CHAPTER 5

ANNA'S POV

"Rise and shine!" "It's your big day!" my buddy Victoria cried with excitement. I struggled to fully open my eyes due to the harsh brightness of the sun.

"Is it today?" I asked groggily, getting out of bed and wiping my eyes.

Before I could grasp what was going on, Victoria surprised me by putting a lovely white gown on the bed.

My life had taken a dramatic and unexpected turn for the worse. Not only had I lost my job recently, but I was also forced to marry a total stranger without any sentiment of love or attachment. I felt like I was imprisoned in a strange dream, where I was being sold to someone very influential.

I had promised myself never to fall for Kevin because I knew I would end up getting hurt.

Kevin doesn't seem capable of true love, and he doesn't seem ready for a real relationship. I'm only considering marrying him because of my family's situation, and I know it wouldn't be right to leave them to struggle when I could do something to help. I'm not willing to put my feelings first if it means letting down the people I care about.

After my initial shock wore off. I started to get ready for the wedding. It was past seven and the make-up artist was ready, she picked out a simple yet elegant hairstyle that complemented the gown on the bed.

Kevin had already booked everything from the dress to the make-up, and shoes, to the venue and the legal documents. I wondered if this was going to be a grand affair or not, but without having seen Kevin in several days, I was left to rely on Madam Angelica's briefing, which included a detailed schedule and list of all the elements that Kevin had arranged for the event.

The makeup was light and simple, I slipped into my wedding dress, it fit perfectly and clung to my curves.

Looking at myself in the big mirror, I couldn't help but feel like a stranger in my own body. I didn't want to be marrying someone for the wrong reasons.

"Jane the makeup artist looked at me carefully before lightly touching my cheek. "You don't have to pretend, you know," she said. "You are truly stunning, and your genuine smile will brighten the room."

Her remarks struck a chord with me, and I saw that my insecurities were preventing me from accepting myself. I took a deep breath and let go of my artificial smile, allowing a genuine one to spread across my face.

Jane's eyes brightened as she witnessed the shift. "That is it! She screamed, "That's the smile I was talking about." "You radiate beauty when you're being authentic."

As I stood there, admiring my reflection in the mirror, doubt began to creep in. Was this really what I wanted? This entire wedding felt more like a production than a celebration of love. I knew deep down that I couldn't go through with it.

Ignoring the voice in my head urging me to leave, I took a deep breath and walked to the window to get some air overlooking the beautiful garden outside.

The sun was starting to set, casting a soft, golden glow over everything. It was a picturesque scene, but my heart was heavy with uncertainty.

"You look stunning, my love as always" Victoria's voice drew me back to reality

As I turned back at her I could see her eyes full of tears. Immediately a lump formed in my throat, and my eyes became very tearful. I gently held her hands, squeezing them softly.

"Thank you, darling, you look amazing also," I replied, she was going to be my chief bridesmaid so she wore the same color of dress as me, the armless gown she wore was short and it had a flare at the bottom.

"I can't believe you are getting married.

I am happy for you, Anna you deserve it and more" the tears that have gathered around her eyes finally drop down her face.

Ever since Victoria's parents both passed from a car accident I saw her as my sister ever since then we have been together for years sharing most of our life experiences, we've talked about our dreams and plans, getting married, having kids, it just feels sad that this whole preparation is just like in a movie and it's not considered as a true marriage to me, because I do not love Kevin am just being forced by my mom and I have no choice.

"Stop crying, you are ruining your beautiful makeup," said Victoria as she wiped my face softly with some wipes and hugged me.

"I wish Dad was here, if only he was here he would not let this wedding hold, instead he would find another alternative to clearing the matter on the ground than sacrificing my happiness by marrying a billionaire who I don't love," I said with a heavy waving voice.

As I stepped into the luxurious vehicle, its opulence made me feel uneasy and guilty. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was making a huge mistake by marrying someone I didn't love, all to protect my family's well-being. Was sacrificing my happiness worth it?

