CHAPTER 4

A WEDDING WITHOUT LOVE...

Everything was perfect, the dress - silk, custom fitted, designed to make her look the elegant wife of a billionaire but to Abigail it was nothing more than a costume, a uniform for a role she never wanted to play.

The ceremony was held in a private hall, nothing grand, nothing sentimental just enough to make it legal. The officiating judge stood between Abigail and Luke, his voice level as he read through the vows. Abigail barely heard him, the word faded together with the formalities binding her to the man she barely understood.

Luke stood tall beside her, exuding confidence as if this were another business deal. His tuxedo was sharp. He had an indifferent expression.

Luke Jargon Vandell, do you take Abigail Carter to be your lawfully wedded wife? "I do". His voice was firm and emotionless.

The judge turned to her. Abigail Carter, do you take Luke Jargon Vandell to be your lawfully wedded husband?

Her fingers trembled, every instinct screaming at her to say no, to run but there was nowhere to go.

"I do" she whispered.

No applause, no soft whispers of congratulations, just silence that was suffocating and certain.

You may now sign the marriage license. A document was placed in front of her. Abigail picked up the pen, her grip firm as she signed, reading the written texts, and then her eyes caught something, a clause.

Her brow arched. What's this? she asked. Luke's lawyer barely tensed. A standard agreement to protect Mr. Vandell's interests. Her gaze moved to Luke. Protect them? How?

Luke's finger tapped against the table, barely moving. "It's not your business"

Abigail hesitated. Something felt off, but what choice did she have? With her breath steady, she sighed, and just like that, the wedding was over. She was his.

The elevator doors slided open, revealing the cold luxury of Luke's penthouse floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. The glow of the distant light shone over the skyline. Everything inside was clean and calculated, just like him.

Abigail stepped inside quietly, the weight of the wedding ring pressing against her skin. She felt no warmth here, only the suffocating presence of a life she never wished for.

Luke loosened his tie as he walked in behind her. Your room is down the hall.

Her jaw tightened. My room?

He barely looked at her. Did you think we would be sharing one? The word hurt her, but she refused to let it show. This whole marriage thing is a joke, so I wouldn't be surprised if you had some expectations. His lips curved slightly, though there was no amusement in his eyes. Expectations? No. Rules? yes.

He stepped closer, towering over her. You will not interfere in my affairs. No scandals, no unnecessary questions. His voice was calm yet laced with quiet authority. You do what I ask, and we won't have any problems.

Abigail lifted her chin, and if i don't? His gaze darkened, and then you'll learn the hard way that I always get what I want.

That was a hidden threat wrapped in smooth confidence, but it was there. Abigail's hand clenched forming a fist at both sides. She has lost too much already, both her freedom and her choices—but she refused to lose herself. She turned away and headed down the hall without saying another word.

Later that night, she moved around the penthouse, her footsteps slow and quiet against the marble floor. She wasn't tired neither was she ready to accept this life, and then came voices.

She stood near Luke's office, the door slightly open.

The board won't question it now, a man said. Luke's voice followed, low and firm. We have what we need.

A chair scratched against the floor, and Abigail held her breath. She will serve her purpose. Luke replied, nothing more. A shiver ran down her spine. This wasn't just about the debt; this marriage secured him something bigger, and she was just a piece on his board.

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The silence between them stretched thick and quiet.

Abigail stood near the window, arms crossed and her pulse pounding below her skin. The city spread out beyond the glass, a world she no longer belonged to. Behind her was Luke. His presence was heavy and inescapable; it pressed against her, tightening the air.

She turned sharply. What do you really gain from this Luke?

Leaning against his desk, he adjusted his sleeve button with ease. His expression remained indifferent. You already know the answer. She dug nails into her palm. Do I? Her voice carried a sharp edge, because from where I am standing, it feels like I've been played in a game I don't understand.

He lifted his gaze, then dark and indifferent, You think this is just about a contract?

Abigail swallowed against the sudden dryness in her throat. Isn't it? A slow step, then another… Her back stiffened as she realized he was closing the space between them, each step measured and controlled.

The shivers from the cool surface of the wall went down her spine. Luke didn't touch her, but he didn't have to. His closeness was a force. His unspoken presence demand. Her breath seized, her heart racing against her ribs. His fingers played with the edge of his sleeve, but his gaze never left hers.

"You are always meant to be mine Abigail".

His voice was low and soft, yet it sent shivers down her spine. This just made it official.

Heat formed in her stomach, a reaction she refused to acknowledge. Her pulse was too loud and her breathing too low. Fear, defiance, or something else? Not sure which one tied her in place.

Before she could push past the weight of his words, his phone rang.

The tension loosened like a wire pulled too tight.

Luke exhaled sharply, pulling the device from his pocket. His expression changed immediately. He saw the name on the screen, jaw tight. "She's my wife now". He answered. If anybody has a issue with that, they can deal with me directly.

He paused. His shoulders tensed, and his grip tightened around the phone.

Abigail's breath was hardly heard. I don't care about what you think. His voice dropped, lower and sharper. This is my decision not yours. There was silence, then a short goodbye was heard. The call ended, but the weight of it lasted.

Abigail stared at him Her chest rising and falling in an uneven motion.

Whoever questioned their marriage had enough power to shake Luke Vandell, and this alone terrified her.