wedding night
The sound of fireworks echoed in the distance, a mockery of the silence that hung between Sasha and Axel. The grand mansion was filled with laughter, music, and clinking glasses as guests celebrated what they believed was a union of love. But inside the bridal suite, the air was heavy, suffocating with tension.
Sasha sat on the edge of the enormous king-sized bed, her hands twisting nervously in her lap. The white wedding dress she wore felt like niddles on her body. She could still hear her mother’s words ringing in her head.
"Endure, my daughter. This marriage was chosen for you since childhood. It will secure the family name. Be a good wife, be obedient, and he will come around."
But as she glanced toward Axel, standing stiffly by the window with a glass of whiskey in hand, she knew those words were wishful thinking.
He hadn’t smiled once that day. Not at her, not at their parents, not even at the priest when the vows were spoken. If anything, his jaw had been clenched so tightly she thought his teeth might break.
Finally, Sasha broke the silence. “Axel…” her voice was soft, unsure, “shouldn’t we—”
“Don’t.” He didn’t turn, his deep voice cutting through the air like a blade.
She froze, her lips parting, then closing again.
He downed the whiskey in one gulp, set the glass down with a sharp clink, and finally faced her. His piercing blue eyes held no warmth, only irritation. “Don’t pretend, Sasha. You know I didn’t want this marriage. You know my family forced me into this circus.”
Her throat tightened, but she managed a whisper. “I know. But we are married now, Axel. Whether you wanted it or not, it’s done. Can’t we at least try—”
“Try?” He laughed, bitter and hollow. “Do you think I’ll suddenly fall for you because you wear a white dress and call yourself my wife? No. Don’t delude yourself.”
Sasha looked down, her fingers tightening around the hem of her gown. “I never asked for this either. I only obeyed our families’ wishes.”
“Then congratulations,” he sneered. “You’re the perfect little obedient doll they raised you to be. But hear me, Sasha” he took a step closer, his presence towering over her, “you will never have my love. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever.”
Her chest ached at his words, but she held her ground. “I don’t ask for love, Axel. I only ask for respect.”
“Respect?” His voice dripped with mockery. “You think you deserve respect when you’re nothing but a pawn in this twisted family game? No, Sasha. I’ll make sure you regret ever walking down that aisle with me.”
Tears stung her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. “Why? Why punish me for something I didn’t choose?”
“Because you’re here,” he said coldly. “Because you let them tie you to me. You want to play the dutiful wife? Then you’ll suffer for it. I’ll bring my women here, in front of you. I’ll make sure you never forget that you’re nothing to me.”
Her lips trembled. “Axel…”
He leaned closer, his voice a low growl. “Don’t look at me with those innocent eyes. Don’t hope, don’t dream. From tonight onwards, Sasha, you’re my wife in name only. And I promise you, this marriage will be your worst nightmare.”
The finality in his tone shattered something inside her. She turned her face away, blinking back tears. For years, she had prepared herself for this marriage, convincing herself that maybe... just maybe... it would work. She had thought obedience would win his heart. But now, on their very first night, her hopes were crushed beyond repair.
Silence stretched again, broken only by the muffled music from outside.
“Change out of that ridiculous dress,” Axel said suddenly, his voice sharp. “You don’t have to pretend for me anymore.”
Sasha didn’t move. Her heart felt heavy, her chest tight. But she managed to whisper, “I’ll endure, Axel. I’ll be the wife they want me to be, even if you hate me.”
He laughed coldly. “Endure all you want. It won’t change a damn thing.”
He grabbed his jacket, shrugged it on, and headed toward the door. Before leaving, he glanced back at her, his eyes hard. “Welcome to your new life, Mrs. Morrison. I hope you enjoy the nightmare you married into.”
The door slammed shut behind him.
Sasha sat there, her body trembling, her vision blurred by unshed tears. She clutched her hands to her chest, whispering to herself.
“For better or worse… I will endure. I have no choice.”
Outside, the guests toasted to their “happily ever after,” unaware that the bride was left alone, drowning in silence, while her groom disappeared into the night.
And thus began Sasha’s marriage... not with love, not with joy, but with a vow of cruelty.
