Chapter Two

Trovian's POV

The wall clock that stared back at me told me my bride was thirty minutes late. Was David planning on humiliating me today? Was this why he insisted on a grand wedding? To humiliate me in front of this many people? I maintained a stoic face as the guests murmured, wondering why the bride was late just like me.

I glanced at the priest for like the seventh time in a minute and nodded at him, mouthing that the bride was still on her way even though I was no longer sure she was. My jaw tightening in anger at every second that passed by.

The front door creaked open, and the whole room turned to follow the sound; a gasp ringing out in the space. They started murmuring amongst themselves, no doubt in shock. I stood, watching in awe as she walked down the aisle in the company of her father dressed in an all black flowing gown, the top of the dress fitting her like a second skin. The entire room was obviously against her choice of colour for the occasion, but I begged to differ. She looked so good in black that I wondered if any other colour would fit her as well as this did.

Her father was red with anger as he led her to the altar, his grip on her arm tight and his face strong. He was obviously against her choice of dress and that made it better.

He must have thought that he was the one with the upper hand considering that he cornered me into signing that contract but he couldn’t be more wrong. He only gave me a ticket to my long awaiting dream.

Just you wait, David, I will make sure you pay for your sins. I will destroy your family in one fell swoop. And your little princess will play a huge part in my games without knowing it. Her eyes met mine and I smiled at her. A blush slowly appeared on her cheeks and she quickly averted her gaze to the floor.

I tried my best not to scoff at her actions. I have done my little research and I know that Cassandra Jekins and shyness do not exist in one sentence.

Just as they were a step away from me, he leaned in and whispered something in her ear. She went still, then she maintained her straight composure. The veil did justice in hiding her face from me.

David’s hard gaze fell on me and I returned the energy, my chin lifted up and I smirked at him. He nodded at me and placed her hands on my outstretched palm. Then without saying a word, he turned around.

Her hands trembled slightly in mine as I led her to the altar.

We stared at each other as the priest began the ceremony of talks. More accurately, I stared at her while she kept her gaze locked on the ground. I was eager to see what she looked like beneath the veil. David had ensured that none of his children were ever captured by the media. I was certain she would resemble her monstrous father, but in a female form.

There was no other way to describe David's appearance except as 'monstrous.' The knife scar that ran from his eye down to the right side of his lips made him look ten times worse. From afar, he looked like someone whose face was stepped upon by a galloping horse but up close, you’ll figure out that it was better that he was being stepped on by a horse. He was the epitome of ugliness. Saying that he could win the award for the most unattractive man even though he joined at the last minute was putting it mildly. I often wondered what Sofia saw in him that made her stay, playing the role of an obedient wife so comfortably.

The time to lift the veil finally came and I did so without hesitation. I froze for a moment, struck by the sight in front of me that I did not expect. Her beauty was undeniable, almost painfully so. Her eyes, deep and shimmering like the night sky, held a mysterious allure that threatened to draw me in . Her lips, soft and inviting, curved into a gentle smile that spoke of grace and warmth. The delicate blush on her cheeks added a touch of innocence to her ethereal presence.

It would have been easier if she was her father's carbon copy instead of the innocent Greek goddess she resembled. Her beauty was like a container housing the vicious viper within.

“A reading from the scripture…” I zoned out watching her face while the priest continued talking about a bunch of things I Could care less about. He even went on to educate us about the word marriage. Cassandra had her gaze on the floor the entire time.

“Mr. Blackwood, please repeat after me.”

“I, Trovian Blackwood, take you, Cassandra Jenkins as my lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us apart, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto i pledge you my faithfulness.” I repeated after him, still staring at her.

“Cassandra Jenkins, please repeat after me.” she jolted at the sound of her name. She looked around slowly, shock registering on her face. Then as though she just realized where she was, she turned to the priest.

Did she doze off while I was saying my vows?

“I, your name please, take the groom’s name, to be my wedded husband.” he paused for her to repeat after him.

As Cassandra's gaze locked onto mine, I nodded encouragingly, urging her to continue. She swallowed hard, her slender neck convulsing as she began her vows.

"I, Cassandra Jenkins, take..." Her voice trembled, and she faltered, her words dangling in the air. A beat of silence passed, heavy with anticipation.

Then, without warning, Cassandra's face crumpled. Tears burst forth like a dam breaking, streaming down her cheeks continuously. Her body began to shake, her shoulders quivering like autumn leaves.

I stared at her in confusion. What the actual fuck is going on?!

"I'm sorry..." she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I'm sorry, I just can't..." The words trailed off, lost in a sob.

In a shocking, fluid motion, Cassandra lifted her gown and turned to flee, leaving me standing alone, bewildered, and humiliated on the altar. The rustle of her skirts, the soft gasps of the stunned guests, and the creaking of the old church's wooden pews all blended together in a cacophony of chaos.

My muscles coiled, tensing like a spring ready to snap. My jaw clenched, teeth grinding together in a mixture of shock and anger. My fists balled, knuckles white with restrained fury, as I locked eyes with David.

How dare he humiliate me like this?!