Libra Against Luna

Chapter5:Wedding Night II

Agatha's POV:

“Because I am being compelled into this union against my will.” I had the urge to say this out loud, but I had to hold myself. Elliot's life and freedom would be at stake.

Since no answer was provided to his previous question, the Reverend continued. He turned to face Alpha Genova and said. “Genova Hawthorne, will you have this woman to be your wedded wife, to live together in holy matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful only to her, so long as you both shall live?”

“I will.” He replied, sounding like he had no intention to fulfill any of those vows.

The Reverend turned to face me. “Agatha Pennington, will you have this man to be your wedded husband, to live together in holy matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful only to him, so long as you both shall live?”

“I will.” I said, trying to sound as genuine as I can.

“May I have the rings, please?” The Reverend requested, and Caroline stepped up with two different boxes bearing the rings.

“These rings are a symbol of the vows you have just spoken. May they be a constant reminder of the promises you have made today.”

“Place the ring on Agatha's finger and repeat after me: ‘With this ring, I thee wed, and with all my worldly goods, I thee endow.’” The Reverend instructed and Genova did as he was told.

I stared at the ring on my finger as the Reverend continued. “Place the ring on Genova's finger and repeat after me: ‘With this ring, I thee wed, and with all my worldly goods, I thee endow.’” He requested and I did the same.

“I now pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. What God has joined together, let no one put asunder. You may now kiss your bride.” He said turning to Genova.

All fell silent, my thoughts swirled. Surely, he would not dare such a thing. I had no desire to be intimate with him until I had found Elliott.

I watched in shock as Genova leaned closer, his intentions were known. My eyes widened in shock as his cold green gaze drew near. His lips brushed lightly against mine before he withdrew. It was far from the romantic moment I had imagined for my first kiss as his wife.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great honor to introduce to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Genova Hawthorne!” The Reverend proclaimed, and the church erupted in applause.

The carriage ride to the Hawthorne estate was unreasonably silent. I sat opposite my husband, Alpha Genova, who seemed uninterested in engaging in any conversation. The silence carried on until we reached the mansion’s gates and the carriage came to a halt, waiting for the gates to be opened.

After a moment, the coachman drove the carriage into the courtyard, then hopped off to open the door. He assisted me as I climbed down, and I turned to wait for Genova, hoping we might enter the house together.

“Will you not be coming down?” I asked, breaking the silence. It was the first time I had spoken to him since our initial encounter. He had only spoken to me once before, earlier today, when he said. “Miss Pennington, your hand.”

“You may go in without me. I shall not be returning tonight.” He replied dismissively.

The question burned within me. ‘How am I to acquaint myself with your family when you are not there to introduce me?’ But I held my tongue.

“Of course.”;I murmured, then turned and made my way to the front door alone.

<<

Later that night, as I drifted into a deep sleep, I felt the bed shift beside me. At first, I thought I was dreaming, until a warm breath brushed against my neck. My eyes flew open in shock.

‘There is someone in my room,’ I thought, and my chest felt tight. I turned to face my suspicions, and there, beside me, was the man I wasn't expecting to see.

“Genova!” I gasped.

What could he be doing here? He had said earlier that he would not return home tonight. So why……. why is he here?

‘Could he be seeking a wedding night?’ The thought crossed my mind.

“I know you wish for me to treat you as a wife tonight, but I must make it clear. I shall never view you in that light. You shamelessly sold yourself to me, and for that, I find you utterly undesirable.” He said coldly. Rising from the bed, he added. “You shall move to the couch; that is where you will sleep from now on.”

“Excuse me?” I managed to ask, barely containing my swirling emotions.

“I believe your ears are in working order.” He replied curtly.

I stared at him, genuinely confused. Could he be so devoid of understanding, maybe he is autistic. Which explains why he is so blind to the emotions plainly visible in my eyes. Did he not see that I had no wish to engage with him in any way?

Taking a deep breath, I rose from the bed and made my way to the couch. I had no intention of retorting, and no desire to provoke him. I was not trying to play the humble maiden who wins his heart, nor the bold woman who captures his interest.

My only aim was singular and clear, to write a letter to Noah at the earliest opportunity and obtain Elliott’s whereabouts. Once I had that information, I would find a way to escape this wretched place and flee Guildford with him.

Wait!

The letter! Suddenly, I recalled that before I boarded the carriage with Genova, Noah had slipped a letter into the pocket of my wedding gown.

Perhaps the letter contains details of Elliott’s whereabouts. If so, my escape plan shall begin immediately.

But if not…