5: A Bride Without a Choice

“Are you my new mommy?”

The little girl’s voice was soft, almost a whisper, yet it struck me harder than anything Lucian had said. Her big, round eyes held an innocence I wasn’t prepared for. My throat tightened as I tried to find the right words.

“I... yes... no... I’m not…” I stammered, completely thrown off.

“Why?” she asked, tilting her head with childlike curiosity.

Before I could respond, the sound of clicking heels echoed through the grand hallway. Two women approached briskly — one older with a warm smile, the other younger with a more business-like expression.

“Please come with us,” the older one said gently.

Still dazed from the interaction with the child, I nodded and followed them. We passed through winding corridors filled with expensive paintings, grand vases, and the faint smell of roses. Everything in the mansion screamed wealth, but it felt colder than ice.

The women led me into a luxurious room. The bed was neatly made with cream-colored satin sheets. Draped across it was a simple yet elegant white gown that resembled a wedding dress. Beside it sat a table with a collection of makeup brushes, palettes, and sprays.

“Why is there a wedding dress here?” I asked hesitantly, my heart beginning to pound.

“Oh! Forgive me for not introducing myself,” the warm one said. “I’m Lara, the head cook here. This is Hauwa, our makeup artist.”

“Okay…” I managed, still feeling like I had just stepped into a dream I wasn’t ready for. “Why am I here?”

Lara’s eyes softened. “Our CEO asked us to prepare you for the wedding. It’s scheduled for 5 p.m. today. It’ll be a simple church ceremony — right here in the mansion chapel.”

My knees nearly buckled. “Wedding? Today? That’s... not possible. My parents... they’re not even here.”

“I know,” Lara said sympathetically. “But everything has been arranged already. Please, just trust us. We don’t have much time.”

My legs moved before my brain could process anything. I entered the adjoining bathroom and stood under the shower, letting the warm water cascade over me. I felt like I was washing away every part of my old life — every tear, every moment of poverty, every bit of my past. I wasn’t ready for this. None of this. But what choice did I have?

When I stepped out, Hauwa greeted me with a kind smile. “Let’s get started. We’ll wash and style your hair.”

She gently massaged my scalp, using several fragrant shampoos and conditioners. The stress in my body slowly melted, replaced by an uncomfortable calm. After drying and straightening my hair, it flowed like silk down my shoulders — no longer the tangled, curly mess I was used to. For once, I looked... polished.

Hauwa applied light makeup with delicate strokes. My reflection in the mirror surprised me. The woman staring back wasn’t the same girl who cried her way into a billionaire’s office two days ago. She was someone else — stronger maybe, or just more desperate.

Finally, I wore the dress. It fit me like it was made for me — off-the-shoulder sleeves, a modest neckline, and flowing satin fabric that hugged my curves. A white flower ribbon adorned my hair, completing the look of a simple bride. Even I had to admit — I looked like a woman about to be cherished.

If only that were the truth.

We exited the room, and Hauwa handed me a small bouquet of fresh lilies. As we made our way to the chapel within the mansion, my heart thumped like a drum in my chest.

The chapel was small, intimate. White roses were arranged along the aisles, and soft music played from a vintage organ. The guests were limited — seem's Lucian’s staff, a few suited men I didn’t recognize, and the same little girl who had called me “mommy.” She now sat beside an elderly woman who appeared to be her nanny.

Lucian stood near the altar, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. His long grey hair was tied loosely at the back, a silver ring gleaming on his finger. He looked every bit the arrogant billionaire — but there was a sharpness in his gaze that made my knees tremble.

The officiating priest waited for me with a small, calm smile.

Lara gently nudged me forward. “Go on. You’re beautiful.”

I took each step with trembling legs, hearing the faint whispers among the guests.

“She’s the bride?”

“She’s... different.”

“Why her?”

Each word was a needle. But I kept walking until I reached Lucian. He didn’t offer his hand, didn’t smile, didn’t even acknowledge me. His eyes stared straight ahead, unreadable.

The priest began.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of two souls. Though not born of love, marriage remains a sacred vow. Today, we join Lucian Kieran and Lyra Williams in lawful matrimony.”

I glanced at Lucian. He didn’t flinch. No emotion. Nothing.

As the priest continued, the world felt quieter. My mind was loud with thoughts. Will this ever be real? Is this just the start of my new prison?

“Lucian Kieran, do you take Lyra Williams to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, for better or worse, until the debt is repaid?” the priest asked.

Lucian’s voice was low, almost like a threat. “I do.”

“And you, Lyra Williams, do you take Lucian Kieran to be your lawfully wedded husband, bound by contract, and vow to fulfill your duties until the debt is cleared?”

My voice trembled, but I nodded. “I... I do.”

The priest gave a small nod, flipping a page in the book.

“By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the—”

“Wait,” Lucian said, his voice slicing through the room.

Everyone turned toward him in confusion. Even I froze.

He turned to me slowly, his face unreadable.

“You may now kiss the bride,” the priest repeated.

Lucian’s gaze met mine. My heart slammed against my ribcage.

He stepped closer... his face just inches from mine...