Louisa's POV
"Father, please don't..."My sentence was cut short by a slap across my cheek."You will get married to Lucas Farrow! That's part of the arrangement!" My foster father Jake looked crossed. "But he's a mafia! He's a criminal! Father, please..." I covered my face with tears pouring down my cheeks. Jake went hysterical and barked at me, "I know who he is! But I owe him money! He needs a wife and you will become his wife! If you don't get into the car right now, he will let people burn our house down and kill us all! Is that what you want?! To see us burning in hell?!"I lowered my head and wiped the tears off my face.No, I didn't want to see anyone burning in hell. He had a gambling and drinking problem, but he had also raised me for 22 years.Now it seemed to be the right time to pay him back. So I got into the black sedan and the driver closed the door. As the engine started, I thought to myself -Am I going to be... the wife of the most intimidating mafia billionaire in the country?! I have absolutely no idea of what was awaiting ahead of me. But as most things happened in my life, I don't give a shit.Anyway, maybe things will turn out just fine for once in my life. As the car drove through piles of birch and pine trees, it finally stopped in front of a giant, castle-like mansion.A butler opened the door for me and led me into the mansion through the side door. He showed me into a room, where a tall, intimidating lady was awaiting."Oh, mine," she exclaimed and covered her face with obvious disappointment. "Is this that Torrington girl?" "Yes, Mrs. Farrow," the butler replied. Mrs. Farrow? Is she Lucas Farrow's mother? My future mother-in-law?Mrs. Farrow sized me up and down and shook her head, "A lowbred girl like her never knows her manners. She hasn't even greeted me. This is rude. Are you a mute or something?" "Sorry, Mrs. Farrow. I didn't mean to offend you." My voice was barely louder than a whisper. "Oh, she looks so dumb." Mrs. Farrow rolled her eyes. "Take her downstairs and sort her out. She can't show up in front of everyone with a face like that."This is way too much. Just as she was about to walk away, I raised the volume of my voice and said, "Mrs. Farrow, my name is Louisa Torrington. I come from a poor family. But I don't think that is the reason for you to treat me in this way. You're an ill-mannered person, not me."Both Mrs. Farrow and the butler looked shocked. Mrs. Farrow's face was red and white for a while. I knew she was on the verge of swearing, but at that time, a servant came and said, "Mrs. Farrow, Young Master Lucas has just arrived."The high-maintenance, arrogant bitch rolled her eyes at me one last time and walked off with her nose pointing at the sky.-My wedding night was not quite the same as I had imagined in my life. I stood at the altar like an idiot, waiting for my future husband to show up, together with more than 100 angry-looking gangster members in the audience. And when my future husband finally showed up, he was walking into the chapel with a girl hanging on his arm!She looked petite, with innocent sparkling blue eyes and radiant blonde hair. Everyone in the chapel was looking at her and whispering because of what she was wearing.She was wearing a white wedding dress. The level of confidence and comfort on her face almost made me believe that this was her wedding.Who the heck wears white on other people's wedding day? I thought to myself and clenched my fists.Then, I shifted my eyes to my future husband Lucas Farrow. My heart skipped a bit. I couldn't take my eyes off him.I almost forgot to breathe. This is my Mr. Right. I thought to myself. This is the man that I have been dreaming of.He was a tall, stunningly handsome man who was in his early thirties. The tailored wedding suit was clinging to his muscular torso, accentuating his broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was full of elegance and charm. He looked like a movie star walking out of a shooting site or some sort. As he laid his eyes on me, I could see infliction and annoyance in his eyes. My heart sank. He didn't like me at all. "Hi, my name is Jessica Hutchinson and I'm Luke's friend. We've grown up together and he's so generous and kind. He's the brother that I've never got." Jessica displayed a sweet, gummy smile. "Since you don't have any people for today, Luke asked me to be your bride's maid. I hope you don't mind me wearing white. I didn't mean to steal your show. It's just this dress is the only thing I could pull out at the last minute."I decided to be nice, so I stretched out my hand and said, "My name is Louisa Torrington and..." Jessica ignored my hand and stepped back. "Oops," she chuckled as she left the altar. "What am I doing? I'm standing on the altar, holding the groom's arm. Stupid me!" I withdrew my hand awkwardly and took a glance at Lucas.He wasn't even looking at me.The priest cleared his voice and said, "Lucas Farrow, do you take Louisa Torrington to be your wife? Do you promise to be faithful to her...""Father, let's skip the vow," Lucas interrupted the priest's speech. I was so shocked that I couldn't even say a word.People in the audience started humming