Chapter 7: THE DAY OF THE WEDDING

A FEW DAYS LATER...

My gaze followed the elaborate lace trim on my bridal gown as I stood in front of the large mirror. The ivory fabric of the gown shimmered softly in the light, and it fit me like a second skin. Even though it was elegant, it felt alien to me, like armor for a conflict for which I hadn't properly prepared. Today was about a contract, a legally binding arrangement that would link me to Jay Sinclair, a guy I hardly knew but who already controlled my life, rather than love.

I tried to regulate my breathing while adjusting the veil, my fingers shaking. There was an uncanny surrealness to the entire day. I would marry a billionaire in a few minutes, and his world would be full of danger and power. I had now navigated a world.

I was jolted back to reality by a gentle rap on the door. My mom came in. As she took in the image of her daughter wearing the wedding gown, she gazed at me with a mixture of pride and worry, her lips pressed into a thin line.

"You look stunning," Her voice caught in her throat as she spoke. "I wish you weren't required to do this—"

I gave a feeble smile, keeping my feelings in check. "Mom, it's for the best. I have to proceed. My words sounded insincere. I felt stuck in this circumstance and couldn't move forward, but I also didn't want to add to my mother's anxieties.

After correcting a loose curl that had fallen out of my updo, Evelyn took a step closer. "I understand that you are working for the company and for us, but keep in mind that you are strong enough to face any challenge."

I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded. My strength was lacking. In a game that Jay had planned from the beginning, I felt like a pawn, a player. But I found some solace in my mother's remarks.

My father was a man of integrity and honesty, but he also protected his family to the end. I wish he had been alive because he would have probably found a way out of this. I wish I had his qualities. He was missed— I missed him.

My anxiety returned as we made our way outside to the wedding. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, the venue was breathtaking, letting in an abundance of fall sunlight. Exquisite floral arrangements adorned the room, as mellow classical music drifted in the background. Like anything that Jay touched, it was the height of elegance and prosperity.

It was a tiny yet privileged guest list. Several of Jay's business associates were seated in the front row, watching the soon-to-be newlyweds intently and scrutinizing every aspect of them. I was aware that they were silently criticizing me and wondering why Jay Sinclair would wed a woman like me, whose life had just been filled with heartache and controversy. However, looks were more important than love in their universe.

I looked straight at Jay as I got to the aisle. Wearing a clean, immaculate black suit, he stood tall and commanding at the altar. His features were set in a severe look, and his dark hair was groomed nicely. His face was filled with brutal intent, with no trace of warmth or delight.

As I got closer to him, my heartbeat accelerated. It seemed like a force of nature to be standing next to Jay. The intensity of his presence was oppressive, stifling. Even as he extended his hand for me to grasp, I could sense the weight of the power he possessed.

"Are you prepared to do this?" Jay's voice could hardly be heard over the mellow music as he asked. His black eyes stared into mine, looking for something, maybe regret, fear, or uncertainty.

Despite my heart thumping in my chest, I forced a grin. "I'm as prepared as I will ever be."

The formalities started when the officiant's voice broke the tense atmosphere. "Today, we have gathered to join Arielle Vandenberg and Jay Sinclair in matrimony, a union that represents commitment and trust."

My mind wandered as the sentences continued to ramble. This was not how I had envisioned my wedding day to go—cold, transactional, and with people who hardly knew me. As unreadable as ever, Jay stood next to me. Being a multibillionaire, he could demolish anyone who stood in his way. I was now shackled to him.

My breath froze in my throat when it came time to exchange vows. I kept hearing the officiant's question.

"Do you, Arielle Vandenberg, consider Jay Sinclair to be your legally wedded spouse, to possess and hold, for better or worse, in good times and bad?"

For just a moment, I paused. "I do," I answered, my hands shaking a little but my voice calm.

"And do you, Jay Sinclair, consider Arielle Vandenberg to be your legally wedded wife, to possess and hold, for better or worse, in good health and in bad?"

Jay responded right away and firmly. "Yes, I do." He spoke in a deep, authoritative manner, as though he had never been uncertain.

Ignorant of the tension in the room, the officiant smiled. "With the authority granted to me, I thus declare you to be husband and wife. The bride is yours to kiss.

Jay turned to face me, and I gasped. He went for my waist with his hand and leaned in to give me a quick, deliberate kiss. Their pact was coldly fulfilled, with neither passion nor affection. I heard the guests' courteous applause, but it sounded far away, like a sound from another planet.

I felt the burden of my new reality descend upon me like a veil as we turned to walk back down the aisle together. Now I was Mrs. Sinclair, shackled to a man who would do whatever it took to achieve his goals. Even though I had consented to this arrangement, I couldn't get rid of the impression that I had just struck a bargain with Satan.

The ensuing reception was a haze of imposed grins and formality. Jay was still by my side, always the ideal host, but his focus was on the alliances and financial transactions that surrounded them. Meanwhile, I felt as though the expectations, the rumors, and the interested looks were choking me.

Jay leaned in, his breath warm against my ear as the night came to an end. He whispered, "Remember, Arielle," in a tone that was both a promise and a threat. "I own you now."

My gut twisted into knots when I looked him in the eye. I didn't know what Jay had in store for me next, but I did know that this marriage was everything from straightforward. I found myself in a storm that was just waiting to happen.