Chapter 6 – Vows of Ice

 

The wedding day arrived before I could decide whether I was truly strong enough for this.

Through the bedroom mirror, I gaze silently at my reflection. The white dress is elegant but understated, without extravagance. I chose something that wouldn’t draw attention, exactly as Alexander suggested. For him, everything must be perfect, functional, leaving no room for unnecessary emotions.

My heart feels heavy. This should be a significant day, but there’s no joy, no hope. It’s a contracta cold transaction I’m signing to save my mother and support my brother.

My brother…

I take a deep breath, trying to push the thought away. Leo doesn’t know about the wedding. Neither does my mother.

I didn’t tell them because I know exactly how they’d react. My mother would pressure me to get the most out of this marriage, treating me like a bargaining chip. Leo would see it as an opportunity to live even more comfortably, without lifting a finger.

That’s why I decided to keep this a secret.

When I left the apartment that morning, I lied. I told Leo I was going to take on extra work to pay another installment of the hospital bills. He just mumbled something, never taking his eyes off the video game screen. He didn’t even ask what I’d be doing or how long I’d be gone. It doesn’t matter to him. Nothing does, as long as I keep paying the bills and maintaining his comfortable lifestyle while our mother is in the hospital.

“Figure it out, Sophia. It doesn’t matter how.”

My mother’s cold words still echo in my head, like a constant shadow.

And that’s exactly what I did.

The wedding takes place in a private room at the courthouseno guests, no witnesses beyond the required ones. The environment is silent and formal, like a negotiation room.

Alexander is impeccable, dressed in a tailored black suit, his tie perfectly aligned. He shows no emotionno smile, no hint of joy or nerves. Just those cold eyes that assess me, as always.

When we stand face to face, he holds my hand firmly. His skin is warm, but the touch is indifferent.

“Do you, Sophia Carter, accept to be my wife under the terms we agreed upon?” His voice is low, controlled, devoid of any emotion.

I swallow hard, feeling my hands tremble slightly.

“Yes, I do.”

He doesn’t hesitate.

“I do as well.”

And with that, Alexander Hawthorne and I are married. No kisses, no celebration. Just a formalized agreement.

Alexander’s penthouse is as cold as he is. Luxurious, modern, every detail meticulously planned but lifeless. Everything is impeccably in place, but there’s no soul.

As we enter, he gives me a brief glance, evaluating my reaction.

“This will be your new home,” he says in a neutral tone. “Everything you need will be at your disposal.”

“Alright,” I reply with a nod, trying to hide my discomfort.

Alexander walks to the bar in the corner of the room and pours a glass of whiskey. The watch on his wrist gleams under the room’s soft light as he checks the time with a calculated movement.

“I have a meeting tonight,” he informs without looking at me. “Don’t wait up.”

The words feel distant, as if he’s already forgotten we just got married.

“Understood.”

Alexander takes a sip of his drink, and for a moment, I catch his eyes glancing at me sideways. There’s something about him that always unsettles me. It’s not just the coldness. It’s the way he seems to see right through me, as if searching for something even I don’t know exists.

“Is there anything else?” he asks.

“No.”

“Good.” He sets the empty glass on the counter. “Goodnight, then.”

Without another word, he leaves, leaving me alone in the vast, silent space.

The hours pass slowly, and the loneliness of the penthouse weighs on me. I explore the rooms with slow steps, trying to familiarize myself with the place that will now be my home.

But no matter how hard I try, I can’t feel at home.

I pick up my phone to call Leo but stop before dialing. He wouldn’t understand. He’d probably ask when I’m sending money or returning with another promise to fix all his problems. He might not even notice I’m gone until he gets hungry and has no money for food. That’s sadnot having anyone who would at least miss you.

I leave the bedroom and head to the living room, looking for something to distract my mind. But the silence is suffocating.

I decide to step outside for some fresh air. Maybe a short walk will ease the tension.

As I walk toward the door, something catches my attention: voices, low, almost whispers, coming from the corridor leading to Alexander’s office.

I thought he was in a meeting.

I approach slowly, each step adding weight to my chest. The door is ajar, and my heart starts to race.

When I look, I see Alexander.

He’s leaning against the edge of the desk, with a woman beside him. She’s stunningtall, wearing a tight dress and a confident smile seemingly crafted to seduce.

She laughs at something he says, her hand casually but intimately touching his arm.

Alexander doesn’t pull away. He allows the touch, and for a moment, I see something I’ve never seen beforea shadow of amusement on his face.

My breath stops.

I should leave, pretend I didn’t see anything. After all, this marriage is an arrangement, not a real commitment. I have no right to feel this way.

But the pain is real.

I step back, my hands trembling. My chest tightens, and a wave of anger mixed with disappointment rises in my throat.

He said this was a contractthat there was no room for emotions. So why does this affect me so much?

I return to the bedroom silently, closing the door behind me. I collapse onto the bed, trying to steady my breathing.

Alexander Hawthorne isn’t just cold. He’s unattainable. At least, for me.

And I just married him.