Resisting The Wrong Brother

Nightmare Engagement

It was one of their security guards. She breathed a sigh of relief as it was not Vincent. “He is probably doing a security check,” Anna thought to herself.

Anna bit her lip, holding perfectly still amid shelves of linens until his footsteps had faded. She knew she needed to get out, then she realized this was the laundry. Which meant it must have external access. She rushed to the back wall and nearly sobbed with relief when she found a plain metal door. Testing the handle, it opened quickly.

The cool night air washed over Anna's tear-stained face as she slipped outside. She was near the rear of the sprawling mansion, facing an immaculately landscaped garden. The full moon illuminated a stone path that seemed to lead around toward the front drive. That was her way out, consequences be damned.

Anna hitched up the skirt of her nightgown and ran, following the path past trickling fountains and neatly trimmed hedges. The grand facade of the mansion finally came into view ahead. She had nearly made it.

But then the beam of a flashlight cut through the darkness, stopping Anna in her tracks. A security guard stood ten feet away, looking confused. Stunned, Anna realized there was no easy escape from this glittering prison. Not without dooming her family, especially her father. She would have to bide her time and come up with a new plan.

Taking a shaky breath, Anna turned back toward the house. Toward Vincent, her captor and soon-to-be husband.

Anna took a deep, steadying breath and stepped out of the sleek black limousine, camera flashes nearly blinding her. She winced involuntarily but quickly composed herself. Anna forced her lips into a passable copy of a genuinely joyous smile. Waving at the assembled crowd of reporters and gawkers, she played the part of the blissful fiancée even as her pounding heart screamed to run.

It had been a week since the disastrous first night at Vincent's mansion. A week since, he had revealed his true menacing nature behind closed doors. In public, he was a polished, charming billionaire. But in private, Vincent made it abundantly clear Anna was his trophy. Something he can use any way he wants.

Anna was the picture-perfect woman for him. She must conform to all his whims and commands because “Nobody defies Vincent Long,” as Vincent has repeated over the past week.

For now, she was trapped in this sham engagement. But Anna vowed she would find a way out somehow. So she continued to play along, concealing her fear and desperation.

Vincent appeared at her side, looking immaculate in a custom-tailored tuxedo. Before the cameras, he was the picture of a doting groom-to-be. He slipped an arm possessively around Anna's waist. She fought the urge to shudder at his touch, maintaining the facade. Together they walked the red carpet leading into his lavish beachside villa, smiles fixed.

Inside, the engagement gala was in full swing. A small orchestra played unobtrusively in the corner. Waiters circled trays overflowing with champagne flutes and hors d'oeuvres. The ballroom was crowded with socialites, business elite, and relatives from both the Bellamy and Long families.

Mingling and laughing permeate the air as crystal chandeliers glittered overhead.

Anna plastered on her most convincing smile. She clung to Vincent's arm as he led her around the room, showing her off like a new sports car.

"Doesn't she look lovely?" Vincent crooned, flashing his perfect teeth. The crowd murmured appreciatively.

"We're just thrilled for you both," gushed a silicone-enhanced socialite, air-kissing Anna's cheek. She thanked the woman demurely, skin crawling at the cloying congratulations.

On and on it went, making small talk with the endless parade of strangers. Vincent kept Anna close at his side the entire time, playing the attentive groom as he brushed back her hair.

After over an hour of exhausting meet-and-greet, the doors to the dining room were opened. The guests filtered inside to take their assigned seats. Waiters appeared bearing the first course. Mouthwatering aromas waft through the air. Anna could hardly swallow a bite. She pushed the delicately plated food around her plate, her appetite extinguished by a myriad of emotions.

Vincent, seated at the head table, ate heartily and chatted amiably with those around them. As dessert was being cleared away, he tapped his champagne flute with a fork, rising to give a toast. The room quieted.

"My dear friends," Vincent began, his rich voice carrying, "Anna and I want to again express our gratitude for joining us to celebrate our engagement."

Murmurs of appreciation rippled through the crowd. Anna managed a thin smile at Vincent.

"Our union was fatefully arranged," he continued, laying a hand over Anna's. "And I could not have asked for a more exquisite, virtuous partner."

Anna lowered her eyes, her stomach churning. If they only knew the truth. She looked across to her mom, Mrs. Bellamy, who gave her the “everything will be okay” nod. She nodded in response.

"Together, we are the best of both our families, and this union will pave the way for a new era of innovation and prosperity." Vincent raised his glass higher. "To Anna and our future."

"Cheers!" the crowd echoed, following suit. Vincent drained his champagne and flashed a smile across his handsome face. Anna took a small sip of hers and then set the flute down, wishing this night would end.

After dinner, the music transitioned to a slow waltz. Vincent stood and offered Anna his hand. "Shall we dance?"

Knowing she had no choice, Anna let him lead her to the parquet dance floor. He pulled her close, one hand pressing firmly into the small of her back. Vincent moved with smooth, domineering steps, steering Anna around the floor. She focused on keeping up, counting steps under her breath.

"You've done well tonight," Vincent murmured in her ear as he whirled her through a turn. "Obedience is mutually benefiting, keep this up and things will go smoothly for us both." The unspoken threat hung in the air.

Anna nodded mutely. As the dance continued, Vincent's hand gripped hers and any reaction might break her facade. Still, the turns went on and on until Anna felt lightheaded.

Just when she thought she couldn't maintain the ruse a second longer, the song ended. Vincent released her and they turned to politely applaud the orchestra. Anna discreetly flexed her throbbing fingers. Other couples moved to take the floor, allowing Vincent to guide Anna off to the side. She wobbled on her stiletto heels, exhausted in every way.

Secretly, she slipped her cell phone out of her clutch and glanced at it at 11:47 P.M. This nightmare gala had to end soon. She just had to hang on a little longer.

"One more duty to see to," Vincent murmured, checking his watch. He took Anna's hand again, leading her toward the open bar. A group of executives stood chatting there. Important investors, she surmised.

Vincent effortlessly inserted himself into their conversation, all easy confidence and charm. A skill Anna envied. He kept her planted next to him, showing her off but permitting her no chance to interact. She may as well have been a particularly valuable sculpture on display.

As Vincent talked about business, Anna's gaze drifted across the room. Through a glass door, she spotted a covered terrace overlooking the ocean. It appeared blissfully empty. Seeing a rare opportunity, Anna discreetly slipped away from Vincent's grip.

"Excuse me, I just need some air," she murmured before he could object. Not waiting for a response, Anna headed for the terrace doors on wobbly feet. She didn't dare look back to see if Vincent was watching.

The night air was balmy on Anna's skin as she stepped outside, a blessed change from the stifling ballroom. She moved into the shadows near the railing, grateful for a moment of peace. Below her, moonlight shimmered on the gently rolling ocean waves.

How easy it would be to climb over this railing, Anna thought bleakly. Let the waves swallow her and end this nightmare. But Vincent would surely pursue her to the ends of the earth. Better to bide her time until the right chance for escape came. If it ever did.

Lost in thought, Anna didn't hear the terrace door open. She felt a sudden grip on her shoulder and a hot breath on her neck.