Unwanted feeling

Chapter Four

The makeup artist quietly left the room, leaving just the two of us. He looked away almost immediately, his eyes landing on the velvet box that held the wedding ring. A scoff escaped his lips.

“So, you're the girl Aunt May wants me to get married to,” he said. His deep voice resonated through the room, rich and smooth, dangerously charming, the kind that could make someone fall in love just by listening. He took slow, measured steps toward me, stopping only a few inches away.

“This would’ve been nice… if I actually wanted to get married,” he added coldly.

I frowned, unsure of what he meant by that. Before I could respond, he reached out, his gloved hand gently but firmly grasping my jaw, tilting my head up until my eyes met his. His piercing grey eyes locked onto mine. Up close, he looked even more intimidating. His face was unreadable, emotionless, and he held himself with a calm yet terrifying composure. The scent of his cologne filled the room—intense, almost suffocating, but somehow alluring.

“Listen, and listen carefully,” he said in a low, threatening voice. “I don’t want to marry you. I don’t see a future with you. This is nothing more than an arranged marriage. I’m only doing this for Aunt May and my grandfather. Don’t expect anything from me, no affection, no relationship. And worst of all, don’t even think of falling in love with me. Because I will never fall for you. Not now. Not ever. So get it straight—you’re only here as a pretend wife, nothing else. Do you understand?”

Each word cut through me like a knife, cold and sharp. My heart thudded painfully in my chest, and a cold shiver ran down my spine. I had never felt rejection like this before. The look in his eyes made it clear, he meant every word.

Slowly, I nodded, my voice caught in my throat. He let go of my jaw and walked out of the room without another glance.

My legs gave out, and I sat down slowly, my heart pounding as tears welled in my eyes. He didn’t want me. He didn’t even give us a chance to know each other. How could he hate me already? Why did he make me feel like I was nothing?

That same heavy feeling returned, the one I had carried with me all throughout my time in prison. That feeling of being unwanted, abandoned, and invisible. Maybe I really did have the worst luck in the world. Maybe I was never meant to live a peaceful, normal life.

I was still lost in my thoughts when the door opened again and Aunt May stepped in.

“Oh my god, you look beautiful,” she said, her face lighting up. Then she frowned slightly. “Are you okay?”

I quickly wiped at my eyes and forced a smile. “I’m okay. Just really nervous, that’s all.”

She walked over and took my hands in hers. “You’ll be fine. You’re in safe hands. He may seem distant now. he’s had it rough but once you get to know him, you’ll see the real him.”

I nodded faintly, clinging to her words like a lifeline. Safe hands… I hope so, I thought silently.

Walking down the aisle was the most nerve-racking thing I’d ever done. All the faces watching me were unfamiliar, and at the end of the aisle stood him. Theodore. The man who had just crushed any hope I had of a future with him.

His earlier words echoed in my mind, heavy and disheartening, but I plastered on a smile to hide the sadness bubbling beneath the surface.

We exchanged vows. He had made it clear he didn’t want a kiss, and honestly, I was relieved. I didn’t want to kiss someone who had no intention of ever loving me. I simply stood by his side, doing my best to stay composed.

After the ceremony, I met his grandfather. Despite his frail state, he had come to bless our marriage. He seemed to like me his kind smile and gentle eyes made me feel seen for the first time today.

The wedding dinner was grand. Elegant chandeliers, fine wine, exquisite meals, and a room full of well-dressed guests. I was introduced to many people, all of whom seemed polite and welcoming. But I struggled to connect. I couldn’t shake the lingering guilt' if he knew my past… would he still have allowed this marriage to happen?'

That thought made my stomach twist, killing whatever appetite I had left. I forced myself to smile and make small talk, not wanting to give anyone the wrong impression.

The party finally ended, and it was time to head home. Aunt May walked us to the car.

“Good luck, and stay safe,” she whispered, pulling me into a tight hug. I held on longer than I should have, not wanting to let her go.

“Hey, hey… it’s going to be alright, okay? Please don’t cry,” she said, cupping my cheeks gently.

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. She walked over to Theodore, and they exchanged a few quiet words before we both got into the car.

The ride was silent.

He sat beside me in the backseat, his head resting against the seat, eyes closed. His profile was sculpted, his features almost too perfect. I caught myself staring and quickly looked away, scolding myself silently.

'Layla, get a grip. Don’t fall for him. He doesn’t like you. Don’t be a fool.'

We eventually arrived at his home—or should I say, his mansion. The car pulled into the garage, and we both stepped out. I followed behind him, watching as he unlocked the front door with a fingerprint scanner.

The inside was stunning. The living room was vast, decorated in a modern minimalist style. White walls, black L-shaped sofas, soft lighting, and sleek finishes, it looked like something from a design magazine. I stood in awe, Taking in every detail.

When I turned to speak to him, he was gone. He must have gone to his room.

I climbed the stairs, opening a few doors before finding my room. It was perfect. Light pink walls, a large, plush bed, a vanity, a study area, and a walk-in closet filled with beautiful clothes. I couldn’t help but smile. Maybe… this wouldn’t be so bad after all.

I removed the wedding dress and wiped the makeup off my face, then stepped into the shower. I let the water run over me for a while, trying to wash away the exhaustion, the emotions, the doubts. It had been a long, overwhelming day.

Once I was out, I put on a comfortable night outfit from the closet, brushed my hair, and finally began to feel like myself again.

As I sat on the edge of the bed, something caught my eye. A folded note sat atop my dresser. Curious, I picked it up and unfolded it.

A soft smile stretched across my face as I read the neat handwriting.