Shades of love

Brand beginnings

Third POV

"The last call for passengers leaving to capital. The bus leaves the station at 3 o'clock" - the monotonous voice of a man was heard on the small platform, which had only a few people on it. Mia looked at a couple, hugging tight a young man, he looked almost like a teenager, still. With a small cat in her hands, an old woman was already seated in the half-empty bus and staring at her from the bus window.

'Am I really doing this?" - Mia heard the anxious voice in her head, screaming. A wave of fear raised inside her, leaving her almost breathless, her hands were slightly shaking. One last time, she looked over her shoulder, as if she was looking for someone. Deep down, she was hoping and begging that Domenic would come after her. That he realized that he was making a grave mistake, and she was the only one he wanted to marry. What they had was true love. It was intense, and sometimes crazy yes! But it was real, it must have been.

"Was it real? " - the voice spoke again inside her head, making her heart sink "Or are you just so pathetic, you never realized that he was playing you? Did you really think a man like him, would marry a poor nobody, with no education and money, who was raised by a lunatic mother?" - she closed her eyes, trying to make the voice stop, tears running again in both of her cheeks "You waisted all this time, you should have gotten married to Nick when he asked you to. At least, you would have a place to stay, and some dignity. Now you are the town's clown, and without a roof over your head" - the hunting thoughts were drowning her, and she felt numb.

"Give me a sign, God! Please... please! What should I do?" - she whispered, not realizing she was speaking to herself, in public, something she would never do, for fear of looking insane.

Suddenly, she heard the sound of the bus engine turning on. Her heart stop biting for a second, realizing that was her sign. To leave, and never look back. She got up, holding her backpack in one hand, and the ticket in the other. She run to the bus, knowing that if she hesitated even for a single moment, she would not be able to do this. She wouldn't be able to turn her back to Domenic, the man she loved more than life itself. As the old bus was slowly taking off from the old dirty station, Mia was already heading into a new life. She knew that, and she never had felt more terrified and lonely than at this moment.

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Third POV

"Do you Olimpia Diana Larsen expect Dominic Knight as your lawful husband? Do you promise to be faithful to him in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love him and honor him, for all days of your life?" - the priest asked solemnly

"Yes" - Olimpia replied immediately, smiling brightly, as a spark of joy, excitement, and victory fired in her eyes. It was indeed the happiest day in her life, she finally got what she wanted.

"Do you Dominic Knight expect Olimpia Diana Larsen as your lawful wife? Do you promise to be faithful to her, in good time and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love her and honor her, for all days of your life?" - the priest asked the groom.

Domenic looked at Olimpia with a face empty of emotions, he wasn't there anymore. In his mind, the vivid memories of Mia started flashing one after another, he felt a sharp pain that was almost physical. The groom's silence made everyone whisper, the tension was too entertaining for most of the curious guests. The priest repeated the question, but Domenic finally snapped out of his thoughts when his best man, David patted his back.

"Come on man, this is not the time to get second thoughts" - he whispered in his ear, with a forced fake smile in his head. Suddenly, Domenic became aware again of where he was, and what was happening. His dark eyes meet Olimpia's, who was staring at him terrified and nervous"

"I do" - he finally said with a hoarse, but deep voice, for everyone to hear. Olimpia took a deep breath of relief, but her smile wasn't as bright anymore.

"I now proclaim you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride" - the priest say, as people started cheering them on, and the music blasted again, as Domenic leaned in and gave his first-ever kiss to Olimpia. He couldn't help but think, about how this was the first time, he was being unfaithful to Mia, and that made him feel absolutely awful. It took a lot of effort to push aside these thoughts, as he tried to behave normally, despite the frustration "Why did you have to come, and mess with my head today Mia? I am also doing this for you kitten" - he thought to himself, as he was opening the car's door to his bride.

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Third POV

"I can't believe my father expected to hold the wedding party here, at your mansion" - Olimpia said smiling, trying to fill in the awkward silence between them.

'I am the groom, that's how it should be done." - Dominic replied shortly

'Yeah, but.. you have no idea how hardheaded grandpa' is"

"Domenic" - a tall old man entered the dark studio, immediately changing the atmosphere in the room.

"Father" - Olimpia almost yelled in a high pinching voice, rushing to give him a hug.

"Mr. Larsen" - Dominic got up to his feet, shaking his hand.

"Why don't you go get ready for the party, Olimpia?" - Theodor asked, but it wasn't a question, but rather a demand. "I have some things to discuss with your husband"

"Yes, grandpa" Olimpia replied in a sugarcoated voice, nodding. She didn't really want to leave, but she knew better than to disobey her father.

