Chapter 3

Sarah

It turns out the store is fresh out of ugly dresses, so I settle for a beautiful wedding gown with delicate lace and intricate beadwork. The dress is a vision of elegance, featuring a sweetheart neckline that accentuates my figure and a flowing A-line skirt that trails gracefully behind me.

It's so beautiful it makes me sick to my stomach.

Natalie's eyes widen with surprise and delight when I come out to show off. "Sarah, you look absolutely breathtaking!"

I don't share the same enthusiasm as her. "I guess since I am going to be the sacrificial lamb, I might as well become one in a dress like this," I say grimly.

Natalie snorts. "Come on, Sarah, it's not that bad. At least the man you are marrying is a total stud."

I glare at her. "A stud who just marched in and assaulted my lips and walked away without a second look. I think I am marrying a psychopath, Natalie."

Natalie looks thoughtful. "He does kind of give me the Patrick Bateman vibe."

Oh, dear lord, I am so screwed!

"Ahem"

I spin around to face the man who cleared his throat behind me. It's the same man who came with my future psycho husband. "Hello, I see you are still here. Do you want to go ahead and kiss me too?" I snarl at him.

To my surprise, the man burst out laughing. 

His laughter is deep and infectious, filling the room with its warmth. I can't help but feel a flicker of annoyance at his reaction. "What's so funny?" I snap, crossing my arms over my chest defensively.

He composes himself. "No offense, miss, but I wouldn't dare lay a finger on those precious lips of yours," he chuckles. "Vincent will chop my head off and feed it to his Piranhas."

I narrow my eyes at him, unsure if he's serious or being dramatic. "Piranhas? Are you trying to scare me?"

He takes a step closer, his eyes studying me intently. "I've seen enough of Vincent's wrath to know better, that's all," he replies, his tone serious now. "Trust me, you don't want to provoke him for any reason."

I find myself involuntarily shivering. It's bad enough that I am forced to marry someone. But now I have to worry about marrying a psycho.

"What's your name?" I ask, trying to divert the conversation away from the impending doom that seems to loom over my head.

He gives me a warm smile, revealing a set of perfectly straight teeth. "My apologies for not introducing myself earlier. My name is Nathan Black," he says, extending his hand towards me.

"Nathan Black? That sounds like a villain from superhero movies," I blurted out.

Nathan chuckles. "Hey, you are funny. I can't wait to see how you handle the big boss."

"Um...aren't you going to introduce me, Sarah?" Natalie spoke suddenly. 

I turn to Natalie, momentarily forgetting her presence in the room. "Natalie, this is Nathan Black. Apparently, he's acquainted with my charming fiancé and his piranhas," I say dryly, gesturing towards Nathan.

"I heard. It's a pleasure to meet you, Nathan Black," she says, subtly leaning toward him.

I roll my eyes at her flirtatious behavior.

Nathan smiles politely at Natalie, shaking her hand. "Likewise, Natalie." He turns to me. "Well, if you already decided on the dress, I will go ahead and pay for it. Vincent is expecting me back soon," Nathan says.

"Pay for it? Why would you pay for it?" I ask.

"You must've missed it. He wanted me to wait here and pay for whatever you buy," Nathan reminds me.

Ah, is Mr. Psycho trying to buy my affection?

But come to think of it, he didn't seem like he was interested in me or my affection. After he kissed me, he simply grunted like an animal and walked away. "Why is he buying my dress? What is he trying to prove here?"

"It's just his way of saying he accepts you as his bride." Nathan grins.

"So he forced that kiss on me earlier because he approves of me?" I scoff.

God, what an arrogant jerk!

"I don't want his dirty money. I can pay for this myself," I say stubbornly.

Nathan shrugs. "Alright, suit yourself," he says but still stands there, waiting.

I take a deep breath and turn towards the dressing room to retrieve my purse.

As I rummage through the small bag, searching for my wallet, a sudden realization hits me. I am about to marry a man who has shown no respect or consideration for me in any way. His actions thus far have been nothing short of degrading and possessive.

With renewed determination, I decide that I will not let Vincent control or manipulate me. This wedding is not going to be the end of my freedom but rather the catalyst for my escape.

I stride my way back to the checkout counter and wait for the sales clerk to finish ringing up my dress.

"That will be 13,595 dollars, ma'am," she said with a smile on her face.

I nearly choke on dry air. "Excuse me? How much?"

"That will be 13,595 dollars, ma'am," she repeats like a robot.

My eyes widen in shock at the exorbitant price tag. "Um...is the thread made of gold?"

Nathan, who has been observing the situation silently, steps forward. "I'll take care of it," he says calmly, pulling out an extravagant black card from Vincent handed him earlier.

"No, you don't have to do that," I protest, but I know I can't afford it by myself. Like I said earlier, my father is drowning in debt.

Nathan waves off my objections. "You didn't have a choice in the first place. I was just humoring you. Vincent gave me the strict order to pay for everything."

I grit my teeth, feeling anger bubbling up inside me. Vincent's control is already suffocating, and we are not even married yet. But I realize that I must play along for now.

"Thank him for me, Nathan," I say through clenched teeth, forcing a smile.

Nathan nods.

"Think of it as your payment for being forced into this marriage," Natalie whispers in my ear.

Aha...that is true. I should spend this bastard's money even more then!