chapter 2

Kayla's pov

Everybody clapped as Dante kissed me. I couldn't even smile. Not after what he whispered to me. Not after those cruel, bitter words sank deep into my chest like thorns. Tears slipped quietly down my cheeks, but I quickly wiped them off, not wanting any to see me Break.

I looked up at him. There was no love in his eyes. Just hatred. Cold, dark hatred. He hated me with every part of him. And deep down, I knew he was going show it. He was going to be cruel. He meant every word he said.

I turned to face the crowd. They were all smiling. Clapping. Celebrat. But all I could see was how fake it all felt. Their grins, their cheers, they pretty clothes and glassy toasts.

They weren't happy for me they were happy for the alliance. For the name. For the money. No one cares that I walking straight into misery.

The wedding ended in a blur, it was all done. I was now somebody's wife. Dante's wife. The word sounded foreign in my head. Uncomfortable. Wife.

I followed everyone to the reception, my heels clicking against the stone path as I walked like a guest at my own wedding. People laugh, the sound echoing in to the open air. Mixing with the music and the clinks of wine glasses. The reception was held outside too, beneath strings of warm lights and around decorated tables. There were trays of food, drinks, cakes and people pretending like everything was perfect.

Kinsey helped me out of my wedding dress in the private changing area. I slipped into something simpler. A silky, cream dress that made me feel a little lighter. But not free.

I walked in to the reception and looked around. My father was already in his suit mode, discussing business like today was just another power move. My mother was bouncing from one guest to another, laughing and fussing and showing off like she was the bride.

I stood quietly, alone in the middle of everyone. People greeted me. I replied softly. I didn't smile. I couldn't. What was I supposed to smile about?

Everyone knew Dante wasn't meant to marry me. They knew who he loved. My sister. Not me.

I didn't eat. I didn't drink. My stomach was too tight to even try. All I could think about was what would happen next when I go to my new home.

I could barely breathe just thinking about it. It was finally time. Time to leave with my husband. When I stepped outside, the cool air hit my skin, and I saw my parents waiting. My mother rushed to me the moment she saw me. She pulled me into a hug so tight, I almost lost my breath.

“ My child,” she said, her voice thick with emotion, “ so you are now a wife, make me proud. Do not disobey your husband. If there's any problem, just call me.

Before I could even get a word out, my father cut in. “ She won't be giving Dante any trouble. There won't be any need for her to call you. Dou you understand?”

I turned to face him, unsure if he was warning me or comforting me. He looked serious as always, the kind of man who thought hugs were weakness. “ Be good to your husband,” he said.

I nodded, he nodded back.

That was his version of affection. I had learned not to expect more. Then Kinsey appeared out of nowhere, throwing her arms around me without hesitation. I clung to her like she was my last thread of comfort.

“ I'm going to miss you so much,”. She whispered. “ I will come to visit you every single time I get the chance. I gave her a weak smile. “ I would love that. At least I will have some one around who actually loves me.

She leaned closer. Brushing my hair behind my ear. “ Even if it's a month from now and you still want to go ahead with the plan…I wouldn't mind. I will come get you, I will find a way to learn”.

I nodded, but deep down, I knew I wouldn't run. Not because I wasn't brave. But because I didn't want to make thin worse than they already were. There was tension between our families. Enough unspoken mess.

“Kayla” my mother said again, “ just promise me you will be good. Be good to your husband.

“ I.. “ of course she will be good to me,” a voice interrupted.

Dante. He had appeared so silently. Like a shadow. My mother turned to him and forced a polite smile.

“ Please take care of her .” He grinned, it didn't

reach his eyes. It made me uncomfortable.

“ Oh, I will,” he said. “ She will take care of me too. Won't you, wife?

I swallowed. “ Yes I will.. I will take care of you. But it came out as a whisper. So soft I wasn't sure anyone heard it.

Dante and my father stepped aside, having some quick, low toned conversation I couldn't hear. I didn't want to hear it.

A minute later, Dante turned back to me. “ Let's go,” he said flatly. No hand reached for mine. No glance back to check if I was following. He just started walking.

I turned to Kinsey and have her a soft smile. Then I look at my parents, my mother was blinking back tears, and my father was unreadable as always.

And I left with Dante. The car door was already open. The driver held it for me, eyes lowered. Killian was already inside, seated, staring out the window like he had more important place to be.

I climbed in quietly and closed the door behind me. No words were exchanged. Just pure silence.

The ride home was painfully quite. Dante was beside me, typing away on his phone like I didn't exist. He didn't even glance at me . Not once.

I stole a few glances at him secretly. I didn't want him to catch me starring. I wasn't even sure why I was looking at him. Maybe I was still trying to find something human in his expression.

The silence in the car was so loud it drowned my thoughts. My dress wasn't even right, but it felt like it was choking me. Like it was a cage wrapped around my body. I wanted to breathe, but I couldn't.

Then the car slowed down. A massive gate stood in front of us, tall and intimidating. It opened smoothly, as if welcoming a king and his queen. But I didn't feel like a queen. I didn't feel like anything.

We drove in slowly. The road inside was long, winding between trees and lights and silence. I pressed my fingers to the window, trying to take in the details. But it was dark, and everything looked blurred. Until the mansion came int view.

It was breathtaking. Huge, elegant, and glowing under the soft lights. But instead of awe, I felt a pang in my chest . This was beautiful, yes but it didn't feel like home.

The car stopped. Dante didn't say a word. He didnt wait. He just openy his door and got out. I sat there for a second. Was I that disgusting to him ? Was my presence that unbearable.?

I slowly Opened my own door and stepped out. The night air was cool, brushing against my skin like a quiet warning.

Behind me, the driver and a few others started unloading the bags. I didn't even look back. I just followed him like a stranger.

Inside the mansion, the air smelled like fresh polish and soft flower. Expensive and distant. The marble floor echoed under our feet. And then he stopped walking. Two people stood at the entrance. A man, probably in his fifties,and a woman little older than me. They greeted us warmly.

Dante didn't respond. Not even a nod. He just walked off. And left me standing there. Alone. With strangers. In a place I was supposed to call home.

I stood awkwardly, clutching the end of my dress, unsure of what to do. My voice was stuck somewhere deep in my throat.

The woman stepped forward. She looked kind, with gentle eyes and a soft smile. “I'm Monica,” she said. “ Let me take you to your room.” Not our room.

I blinked, swallowing the lump in my throat. Of course, he wouldn't want to stay with me. Why would he ?

The realisation stung, even though I saw it coming. Everybody would know. Everyone would see how much my husband Hates me. And I wouy have to live with it under the same roof.