"Can I offer you a cigar?" - Domenic leaned forward a small silver box that looked expensive.

"Was it just me, or you were hesitant when making your vows, at the church?" - Theodor asked in a raspy calm voice, as he lighted up a cigar.

"I just married your daughter, as we agreed. There is no place for further discussions"- he replied coldly. No matter how much more powerful and richer Theodor Larsen was, Dominic was determined not to be pushed around. He would rather die, than be a toy that could be bent, in someone else's hands. The piercing dirty green eyes of Theodor stared at Domenic for a short while, who hated how canny and smart this man was.

"You remind me a lot of myself when I was younger" - Theodor finally said "I admire your strong character and desire for success, but don't get too full of yourself."

"If we are anything alike, then I suppose you are keeping your part of the deal"

"I always keep my word...son!" - Theodor smiled, but was something unsettling in the expression on his face "The money will be in your bank account tomorrow. I also talked with my lawyers, the paperwork for the merger of our companies will be at your desk, right after the honeymoon."

"What honeymoon? You were supposed to bring them today, after the ceremony" - Domenic's face hardened

"I was, wasn't I? But you know how complicated and annoying the paperwork can be"

"If you are trying to act smart with me..."

"Why would I act smart with my own son-in-law? You are part of the family now, son! I never had a son, you see. And God knows how much I wanted one. I want you to take care of everything after I am gone. However, I will only be in peace, when you and Olympia give me a son"

"A son?" - Dominic repeated

"Yes, a son. I want my heir to carry my blood" - Theodor explained

"I thought, you wanted me as your heir"

"You? Oh, no, no, no! You will have control of the company and the assets, of course, but my inheritance will be yours only when you and Olympia have a son. I have made this clear on my will. Hasn't Olympia told you that?"

"I think she has skipped that part" - Dominic said, as anger and frustration build up inside of him.

"Only the man who carries my blood will take full control of my wealth. One day, that man will be your son, so make sure to make my granddaughter happy, and to make her a mother, as soon as possible."

"That wasn't our deal, thought"- Dominic replied in a low chilly voice, trying hard to stay composure

"I always have been very clear on where I stand. You are not backing up now, aren't you?" - Theodor raised his brow "Besides, is only normal for a young couple to have children"

"As soon as this year is over, I will divorce..."

"Divorce?" - Theodor suddenly raised his voice "What the hell are you talking about?"

"Olympia said that..."

"I don't care what that silly goose has told you, or why she said what she said. You'll take good care of her, and give me a legitimate heir. If you ever divorce, I will make sure to destroy you, and none of you will see a penny" - Mr. Larsen busted out angry. Suddenly, he tried to compose himself, and looked like he was trying hard to control his reaction, and chose his words.

"I don't get why are we having this conversation. I like you, Dominic, I really do. You are sharp and determined, and with my help, you'll be a very powerful and rich man. All I am asking is an heir, that carries my blood so that my family name legacy can live on. You of all people should understand this. Divorces have never been a thing in our family, for generations. I am not asking you to stay... faithful but is imperative to keep my family's good name. How hard is it to make a wife happy, if you s***h her in money and give her kids to keep her busy with? With all this money, power, and connections you are getting in exchange, I think what I am asking for is only fair. Isn't it?"

"It is..." -Dominic finally nodded

"Good" - Theodor smiled, satisfied.

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"Third POV

"You can at least try to hide your misery, Dominic. This is your wedding, not a trial for murder" - David said, pretending to fix his bow

"Did you take her home?" - Dominic asked impatiently

"Who are you talking about?" - David got confused

"Mia! Did you take her home?"

"Mia was here? At the wedding?"

'What do you mean? She was here, in the morning, right before the ceremony. You must have seen her, she was in my room"

"At your room? God damn it, Dominic! Are you trying to sabotage your own wedding?"

'I didn't expect her to come here today, I want to tell her myself! She wasn't looking okay? How was she? Did she say anything?"

"I don't know, I haven't seen her" - David shrugged it off

"What? Oh, God! Go to her home, tell her I'll be there first thing in the morning' - Dominic suddenly was worried

"To her home?" - David repeated

"Yes, damn it! To her home, where else would she be? Tell her... tell her that I love her. This marriage changes nothing"

"Oh...There is something you should know" - David said with hesitation

'What?"

"Hmm... her home... there was hm.... there was a fire. It burned to the ground. I don't think she is there, and I don't really know where Mia can be right now"

'What?" - Dominic felt his heart sunk terribly inside him. "And you are telling me this now?"