and snickering. Lucas didn't seem to notice. He picked up a ring and grabbed my hand.Instead of putting that ring on my finger, he tossed it into my hand like a piece of trash.It took me a few seconds before I realized that he wanted me to put it on by myself. As I turned back to get the ring from Jessica, I could see the flash of menace in her eyes. I ignored her hostility, picked up the ring, and handed it to Lucas. He took it and put it into his pocket. The priest tried to save the moment by speaking out loudly, "By the power invested in me, I hereby declare you husband and wife..."Lucas left the altar before the priest said "You could kiss the bride now". Jessica followed him and grabbed his arm. She tiptoed and whispered into Lucas' ears. Lucas tilted toward her a bit to listen to her. They looked so intimate like two peas in a pod. I, on the other hand, was abandoned and left alone at the altar.Everyone was staring at me with pity, just like I wasn't wearing anything.I covered my face and stormed out of the chapel.By the time I reached the swimming pool, I couldn't stop but cry out loud. I had pictured my wedding a thousand times in my mind ever since I was a little girl.But here I am, weeping next to a swimming pool, being the most miserable bride in the entire world."Aha, you're hiding here. I've been looking for you everywhere." I heard a voice from behind. I turned back and saw Jessica standing behind me.She walked towards me with an evil smile on her flawless face."How does it feel to be arranged to marry someone who doesn't even want to look at you?" She said with cruel innocence on her face."It's none of your business," I replied. "Stay away from my husband and leave me alone."Jessica narrowed her eyes and said in a vicious threatening voice, "Luke will never love you! He's mine! If you want to be his wife, you will have to put up with the fact that there are three people in your marriage and you are the extra one."I became furious at the arrogance in her voice. I stared at her with hatred in my eyes."What? Do you want to start a fight with me? I wouldn't do that if I were you. Lucas will always take my side unconditionally. You'll see!" I clenched my fists with anger burning in my chest.How dare this bitch say something like this on my wedding day? Just as I was about to punch her in her stupid face, she suddenly screamed and threw herself into the swimming pool.I frowned. What the heck is this attention-crying bitch doing?!Louisa's POVAt almost the same time, Lucas ran out of the building. As soon as he saw Jessica struggling and crying for help desperately in the water, he didn't hesitate to jump into the pool to rescue her."Luke, please don't blame Louisa! I tripped over something by myself and fell into the pool! It's all my fault! I know Louisa is mad at me because of what I'm wearing today. So I came here to apologize and try to make up with her. But she didn't want to listen to me and pushed me away. I shouldn't have approached her in the first place. It's all my fault...""What did you do?" Lucas stood in front of me like a giant tower. Even though he was soaked wet, I could still smell the mixture of smoke and alcohol on him. Droplets of water dripped down his chiseled face. He was steaming with anger."Do you know that Jessica can't swim? Are you trying to kill her?" Lucas asked in a cold voice.His words were like knives, stabbing into my heart."I didn't push her," I said in a low but fir
Louisa's POVThe next morning, when I walked into the bedroom, Lucas had already gone. I went downstairs and saw Mrs. Farrow standing in the living room, glaring at me."Great, you're here. I was about to fetch you," Mrs. Farrow said. "The housekeeper is getting on a bit, so I sent her away this morning. Since you're here, I don't think we need to hire a new one. You know how to be a housekeeper, right? Your father said that you used to take a part-time job at the local Holiday Inn?""Where's Lucas?" I ignored her provoking question and looked around. "I want to know where my husband is.""My son's gone for a business trip with Jessica. I know he should take his newly married wife on a honeymoon trip, but what can I say? Maybe he's just not that into you." Mrs. Farrow tossed a mop and a bucket in my hands. "Now, start to move. Chop, chop. The floor doesn't clean itself."Then, she got closer to me and lowered her voice, "My son loves an obedient wife. You should get the gist of it, j
Lucas' POVI approached Louisa. I couldn't believe this tiny, pale woman standing in front of me was capable of doing something so mean to such an innocent girl like Jessica.To my surprise, Louisa didn't want to flinch.Her olive-colored eyes were filled with angery tears. But there wasn't any fear.Why isn't she afraid of me? I frowned and thought to myself. I saw thugs pissing themselves when they were confronted by me. Does she even know what I used to do for a living?"Tell me what really happened." I said in a low voice. "I've already told you what happened. You weren't listening." Louisa replied in a determined voice. "I didn't pour anything on Jessica. She was complaining about the tea I made and she poured the tea all over herself. I might be a lousy tea brewer, but I'm not a liar."Again. No fear.There are a lot of things about this woman that annoy me, but telling lies isn't one of them.As we were staring at each other, Jessica stepped in and said, "Oh, come on, Luke
