Party

Chapter 6

Logan, who was about to take his last breath, was still looking over me with teary eyes. This was a traumatic experience for both of us.

We were just celebrating the best moment of our lives a few minutes ago; who would have predicted that things would go so wrong? Our hopes and dreams were crushed.

Xavier moved in closer to kiss me. How could I let strangers kiss me so soon after the meeting? My eyes were welling up with tears.

When their gazes were fixed on us, they were all waiting for the kiss. I held my breath as Xavier leaned in closer, looking into my eyes for a brief moment.

His scent was unfamiliar to me, and he was too close to my lips. I clutched my hand, wanting to beat him, but any wrong move would result in Logan's death.

Xavier leaned in closer to my ear and said, "Our kiss is due." before leaning back.

"Get the car ready; the bride wants to leave," said Xavier to Edward.

"Sure," said Edward politely, motioning for another member to leave.

They all left while Logan, Xavier, Edward, and I remained. Xavier extended his hand, and I had no choice but to hold it while Logan watched my every move.

"You proved how loyal you can be to your lover today; it's time to go home," said Xavier seductively.

Logan was speechless as I walked away with the pack, knowing that to save him, I gave up. Throughout my life, people have abandoned me, and Logan was one I abandoned that day. 

When all the expensive cars were parked behind him, Xavier opened the door to his BMW, a gleaming black car. I turned back as I heard Logan growling from inside the hall, and a single tear fell from my eye, a tear of regret.

I felt a huge weight on my chest as I sat in the passenger seat, each breath a struggle against the crushing pain that devoured me. Xavier, the man beside me, was a continuous reminder of the shattered fragments of my dreams, the scars left by a love that had been abandoned.

Life had delivered me severe blows from an early age, robbing me of my innocence leaving and left me adrift in a sea of sorrow. My father's death at the age of 14 ripped my heart, leaving me without a home, a sense of belonging, and any glimmer of hope for a better future.

Logan had entered my life like a beam of brightness breaking through the dark clouds. He had given my tired spirit new life, filling it with love, warmth, and the hope that happiness could be mine. I'd discovered a new world holding his hand, where I felt treasured and valued, where I might dare to dream once more.

But now I was divided between opposing emotions, torn between the love I had discovered and the sacrifice I had made. Logan had always assured me that my concerns were unjustified and that happiness was within our reach. But, in a horrible twist of destiny, I had lost the one person who had taught me what love was all about.

I diverted my sight away from Xavier and focused on the passing scenery outside the window. The scenery blurred as tears welled up in my eyes, a mix of sorrow, regret, and a burning determination to right the wrongs done to us.

I detested Xavier with every fiber of my being for his role in this awful turn of events. He'd stolen me against my will, ruined my dreams, and torn me away from the one person who held my heart. But I had no option but to put up with his presence, to play the role that had been assigned to me, all in the name of protecting Logan.

The silence engulfed us in the poorly lighted car like a thick fog. The engine's regular hum and the delicate melody of the song filled the air, creating a gloomy ambiance. I couldn't help but feel uneasy and apprehensive, unsure of what lay ahead on this unexpected adventure.

My heart was broken, but it was the only way I could save us both. I did not know when I would see Logan again, but I was relieved that he was safe. My eyes were heavy, but I didn't want to sleep.

"You can rest, Sansa Elsher; we've got a long way to go," said Xavier.

I looked at him, surprised. Was he not a con, I wondered, or did he tell the truth? Half-truths have always been more dangerous than lies. I was clueless, and he was obstinate about not telling the whole truth.

"How did you get my name?" I inquired, intrigued.

"You hid for a long time, which is why I couldn't find you sooner," explained Xavier.

"Who are you?" I inquired.

Xavier reached out his hand to me. "My name is Xavier Ronan," he stated calmly.

I didn't shake his hand because how could he act so normal after what he'd done?

His mysterious response simply added to the mystery around him. Despite my need for clarity, it appeared that Xavier was determined to keep his true identity hidden.

"I have nothing to offer you, no wealth or possessions," I admitted, my voice tinged with disappointment. "You will gain nothing if this is a kidnapping."

"I want nothing but you," he said solemnly.

When our gazes met, his deep ocean-blue eyes obscured my vision and made it difficult for me to find my way.

I returned my attention to the window, finding solace in the cityscape's glittering lights. The music's soothing tune mixed with the rhythm of the road, lulling me into a state of exhausted surrender.

As sleep swept over me, I closed my heavy eyelids, seeking refuge in the quiet darkness of my thoughts, hoping that when I opened my eyes again, the uncertainties that had troubled me would be resolved.

The quick closing of the car door stunned me, and I realized Xavier was no longer in the vehicle. I was bewildered, not knowing how long I had been sleeping or where we were.

Xavier reappeared a few moments later and extended his hand to assist me in getting out of the car. I hesitated but grudgingly did not hold his hand in mine, my emotions filled with anger for him.

"He's still under my control," can't Xavier cautioned, attempting to impose his authority over me.

