Chapter 0003

Ximena's POV

As I accepted the current state of affairs, it had been a little over a week since Aunt Sadie's collapse. Thankfully, she had been discharged and was now under good care. However, my own life had been thrown into turmoil. I found myself in my room, dressed in all-white attire, with a makeup artist perfecting my hair. Today was my wedding day, a moment that most women eagerly anticipate, but for me, it was a different story. I was destined to marry the most despicable man I had ever heard of - Hudson Miles Lucas. Despite never meeting him in person, his name was often on everyone's lips in California. As I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, I had to admit that the makeup artist had done a decent job. My long, wavy black hair was styled in a way that secured my veil on top of my head. The cost of my wedding dress alone could sustain my family for generations to come. This was the reality I was facing today. If only my mother could be here to witness this day. Not the fact that I was marrying a stranger I didn't even like, but simply because it was my wedding day - a day every mother dreams of for their daughter. As tears welled up in my eyes, I quickly brushed them away.

"Look who's here," Aunt Sadie entered the room, wearing a wide, beaming smile.

However, the reason for her joy was a mystery to me. It couldn't be because she was relieved of her burden. Perhaps it was because she would now have wealthy in-laws to rely on? No, that couldn't be it. If that were the case, she would have married off Mila to Hudson. Something was amiss.

"You look stunning, Ximena," she said, placing her hands on my face. "I can't wait to walk you down the aisle and give you away to your dear husband. Today is such a happy day," she declared with such conviction that it seemed as though she might faint from disbelief.

The mention of being handed over to my husband sent a shiver down my spine. The reality of leaving the devils I knew to live with strangers was daunting.

But I couldn't let Aunt Sadie see my apprehension. I could do this.

"I implore you, Aunt, to wipe that smile from your face. There's no need for pretense," I interjected sharply. Her countenance transformed, reverting back to the familiar Aunt Sadie I knew.

"Listen, Ximena. I won't allow you to ruin my special day. You will smile and pretend that everything is perfect. And why shouldn't it be? You're marrying the wealthiest man in California," she beamed, her smile incensing my very soul.

"And you would have been overjoyed if they had chosen Mila instead, wouldn't you?" I retorted. Her jaw clenched as she shot a withering glare my way.

"Mom? It's time for us to leave," Mila announced, entering the room.

Her long, sleek black hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and her figure was strikingly similar to her mother's. My stomach was in knots. I wouldn't be returning to this house, to my room, to everything I had grown accustomed to after my mother's death. My eyes darted around the room, taking in every detail.

"You can do this, Ximena," my inner voice comforted me.

I let out a sigh and forced a smile onto my lackluster face. "I suppose it's time to get this over with," I stood up and faced a seething Aunt Sadie. Without acknowledging her, I made my way to the door. "Let's go," I said, heading towards the exit.

***

The Ferrari that transported Aunt Sadie, Mila and myself came to a sudden halt. I surveyed my surroundings, and to my dismay, the area was swarming with people. They were no doubt eager to witness my wedding. Who was I kidding? This wasn't my wedding, but rather the wedding of the wealthiest man in California. Accepting this harsh reality, I stepped out of the car and took in a deep breath of fresh air.

"I can do this," I muttered to myself.

Squaring my shoulders, I faced the magnificent church. Mila was my maid of honor, and the rest of the bridesmaids were mere strangers. Has anyone ever witnessed a bridesmaid attempting to murder the bride on her wedding day? If you haven't, you've missed a lot. Mila's glares could have single-handedly caused me harm. I knew she was envious, but the reason for her lack of reaction still eluded me.

I had no choice but to disregard her and direct my attention to the nightmare in front of me.

As soon as my feet touched the floor of the church, my heart leapt out of me. My supposed spouse stood just a few steps away, his appearance alone defining him. All the ladies' gazes were glued to him. With my hand in Aunt Sadie's, we made our way towards the two men standing near the altar - the groomsman and my husband.

"You better behave yourself once you're in your in-laws' house," Aunt Sadie whispered in my ear. "And if you do anything foolish, don't blame whatever happens to you there," she added.

"Don't worry, my dear aunt. I won't commit murder in my in-laws' house," I assured her, mustering a fake smile.

At the altar, Aunt Sadie placed my hand into Hudson's. The first thing that hit me was his cologne - I bet it was just as costly as everything else. My stomach churned. His hazel eyes pierced into mine, intimidating me. As I took a closer look at him, I had to admit, he was undeniably handsome. Hazel eyes. Soft chestnut brown hair. A hawk-like nose, sharp jawline, and high cheekbones. No beard. He seemed perfect - but he was not the love of my life. The truth always hurts. I swallowed hard.

"Shall we proceed?" he spoke, his deep and daunting voice sounding menacing. I nodded, feeling like I just wanted to disappear into the ground. As we turned to face the priest on the altar, Hudson continued to hold my hand, his eyes piercing into my soul. But I couldn't hear anything the priest was saying.

"I do," Hudson's lips parted and I blinked. What was he doing?

"It's your wedding vows, Ximena. Focus!" my inner voice screamed. But I didn't listen. I just wanted to crawl into a hole and hide. My mind was racing with thoughts. How will I survive with this man? Was he forced into this marriage? Did he actually agree to marry me of his own free will? What don't I know?

"Ximena, do you, in sickness and in health, accept Hudson Miles Lucas as your legally wedded husband, till death do you part?" the priest's words jolted me back to reality. My stomach twisted. What should I do? I can say no and run off. I can actually escape this. No one will stop me, not even Aunt Sadie.