Chapter two

Danielle's POV

Stephen finally let go of my hand, and I slipped to the floor. My dress formed a perfect circle around me, like a barrier no one dared to cross.

 Sophie was strolling through a church, her face still hidden, but I could imagine a smirk playing on her face. My mother walked beside her, her head held high. I glanced at my father, but he turned his face away immediately. My own parents betrayed me on what was supposed to be the most beautiful day of my life. 

Sophie reached the altar, and Stephen slowly lifted her veil. He was looking at her lovingly, completely forgetting about me, as if I were an old toy he got bored with. 

Sophie did not forget about me, though. She looked down at me with a cold smile. 

"You can't fight against true love," she whispered loud enough for me to hear her. I tried to look at Stephen, but he seemed entirely absorbed by my sister. 

I glanced at the crowd, and no one looked surprised by what was happening in front of them. I could not believe that. 

Finally, Stephen turned his attention back to me. His hand was wrapped around Sophie's waist, as if it belonged there always. 

"I can't marry you, since my heart is taken," he said, his voice cold, as if we were strangers. Sophie, on the other hand, blushed innocently upon hearing those words. If I had some strength left in my limbs, I would slap her across her face, but now I felt completely numb. I could only sit, hoping that this humiliation would end soon. 

"For the sake of all those years we spent together, I have a gift for you." Stephen's lips twitched maliciously. "You were supposed to marry a member of the Dowes family, and you will marry one, just not me."

I looked at him, surprised. Was he out of his mind? Who was I supposed to marry? 

"Marcus," Stephen looked at me as if he could read my mind. 

"No way!" I have heard a shout behind my back. At least someone was as shocked as I was. 

"Yes, way," Stephen giggled, as if he told the funniest joke in the world. I glared at him, wondering if it was still the same man I loved deeply for so long.. Now, he looked like an imposter wearing his mask. "If you want to keep your generous monthly allowance, you will do it. If you refuse, the money will be gone. If Danielle decides to reject you, the money is gone. I want to see you taking care of yourself." 

I looked at Marcus, and he seemed to be as devastated as I was, only for other reasons.

Stephen killed two birds with one stone. 

My ex-fiancée was a monster. I wondered whether it was his true self or Sophie's influence. She had a habit of looking down on those less fortunate than her. 

I raised my eyes again to look at Marcus; his jaw was clenched, his hands gripping tightly the wheels, as if he was going to attack his brother. Mr and Mrs Dowes watched the scene with indifferent faces, almost bored. 

"So how is it going to be, Danielle?" Stephen asked, while Sophie giggled in his arms. 

"I will do it," I replied, standing up. My voice was firm. If they were hoping to see me begging, they would be disappointed. 

"Your bride is ready. What would you say, Marcus?" Stephen raised his brow, looking down at his brother. Now, he looked so much like Sophie, I felt disgusted. 

Slowly, Marcus wheeled himself towards me. "I will do it." 

"Splendid!" Sophie clapped her hands like a child. She turned towards the priest, who was watching the whole scene without a word. "Let's go, father, hurry up. Then we can have an actual, real ceremony. 

Marcus stretched out his hand, and I took it gently, as if it were made of glass.

"I am sorry," he whispered, before looking at the priest. 

"Don't be. It could be worse. I could be marrying him," I nodded my head in Stephen's direction. I could see his expression darken, but I could not care less. No more humiliation today. 

I have focused on the priest long enough to say 'I do' in the right moment. Marcus did the same, and a moment later, we were announced husband and wife. I kissed his cheek, and we turned around to look at people gathered in church. No one paid attention to us. 

"Move!" Sophie showed me aside, and only thanks to Marcus, I kept my balance. 

"I should carry you out, but this may be a problem," my husband motioned to his wheelchair. 

"It doesn't matter, "I mumbled and started walking, but he held my hand. "Sit on my lap."

"What?" I gasped. 

"Sit on my lap," Marucs repeated, but I only shook my head. 

"It is a bad idea. I am too heavy." 

He laughed. "No worries, I do not feel a thing." 

His laughter was infectious. I smiled and sat gently on his lap. Marcus grabbed the wheels, and we started moving forward. 

Our happiness was short-lived. When we left the church, the new reality hit me like a ton of bricks. Where were we supposed to go?

"I have a small house not far from here. Unless you want to go back to your family home, until we figure something out." Marcus looked at me, easily guessing what I was thinking about. 

"Hell, no!" I replied, shaking my head. I would prefer to sleep under the bridge than go back there. "I have my own apartment." 

Marcus nodded, but something in his eyes shifted. Guilt stuck like a bile in my throat. 

"Your house sounds like a good plan. Besides, if we want to think about something, we should do it together." 

"You don't have to do it because you feel sorry for me," Marcu's face hardened. 

"I am far from feeling sorry for you. Don't get me wrong, I am too busy feeling sorry for myself to be bothered with your feelings, "I replied with a smirk, letting him know I was joking. Besides, I was not sure what would happen if someone discovered that we did not live together. Maybe it would be enough for Stephen to cut off Marcu's allowance. I could not do this to him. "We have common enemies now. I want to make sure we work together to make them pay for all of that," I pointed to the wedding bands on our hands. Stephen had this prepared, too. He clearly worked on this plan for years. 

Marcus relaxed a little; his face softened. I could not stop thinking of how handsome he was when his jaw was not constantly clenched. His features were raw, but way more manly than Stephen's. Five o'clock shadow made him almost breathtaking. In different circumstances, I could easily fall for him. 

"Fine, let me show you your new home," Marcus said, and I caught myself staring at him. 

"Lead the way, "I replied, awkwardly trying to look away. 

"We will have to call the cap. We would look strange on the street," Marcus pointed to my wedding dress. 

"I guess you are right," I agreed with him, thinking of how stupid we had to look right now. "I will grab some clothes from my place later."

The taxi arrived ten minutes later. We did have to look pathetic, as the driver kept throwing us glances in the rearview mirror. 

"Watch the road," Marcus' voice boomed in the car, making the driver jump. He quickly decided it would be better to mind his own business. 

"Ready?" My husband looked at me when we finally stopped. After his outburst, the rest of the journey passed in silence. 

I offered him a small smile. "Ready, "I said slowly, and I meant it. I would take care of him.