Louisa's POVThe kettle should have hit Jessica right in the face, but Lucas blocked it with his arm. "Ahhhh!" Jessica screamed.She jumped up and down in pain, just like a panicked drenched monkey. Lucas was standing on her side, holding her arms. The concerns in his eyes angered me. So I raised my voice and said, "Don't you ever try to frame me again, bitch!" Then, I pushed the bodyguards away and walked off.The bodyguards automatically wanted to catch me, but Jessica's wailing kept them stalled. "You will pay for this!" she screeched. "Well, bring it on, bitch!" I shouted without looking back. I stormed upstairs into the bedroom and slapped the door, shutting the chaotic circus show downstairs behind my back.I had to use the pillow to cover my face to stop myself from crying out loud.What have I done to deserve this?! What have I done to them to make them treat me in this fucking way?! Feeling exhausted, I decided to take a hot bath to chill out a bit. Right after I
Louisa's POVAs soon as I said the word "Laura", Lucas seemed to change into another person.I had never seen him being so mad like that. I could see fires of anger in Lucas' eyes and popped veins on his forehead. He dragged me on the floor all the way into the bedroom.Then, he pressed my face against a contract on the table. I saw his gun lying next to my head."How did you know that name?!" He barked next to my ear. I felt that he wanted to crash me into pieces with his bare hands.I couldn't say a word. My mind went blank because of tremendous terror. "I'm asking you a fucking question now! Answer me!" Lucas roared and pressed harder. "You mentioned her name on our wedding night... You were drunk and you confused me with her..." I opened my mouth, trying to get more air into my lungs.Lucas pulled me up to look into my eyes."Do not ever mention that name! Did you hear me?! You've got no fucking right to mention that name in front of me!" he growled. I had been waiting for
Louisa's POVAs a gigantic needle slowly penetrated into my spine, I had to bite my hand to stop myself from crying out.I lifted my head and saw Jessica standing in front of me, sneering at me."How does it feel, bitch?" She leaned forward and asked. "I told you that you would pay for it.""Fuck... you..." I squeezed those words out of my mouth. "Ah, that's rude." Jessica rolled her eyes.The door opened and Lucas walked in."Oh, Luke! It's so good to have you here!" Jessica flapped her hand as if she was about to faint. Then, she looked panicked and leaned into Lucas' arms."I can't stand this. You know that I'm afraid of blood!" She peeked through her fingers and exclaimed in a nasal voice. "Take your seat outside, Jess." Lucas comforted her in a gentle voice. After Jessica left, Lucas approached me. I thought he would lean forward to comfort me, but he didn't even look at me. Instead, he stared at the doctor and asked, "Have you finished, Dr. Jafar?""Almost done, Mr. Farrow
Louisa's POVThe party started at dusk.Standing behind the upstairs window, I watched glamorous rich people gently walk into the mansion. Among them, I recognized some familiar faces, including prestigious businessmen, politicians, and celebrities. They were chatting with Lucas, who looked fascinating and sophisticated in a sleek tuxedo. He looked as confident as a prince holding a glass of champagne in his hand. It seemed that my husband was indeed doing a groundbreaking job to expand his social circle. Taking a glance at myself in the mirror for one last time, I bit my lips.I couldn't recognize the girl in the mirror. I had never put on this much make-up like this on my face. The only thing that looked familiar was my chestnut-colored hair and olive-colored eyes. "Look at you! You look stunning in this beautiful dress!" Jessica exclaimed with both of her hands overlapping on her chest. "Go downstairs and let Lucas see you! He'll be more than happy to present you in front
Louisa's POVLucas froze. "What did you just say?" He asked. "You've heard me. I want a divorce," I said. "Prepare the papers and I'll sign them."His face darkened.I continued in a plain voice, "Our marriage is a mistake. Let's stop it right now before we make it worse." Jessica popped up from nowhere and overheard my speech.Her eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh, no! Louisa!" She exclaimed like a drama queen, with one hand placed over her forehead. "Do not do this to Luke! There's nothing going on between me and Luke. He's so kind and generous!" Then, without waiting for me to say anything, she leaned against Lucas and said, "Oh, Luke. What can I do to save your marriage? It's all my fault. If you want me to apologize to Louisa, I can say sorry to her. What shall I do, Luke?"This fucking bitch is pulling her fucking gimmick again. I thought to myself. Do you want hell? I'll give it to you.I grabbed the mobile phone in Lucas' hand, switched the volume to maximum, and displaye