The wedding

Cassie was at her wedding. It was a seaside wedding as she always wanted.

Lilies and yellow hibiscus flowers adorned the walkway and the makeshift altar the silhouette of her husband and the priest stood on.

She was in her mother's refurbished yellow wedding gown as opposed to the customary white gown.

It had a slit up to her lower thigh with curls and curls of fabric flowing gracefully behind her.

Her lone walk to the altar was one of bliss, fulfillment and pure joy. She was about to get married to the love of her life. She was the love of his life too.

There would be laughter, tears of joy, and a promise of forever that meant something.

As she walked to the altar, she heard someone call her name. She paused and looked behind; there was no one.

She was about to continue her honorable walk to her groom when she heard her name again, this time she felt someone tapping her.

Before she could make sense of it all, her eyes popped open.

She was staring at the annoying hairdresser.

Reality dawned on her. AGAIN.

She was getting married, but not to the love of her life.

Bain Blackwood; her new, forced master was to be her husband.

How romantic.

Reality sure had a wicked sense of humor.

The days leading up to the ceremony were a blur of fittings, rehearsals, and forced smiles.

Bain’s mansion was a grand maze of high walls, giant doors and big rooms with sparkling chandeliers, and polished marble floors that gleamed so brightly she could see her miserable reflection everywhere she went. It was but a beautiful prison. Shame.

She was constantly surrounded by a small army of planners, designers, and stylists, each one determined to mold her into the perfect bride.

Cassie half-expected them to use a chisel and hammer if she didn’t comply.

They fluttered around her, adjusting fabric, curling hair, painting on makeup; while she stood there like a lifeless mannequin.

"Your beauty will be unmatched” one of the stylists gushed, pinning a delicate veil into Cassie’s auburn curls.

Cassie couldn't bring herself to muster even a weak smile.

A beauty? Try prisoner.

She did try to escape after the initial shock of her sale. But Bain Blackwood lived up to his name. His security was tighter than sealed noodles.

She tried 5 times. She was caught 5 times.

It was almost as if he anticipated her moves even before she made them. She wondered what it would be like to play chess with him. Shame, she might never get that chance.

It had been 3 weeks since the charity ball. She hadn't seen anyone she knew since then. Not Elijah or Ryder or Even her new master.

Bile rose up in her throat again. "Master.” that word unnerved her.

She looked at herself in the mirror. The reflection showed a stunning woman in a gown of soft silk, adorned with embroidered lace that shimmered under the blazing lights of the chandelier.

She truly had never been this beautiful. Her face was flawless; the beauticians had given their best.

She looked... perfect.

Too bad her heart didn't feel that way.

She still didn't understand why. Why her?

Bain Blackwood could have any woman he wanted, why her?And, why buy her?

She was told nothing and knew nothing. This was life for her now.

A lone tear escaped her eyes and slipped down her face.

The day of the wedding arrived with all the grandeur one would expect from a Blackwood affair.

Elite guests poured in from every corner of the world draped in designers and antique jewels. It made the opulence of the charity ball seem like a child in comparison.

The church was heavily sprinkled with white roses, their sweet scent suffocating. She was never a rose girl. She preferred lilies and yellow hibiscus, she could see none here. Not even one petal.

An orchestra seemed to mock her misery. A solemn reminder of the world she had been ushered - no, forced- into.

Cassie stood at the entrance, her heart pounding. Her father was gone, her mother’s whereabouts unknown, and her brother; well, Elijah had sold her off like she was a piece ofpainting. She was alone.

Completely, devastatingly alone.

She glanced around again, this might just be her last chance. As she turned, she saw the mountain of men standing guard at all exits.

She swallowed hard. She gave up hope.

The doors suddenly swung open, and all eyes turned to her. She could feel their stares, hear their murmurs.

They were probably admiring her dress, her hair, her face. She doubted any of them could see the girl inside, broken and helpless.

As she took her first step down the aisle, her gaze locked on Bain. He stood at the altar, tall and imposing in a perfectly tailored black suit with gold rims. His dark hair was neatly combed and flattened.

His hairstylist must be a legend, his jaw set, his piercing blue eyes watching her with an intensity that sent chills down her spine. He looked devastatingly handsome. And terrifying.

Cassie’s stomach twisted. She was walking toward her master, her captor, toward the man who had bought her.

Her chest tightened, panic rising. She wanted to run, to scream, to do anything but move closer to him. But her feet continued forward, one step after another, as if they were no longer hers to control.

When she finally reached him, she saw his expression soften, just for a moment. It was so quick she almost missed it.

But she saw it, a flicker of humanity. He must have let it slip, he hardened his face immediately.

He extended his hand, and she hesitated before placing hers in his. His fingers were warm, firm, and surprisingly smooth.

She expected a tight hold, but he was surprisingly gentle, confusion danced in her mind. What was he playing at?

The priest began the ceremony, his deep voice echoing through the grand hall, aided by the microphone at his mouth but Cassie barely heard a word.

Her mind was spinning, her heart racing, her strength diminished, her hopes dashed.

She glanced at Bain, trying to make sense of the man standing beside her.

His face was calm, his gaze set on her. There was something else, she couldn't quite place it.

Was it guilt? Or regret?

"Stop it, Cassie. This man bought you. He's a monster, don’t be fooled.” she chided herself.

The priest cleared his throat, and Cassie snapped back to reality.

Everyone was waiting for her to say her vows. The words felt heavy, foreign, as they slipped from her lips even as her voice cracked.

“I, Cassiopeia Thompson, take you, Bain Blackwood... to be my husband...”

She didn't remember how she finished her part, it was all a blur. Promises of love, honor, and loyalty.

What a joke. There was no love here. No honor. Just ownership.

Bain’s voice on the other hand, was steady and resolute unwavering as he spoke his vows.

His words were beautifully crafted, poetic even. He made it sound like he actually cared.

If she hadn't been bought and guarded like a serial killer, she might have believed him.

The hypocrisy made her head swim. How dare he stand there and lie so easily?

How dare he look at her like she was the center of his world, when he ripped her from her's without a second thought?

She felt the ring slide onto her finger, cold and heavy; a cufflink disguised as a symbol of love.

Bain’s hand lingered on hers, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. Cassie fought the shiver that ran through her.

“You may now kiss the bride.”

Oh, god. Her breath caught.

Bain stepped closer, his eyes locking onto hers. His hands gently cupped her face. Then his lips met hers, soft and warm, stealing the breath from her lungs.

Surprisingly, It was tender. Too tender for a man who had bought her like one picking an item from the shelf.

Cassie’s heart fluttered. Before her body could could betray her, Bain pulled back. It was over.

She let out her breath , not realizing she held it all this while.

His fingers lingered on her face a tad bit longer than necessary before he turned to face the guests. His hand with deliberate movement slid to her waist, claiming her as his.

The crowd erupted in applause, their faces alight with joy.

To them, this was a fairy tale ending, a love story worthy of envy. She laughed bitterly.

The cheers increased, they must have mistaken her laughter for happiness.

Bain also glanced at her, giving her the faintest of smiles.

What was that? satisfaction? Relief?

She didn’t know. And that scared her more than anything.

Cassie stood frozen in his arms, her face and mind in a tug of war.

She was now Mrs. Bain Blackwood. His wife.

His slave.