I got out of the car, still clutching his hand, but my grip was clenched with rage. The desire to punch him in the face was strong. Since our initial meeting, the desire to kill him had been burning within me.

A massive mansion radiated with lights in front of us. A shower of fragrant blooms fell around us as we went down a path strewn with rose petals. It should have been a romantic scene, with flowers everywhere, my favorite sight, but I couldn't experience any joy since I was consumed with vengeful thoughts from the time I left the wedding hall.

The doors of the mansion swung wide, showing a huge hall filled with individuals dressed in lavish and expensive apparel. Women sported opulent cosmetics and jewelry, while males sported designer suits and shoes. Smiles, laughter, and dance filled the air.

As I entered the hall, all eyes were on me, and I felt like an outsider in this world of grandeur and luxury. I negotiated this unknown environment while pretending to be confident, knowing that my existence here was a ruse. I had never been to such extravagant events before because I had lived homeless life on the streets.

"Congratulations, Xavier," a man in the audience, Adam said as he raised his wine glass, inspiring others to do the same. The room erupted in joyous applause.

A woman in her late twenties with medium-length black curly hair made her way toward me among the crowd.

"Welcome, lady Sansa," said Amara as we stood in the heart of the dazzling party.

I managed a faint giggle, unable to form any meaningful words. The atmosphere was electric, with Xavier and the ecstatic crowd dancing without a care in the world. Amid all the joy, my mind was in chaos as I tried to understand all that had just happened.

I wondered if I'd ever see Logan again, or if I should believe Xavier's claim about the law he told me about. My thoughts were scattered, and I couldn't concentrate on anything.

"Xavier, congratulations on your wedding," she said nicely.

"Thank you," nicely said Xavier.

Wait! What? Why he pretended that we are married already? What was he thinking?

"You are looking pretty," said Amara.

"However, we are not—" I couldn't finish my sentence because Xavier interrupted me.

"That's why she is mine," Xavier in his deep voice.

He was watching over me with those mysterious eyes, what kind of game he was playing?

He abruptly let go of my hand, and a woman dressed in a sleek black gown and blazing red shoes approached us. Her long, glossy black hair cascaded down her shoulders, and her beautiful shape drew everyone's attention.

Her piercing gaze was fixed on me, assessing me from head to toe. As she studied me, she had a suspicious air about her.

"So, she's your bride, poor girl," she muttered, her face contemptuous.

Her actions seemed to bother Amara and Xavier, which just contributed to my bewilderment.

"Welcome to hell, where you'll rue your birth," she chuckled, her words tinged with malice.

"Stop it, Bella," said Xavier, his tone solemn.

"You won't be able to prepare her for the future, but she will suffer, She should know," sharply Bella responded.

Amara was irritated. "Please stop ruining the party."

"Her life was significant, but it has already been ruined," cruel Bella's comments cut my heart, compounding my dissatisfaction with my life.

Xavier, frustrated, grabbed Bella's hand and drew her away, preventing any additional nasty words.

"Don't mind her; it's her habit to ruin everything," anxiously Amara explained, "My name is Amara Collins."

I was ready to shake her hand when a man with shiny black hair, fair skin, and big brown eyes approached and handed me a glass of wine.

"My name is Adam Nigel, and I'd like to welcome you to the family," said Adam kindly.

"My name is Sansa Elsher," I said nervously.

"I know. "We've been waiting to see you since Xavier told us about you," with a smile Adam said.

"When did he tell you about me?" I thought.

"Today, he announced that he is marrying, and we were surprised because he is marrying to whom when he is always busy," joyfully Adam stated.

"We were looking forward to meeting Xavier's bride," said Amara with a smile.

My mind was racing with questions. How did Xavier track me down? Why did he announce and bring me to the mansion on my wedding day? What was he trying to hide from them? But I had to be careful what I said. Knowing that Xavier could harm Logan, I couldn't tell him the truth.

"It's... a fate that... brought us together," I mumbled, forced smile on my face.

"That's correct, but is there a specific location where he proposed to you?" gently Adam asked.

I looked for an appropriate response, trying not to divulge too much to Adam, who was waiting for my reaction.

"Before this party ends, I must tell you why it exists," drunkenly Edward declared.

Edward grabbed everyone's attention by standing in the center of the stairway. He was holding a glass of red wine and beaming with delight.

The black-suited members who had accompanied Xavier to my wedding had vanished, leaving only Edward in the area.

"Today's celebration is in honor of Alpha's bride, Sansa Elsher," said Edward graciously. "Xavier, congratulations on your wedding. We're all thrilled for you, man."

The audience exploded in applause and cheers, completely blind to the truth. Given that we were meeting for the first time, I was taken aback by their warm reception.

However, Bella's comments stuck in my head amid the festivities. Was this all a ruse, and were they concealing darker objectives behind the festivities? As Bella's terrifying words resonated in my mind, I couldn't help but feel like a goat being brought to slaughter.