CHAPTER 2: Married to Diego

SAVANNAH’S POV

Married tomorrow? He walked away without looking back, leaving me to drown in thoughts. How can he be so casual about something that could ruin my life? I can't do this! Or maybe there is no need to resist. Maybe I should accept my fate and marry him. I couldn't run away. If I did, how will I get back everything my step mother has taken from me?

I stood there as my mind pondered on every possibility. The cold air brushed on my sensitive skin and I shivered, wrapping my hands around my body.

I walked, my feet broke through the grass as I found my way to my room. In a few minutes, I was right in front of my door. I pushed the weak door wide open as I collapsed on my old and worn-out bed, drifting off to sleep.

The next morning, I was jolted out of sleep by a knock on my door.

“Come in,” I said groggily, rubbing my eyes still heavy with sleep as I wondered what it was this time.

The housekeeper rushed in with a box, beaming. “This just came in for you.”

I stared at the box in her hand for an unexpected number of minutes. I didn't remember the last time I received gifts, let alone a perfectly wrapped one. The only gifts I had in the last five years were hand-me-downs from Briannah.

“Who is this from and what is inside?” I asked, shuddering as I took the box from her. I quickly ripped the wrap open, flinging the box cover to the bed. What lay inside made my eyes widen in shock—a wedding dress and a note.

I picked up the note and my eyes landed on the writing—from Diego Montenegro. I should have known. A gift from him sure came as a big surprise but I couldn't reject it, could I? I had no choice.

“Your stepmother requested that you should be well fed, bathed and dressed at the main hall. Everyone is waiting for you,” the housekeeper informed me, cutting into my thoughts.

I groaned, a frown formed on my face as I sheepishly dragged my feet with the big box in my hands to the main hall. There, everyone was waiting to doll me up for my big day or rather prepare me as a sacrificial lamb.

“Fix your face Savannah. You look like a monkey with that frown,” my stepmother sneered, the moment she saw me, her eyes locked on me with an angry grin.

“Make sure she doesn't leave this room until she looks perfect for Mr Diego,” her old voice swept the room again, followed by a laugh before she shut the door loudly.

I stared at myself in the dressing mirror in front of me as the feeling of self pity overwhelmed me. I was stripped naked, every part of my body thoroughly checked by these strange women I didn't know. I tried my best to cover some parts with my fingers as much as I could but there was no use.

“She has big buttocks, perfect to bear cute children for Mr Diego,” one fat woman said, and the other two laughed. I felt stupid and weak. If I had a choice, I would barge out of there without looking back. To hell with them and Mr Diego.

“Mr Diego is so handsome that ladies all over the city are dying to be with him. So count yourself lucky, Savannah,” the woman said again, plastering makeup on my face.

Lucky? I was literally being sold to this man but what was even the deal with him? They're placing him on a pedestal like he is some god.

A few minutes later, I was done getting ready. My fingers grazed the wedding dress sitting perfectly on my body as I wondered how Diego knew my exact size. I looked like an entirely different person with all the makeup. The tight corset squeezed my belly with no space left for air.

“Everyone is waiting for the bride,” the housekeeper announced, rushing in. “Hurry,” she added, throwing her fingers in the air.

“Before I forget, mints,” the fat lady said, pushing a round thing into my mouth. “For when you kiss your husband.”

The thought of kissing Diego clouded my mind. I could faint in front of everyone.

“Don't forget the perfume. Mr Diego’s favourite scent,” the other lady said, handing her a small, fine designed bottle. It was a replica of my perfume. Mr Diego's favourite scent is my perfume? I stood confused. Before I could say a word, the liquid was all over me. A small cough escaped my lips as they dragged me outside the room.

Reaching the hall, my eyes ran through every face present. My stepmother's eyes locked on me with a “don't ruin it” look. She had already warned me not to spoil things or she would make my life a living hell.

I walked in the middle of the crowd, squeezing the bunch of rose flowers in my hands and forcing a smile just as my stepmother had ordered me to. As I got closer, my eyes locked on Diego. He stood in a well tailored black tuxedo, a satisfied smile tugged at his lips. In a few seconds, I was right in front of him.

“Do you Diego Montenegro take Savannah McGrathy as your lawfully wedded wife?” The priest asked Diego.

“Yes I do,” he replied, staring deep into my eyes. I wanted to remove my gaze, but I just couldn't. He pulled me in.

The priest placed a tray in front of me and I picked a ring, fixing it on his large fingers.

“Do you Savannah McGrathy take Diego Montenegro as your lawfully wedded husband?” the priest asked, turning to me.

I paused, deep in thought, wishing someone would barge in and stop the damn wedding. But who? My stepmother stood at the corner urging me to say yes, but the words couldn't come out. Hot tears welled up in my eyes, my throat tight with no space for air. I realised there was no one coming to save me and I had to do what I had to do.

“Y….ye…yes, I do,” I stammered. Diego took my palm in his soft and large palms as he fixed a ring on my finger.

“Pure diamond,” I scoffed, staring at the ring adorning my finger. I had never worn anything as expensive as this ring but it was of no use to me.

“You may now kiss the bride,” the priest announced. My heartbeat increased as my legs began to shake. This was the part I dreaded the most.

He brought his face closer to mine, his warm breath against my veil. His hands rolled up the veil as our eyes locked. His fingers grazed my face as he placed his lip on mine. He kissed me with so much passion that I shut my eyes tight. It sent adrenaline rushing down my spine. What was this strange thing I was feeling? I wanted more.

“You are so beautiful,” he whispered in my ear, breaking the kiss as I froze. I was still recovering from the shock, my fingers clenched my flower even tighter.

“T…thank you,” I muttered, still in shock. I was finally married to Diego—the famous tyrant.

“Let's go make beautiful babies, little bunny,” he whispered again, staring deep into my eyes and I froze again.