Chapter 4

Vivienne’s POV

I sucked in a deep breath as I stood at the entrance to the church. I wasn't an overly religious person, but even I knew there was something wrong here.

The entire building looked run down, like it had seen better days. The stained glass windows didn't catch the light, instead,they seemed to block it all out. Litter and overgrown bushes were scattered around, and for a quick moment, I was reminded of my fear of snakes.

What if one was hiding in the bushes, or lurking around, just waiting to strike…

“There's no time.” Someone called from behind me, before breezing past me and into the church. “Get in.’

I didn't so much as catch a glimpse of his face, but he was one of Ronan's men. One of the many men that didn't like me.

I sighed. After counting down to ten, I inhaled and exhaled, before forcing my legs to move in the direction of the church.

The inside was nothing like I'd expected. I held no expectations when I'd woken up this morning, but this, this was way below par.

The floor tiles were filthy, and with each step I took, I felt something sticky glue to the bottom of my shoes. The pews looked liked they'd seen better days, and the people sitting on them didn't help matters either.

Ronan's men were scattered around the pews in the church. With how weak the pews looked, I feared they would collapse underneath them.

The lighting inside was nothing to write home about either. It was dingy, and a strange smell filled the air.

If this wasn't a sign that this church was probably run by Ronan or one of his men, then I had no idea what else would suffice.

The priests eyes fell on me, and I hastened my steps. Unlike other brides at their weddings, I didn't have to worry about a flowing wedding gown.

Mine was short, simple and bunched up at the waist. While it wasn't my style, Ronan had picked it and I doubted he would appreciate me bitching over his choice of clothes. That, and the fact that this was a contract marriage.

Nothing more, nothing less.

“You're here.” The priest's voice reached my ears. “we can start, if it's okay by you.”

The last statement was obviously directed at Ronan, and I would be lying if I said he hadn't caught my eye all this time.

He was the first person my eyes had caught when I walked in. I didn't expect him to dress the part, but neither did I think him showing up in a pair of black pants and a black shirt would turn my insides into mush.

He was gorgeous, and that was a gross understatement.

“Yes priest.” Ronan's voice was too commanding , and the priest didn't exactly take it too well. “Let's get this over with.”

“Let's start with the vows.” I didn't miss how his fingers shook, and the slight break in his voice. “Miss…”

“Vivienne.” I let out slowly, and with a small smile..”my name is Vivienne.”

“Yes.” He nodded.

“I, Vivienne Carter.” I started. “Take you, Ronan for better or worse. Though, let's be honest, it'll mostly be worse. Do you?”

A string of laughter followed, and from the corner of my eyes, I watched Ronan’s lips lift into a ghost of a smile.

“Yeah sure.” Ronan didn't look the least bit bothered, but he still went on. “Ill take her, for as long as she can handle me.”

“Perfect.” The priest stuttered. I watched him fiddle around his pockets for a while, before he pulled out two rings. “Please exchange rings.”

I held Ronan's gaze as he slid the ring onto my finger. The moment his thumb came in contact with my finger, a jolt of electricity rushed through me, but I pushed it to the back of my mind.

“Is that all?” Ronan asked once the ring was on his finger.

“Um..” the priest's face ashened immediately. His gaze jumped around the walls, until they couldn't. “You may kiss the bride now.”

It was my turn to pale now. I knew this was just a contract wedding, but I didn't expect this part to be real.

My mind whirred, and I felt my heart drop to the ground. In a moment of weakness, I snuck a glance at my husband.

“Alright.” He was in front of me in a second, and before I could react, his lips crashed against mine.

The kiss was nothing like I expected. His lips were soft, but I didn't miss how needy and rough it was. He moved his tongue over my bottom lip, and it took everything in me to stop my toes from curling.

I had no idea how to react or what to do, but before I could, the kiss was broken, pulling me back to reality.

“I now pronounce you, husband and wife.”

**********

My heart slammed in my chest as I waited for the results to show. I hadn't wanted to check, but I just knew delaying it would only complicate things for me.

I counted down the seconds that made up two minutes before picking up the test. What I didn't expect, were the two straight lines staring back at me.

The bathroom was dimly lit, but I saw it really clearly.

A wave of panic raked through me, and I found myself holding onto the sink for balance. Fear nipped at my bones and my stomach churned in anxiety.

My fingers trembled, but no matter how hard I blinked, the pink lines just wouldn't disappear.

I was pregnant.

I couldn't believe my eyes. There was no way this was possible. This had to be a sick prank, and at the worst time possible too.

What was I going to do with a baby?

I was already doomed, and now, I had to bring a child into the world?

This was going to change everything as I knew it.

What the hell was I supposed to do now?