The wedding.

Selene's POV

My pleadings had fallen on deaf ears.

Mr Harold needed a woman for his son, and I was the perfect candidate. How could Father think selling me like this would fix everything? Did he not see me as his daughter or just a pawn to secure a deal?

After a week and one day, I stood at the altar wearing a white dress I hadn't picked myself.

Tom Harold stood across from me, a grim expression on his face. He looked like a man who never took risks-a man who carefully calculated and planned the next day's events.

We had only met a few days ago for dinner between our families. We sat around the table, and when Father introduced me to him as the daughter he was to wed, he only nodded and continued with his meal.

I knew I was in for a long run. We would grow to love each other. That is what I had told myself.

But now, as we exchanged our vows before the congregation, I wasn't so sure.

"Will you take Tom Harold as your lovely wedded husband, to love and cherish, in sickness and in health?" the priest asked.

I glanced around; Dad sat a few seats away, his arms folded across his chest. Daring me to spoil the plan.

I looked away and exhaled.

"Yes, I do."

The crowd cheered.

He took my hand in his and planted a light kiss on my fingers. So light I barely felt it.

His eyes never left mine.

The celebration passed in a blur. Soon, everyone was exhausted.

I walked hand in hand with Tom to the limousine that would take us to our new home.

But when I stepped in, Tom leaned into the car.

"The driver would take you home. Settle in before I get home. I have some business to attend."

My heart went weary. I had thought I would be able to share the joy of a newlywed couple with him even if it was a rushed one.

"It's fine," I replied, flashing a fake smile.

At home, I tore open the tiny box Mother had slipped into my hand a day before the wedding.

It contained lingerie. The type I had never worn in my entire life. I remembered her instruction.

"Wear it on your wedding night, darling; he won't be able to resist you."

I pulled it out and slipped it on, standing in front of the mirror, partly bashful at how exposed I looked, especially for a man who had never seen my body before now.

Rowland would have loved it. My heart ached. I sank on the bed.

I wondered what Rowland was thinking when he left.

Did he even think of me?

I sighed. "Pull yourself together, Selene. You have a husband now, and it's not Rowland. We have to make this work."

I waited on the bed I was to share with Tom. The clock ticked, evening turned to darkness, and soon I was asleep.

The sound of the door creaking open scared me.

I jerked awake. My body ached from exhaustion.

"Tom, you are back!"

He walked to the dresser. Pulling off his suit slowly.

My chest pounded.

I walked towards him, stopping close enough for my body to brush against his back, and wrapped my arms around him.

He turned around slowly to face me.

"Look, Selene. We were both forced into a marriage we never wanted by our parents. But I would take care of you to the best of my abilities. We shouldn't rush this."

My hands dropped, partly shocked and partly relieved at his decision.

"It's fine, Tom," I said.

His eyes trailed their way to my bosom. I caught the look of desire in his eyes.

I wrapped my arms over my body, suddenly feeling exposed. I scrambled for my robe and tried to cover myself.

"Wait... Don't cover up yet," he muttered.

Startled, I let the robe drop.

"Lie down," he commanded.

His eyes wouldn't even meet mine.

I lay on the soft sheets; my hands trembled.

My skin prickled as he climbed in as well.

He stripped my lingerie away from my body like a man who hadn't eaten in years.

I waited for sweet words from him, but they never came. He avoided my eyes completely.

His lips trailed my face, and soon he was inside me, moaning into my shoulders while I remained stiff with my legs spread apart.

This wasn't how Rowland and I did it.

Rowland was soft. He would kiss my feet and rub me all over before he started, but this was different.

I closed my eyes shut, waiting.

His moans grew louder and louder.

Then finally, he released into me and fell weakly on my chest.

Light snores escaped from him. His weight couldn't compare to the pressure I felt. My life had changed in seconds.

I took in a deep breath.

If this was the price I had to pay for my child, so be it.

But Tom was never going to find out the truth. If he ever did, it would ruin everything.

My reputation, my father's, and the life of the baby growing within me.

I had two weeks to make Tom believe this child was his. My chest ached. Could I survive this charade?