn’t deserve any of this.”

“I don’t know what to do,” I whispered. “To make the matter worse, my so-called husband hasn't said a word to me. I should be glad about this, but he looks upset throughout the wedding ceremony. This must've been done without his full consent. He was acting distant, and honestly, I don’t want to be here either. But I don’t have anywhere else to go.” I kept on lamenting to her about my fears.

After talking with her for close to an hour, I finally hung up the call. My chest feels lighter. Still in my wedding dress, I doze off without even knowing.

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The Next Day.

Morning sunlight seeped through the curtains, casting warm golden streaks across the room. I blinked awake to the gentle tapping on my door.

“Miss, it’s time to get up,” a soft voice called.

I groaned softly, dragging myself out of bed. The same maid stood patiently outside, holding a tray with tea with a polite smile.

“Good morning, ma’am.” She greeted me.

“Good morning,” I smiled.

“So…. would you like breakfast in your room, or should we prepare it downstairs?”

“I'll join you soon. Thanks.” I flashed her a smile.

“You need to make it snappy. Madam is waiting for you downstairs.” I furrowed my brows when I heard her.

“Who?” I asked. Then it occured to me that it was Jameson’s mother. I refreshed up very fast and headed downstairs.

“Mum, enough of you butting in my life!” I was welcomed by Jameson’s loud growl. I was startled, wondering what was going on.

“It's my gift for your marriage, honey. Newlyweds usually go to honeymoon and this could help build chemistry between you two.” His mum explained gently, and my eyes twitched in surprise.

‘Honeymoon?’ it didn't even cross my mind for a second. She finally noticed me then flashed me a sweet smile and I returned it with an awkward one.

This was hard.

“H-Hi, ma'am.” I greeted nervously. But Jameson hissed and rolled his wheelchair away. He hadn't said a word to me, making me wonder if he even recognizes my face.

“Come closer, child.” His mum's voice cut through my thoughts. I smiled, walking closer to her.