The Beast Married The Beauty

Prologue: Wedding

In the hallowed halls of the grand cathedral, amidst the flash of cameras and the murmur of countless voices, I stood as a mere pawn in this grand charade. I was to be wed to Leocadius Britain, our union orchestrated by our ambitious families.

Every step I took toward the altar was an anguish for my heart. I couldn't stop crying; it was a sign of how hopeless I felt. It was an impersonal, planned transaction, not the love story I had been waiting for.

When I reached my parents, who were waiting for me in the center of the aisle, I was unable to even take their hands. I felt furious. I was so angry that I was unable to muster a smile for everyone.

"This is for you, my daughter." My father, Checko Whitlock, said with a sad smile.

For me?

No.

It is not for me, but for them.

For money. For businesses they want to expand further.

"We love you, Franchesca. Please, remember that," my mother, Francia, sobbed. She held my hand tightly and kissed the back of it. "This is for you. Your father and I know that the Britains will keep you safe as long as you are under their roof. So be a good wife to your husband, okay?"

My mind was so preoccupied with my own thoughts that I couldn't really grasp what my mother was saying.

I stood beside my betrothed, Leocadius, who has an impenetrable face. His eyes lacked the warmth and tenderness that a woman craved.

He was a stranger to me, and I was forced to marry him for the sake of our families' power.

As the vows were exchanged, I felt a tremendous sensation of emptiness. These words had no meaning for me. I was devoting my love to society's expectations rather than Leocadius.

The media filmed every moment, eager to capture and preserve the moment. They witnessed a fairy-tale wedding, but I saw only a prison.

I was imprisoned in a gilded cage, my goals and aspirations extinguished forever.

The reception was a whirl of fake grins and phony laughs. I yearned to escape, to find consolation in the silence of my own mind. But I was forever chained to this man's cold and callous heart.

As the night continued, I went to the privacy of our bridal suite. Leocadius made no attempt to join me, and the sound of his steps echoed along the empty halls. I stood alone, just staring beyond the window at the starless sky.

I had hoped that time would soften the edges of our indifference, but as I gazed at the starless sky, I knew that was a futile dream.

"Let's sleep." Leocadius declared when he entered our suite.

I glanced at him. His deep eyes welcomed me. My heart pounded quicker. Even in the faint light that filled the room, his handsomeness was readily apparent.

"Shall we share a bed?" Even though it seemed evident that would happen now, I still asked.

His eyebrows sprang up as if I had asked the silliest question ever. Because of that, I felt ashamed.

We're not like other married individuals who tied the knot because they love each other. We got married because of our parents. Clearly intended for businesses. All of this is only to make more money. So, what's wrong with my question, huh?

"Of course. You are my wife and I am your husband. Aren't we supposed to sleep in the same bed? "

I had heard stories of how passionate newlyweds could be on their first night, but I couldn't help but wonder if I could sleep peacefully beside him.

Leocadius lay on the bed, his back turned to me. And as I approached the bed, I noticed the faint scent of his cologne, a scent that was both familiar and foreign to me. I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to proceed.

"You can lay down," he said without looking back. "I promise not to do anything that would frighten or offend you. We'll just sleep."

It was as if that was the signal for me to lie down beside him. It was a miracle that, despite my fear and dread for the person lying next to me, I was able to sleep soundly.

That night, I had a dream that Leocadius and I were having a good marriage. He was carrying our son, and his free hand was holding mine at a park filled with flowers and leaves swirling in the breeze.

And that dream offered me a sense of hope that perhaps our marriage could work out. Could be all he needs is for someone to break through his barriers and soften his heart in order for this marriage to blossom into a lasting love.