I noticed the driver watching me intently, making me feel uncomfortable. As we approached the church, I saw the tight security presence, a testament to the high-profile nature of the wedding. The whole town was abuzz with the news that the future CEO of Beyer's Law Firm was marrying a mysterious stranger, and it seemed like everyone wanted to witness the spectacle.

In a stunning revelation, the driver turned out to be Johnny, my boyfriend. He whispered, "Anna, it's me, Johnny," as he removed his disguise. I was shocked, unable to process what was happening.

"What are you doing, Johnny?" I asked, my voice trembling.

With ease, Johnny navigated the vehicle through the security and turned onto a secluded path. "We need to talk, Anna," he said, his tone firm as he stepped out of the car and opened the door for me.

His expression turned icy as he confronted me. "How could you do this, Anna? This is how you choose to end things between us? Without even a warning or a conversation?" His voice was laced with hurt and anger.

"Wait for me, Vicky," I called out as I stepped out of the vehicle, but my attention was focused on Johnny.

Johnny's eyes blazed with a mix of anger and hurt, but I could see the love and desperation behind them. "That's not it, Johnny," I explained, my voice laced with pain. "I was forced into this marriage. It was the only way to clear my father's debt and save my family from ruin."

Johnny's expression softened, and he took a step closer to me. "Come on, Anna, let's leave," he pleaded, his voice cracking with emotion. "Let's run away and start a new life, far away from everyone."

Tears welled up in his eyes, and my heart ached with sorrow. I wanted to be with him, to run away and forget about the mess I was in. But I knew I couldn't.

"I'm sorry, Johnny," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "It's already too late. I'm on my way to the altar. As much as I love our relationship, I have to put my family first. Maybe I'll divorce Kevin after the debt is settled, but for now, I have to see this through.”

Just as it seemed like Johnny and I were going to make a break for it, a backup driver arrived, accompanied by two burly men. They were clearly waiting for the bride, and their arrival marked the end of our fleeting escape plan.

The men approached us, their tone firm but polite. "Hey, you, what are you doing here? The bride is running late. Get in the car and drive," one of them instructed Johnny.

Johnny quickly donned his mask, concealing his identity. "Right away," he replied, his voice neutral as he got back behind the wheel.

As we drove to the wedding venue, my anxiety grew. The church was a vision of loveliness, with beautiful decorations and a sea of expectant faces. I felt a wave of nausea wash over me as I stepped onto the red carpet, the weight of my decision settling in.

The congregation stood as I made my way slowly down the aisle, careful not to trip on my veil. Kevin, resplendent in his navy blue suit, awaited me at the altar, Clinton, his best man, by his side.

As I stood beside Kevin, I mustered up every ounce of courage and gazed directly into his eyes with confidence. The priest's voice echoed through the church, "Kevin Beyer, do you take Anna Lucas to be your lawful wedded wife, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

Kevin's response was swift and unwavering, "Yes, I do." Victoria handed us the rings, and I repeated the vow, my voice trembling slightly, "Yes, I do."

As the priest concluded the ceremony, my heart began to pound in my chest like a drum. I was on edge, bracing myself for what might happen next. The priest's voice boomed through the church once more, "Is there anyone present who objects to this union? Please come forward now."

The moment of truth had arrived, and I held my breath, wondering if anyone would dare to interrupt the proceedings. My eyes scanned the crowd, searching for a familiar face.

A figure emerged from the sea of faces, a man dressed in dark attire, his black pants and shirt a stark contrast to the joyful atmosphere of the wedding. As he rose from his seat and began to walk towards the altar, a collective murmur rippled through the congregation.

My heart skipped a beat as I wondered who this mysterious figure could be. The air was thick with anticipation as he approached the altar, his purpose unknown. My mind racing, I felt my pulse quicken with every step he took, my eyes fixed on the stranger as if mesmerized.