VINCENT
1145 Words
Vincent
The grand gates of Rognez Villa closed shut at the last minute as we drove in. Cars flitted around the compound, marking the presence of every family member.
I glanced to my side and noticed Glydon fixated on the green scenery outside the window. Cypress trees lined the driveway, light posts illuminating the pathway.
Nothing about this compound excited me. The only memories I had within the four walls of this ancient, gloomy villa were bitterness and pain.
Tonight, I was going to dine with my bloodthirsty family members. The same people who had brutally murdered my parents all in the name of inheritance.
Unfortunately, I wouldn't allow what belonged to me to pass down to anyone. Glydon had no idea what was coming. The storm ahead would be a gruesome one. Hopefully, she would survive it if she was truly smart.
The car came to a halt in front of the traditionally designed mansion. It reminded me of the dark nights I spent trying to gain my footing as the young master of the family. My mood darkened as I stared at the large doors that sheltered murderers.
Flames were all I could see, tearing down the mansion with everyone locked inside while I burned them to ashes just like they did to my parents.
I didn't realize how deep my anger was until the woman beside me touched my arm.
“Mr. Rognez, are you alright?"
Her eyes harbored innocent curiosity. If only she knew I was about to use her to get my revenge.
“I am fine." I slipped her hand off my arm and stepped out of the car.
She followed suit and stepped to my side, ready to play the perfect role as my wife.
“Remember, the moment you walk into this house with me, have it in mind that your life will always be on the line. If you want my protection, play your part well," I warned sternly. The last thing I wanted was for someone to ruin my plan.
She nodded in response, and we began to ascend the lengthy stairs.
Halfway up, she grabbed my arm tightly. Her shoulders squared up in tension.
Gently, I patted her hand and whispered,
“Straighten up, Glydon, if you don't want to be their next target."
“A little word of comfort would be helpful at this moment," she whisper-yelled. “You do realize I am about to enter a house full of billionaires. Terrifying ones, to be precise."
“You signed up for it."
“Correction, you bribed me to be your wife."
“Yet you signed the contract to spite your ex," I said, hitting a nail on her fresh wound.
She spun her head toward me, green eyes blazing daggers at my face.
“You made the offer. I only accepted with a condition," she spat fiercely.
There it was, that feisty attitude I needed from her.
“Good. Keep this energy because there will be a lot of rage-baiting inside," I assured her unapologetically.
She rolled her eyes, but the tension in her grip had relaxed.
We entered the mansion and were led by one of the servants to the ballroom where my grandmother's birthday party was being held.
As my name was announced, I wrapped my arm around Glydon's waist and pulled her closer to me.
“Try not to wander off, and don't drink any wine," I cautioned before leading her into the ballroom filled with nasty, greedy elites.
Their chanting came to a stop, all heads turning in our direction as we strode in majestically.
Glydon didn't fail to put up her perfect smile, which looked natural and complemented her face.
I led her up to the stage where my grandmother was seated.
The aged woman still looked dashing even with the wrinkles of old age. She sat with a stern expression as if she had been forced to attend her own birthday.
I stopped at the last step, maintaining a safe distance.
“You are late," she grumbled, slamming her cane hard on the ground.
“Had important business to run," I muttered, holding her gaze until she shifted it to Glydon.
“Meet my wife, Glydon Rognez," I announced loud and clear for everyone to hear.
The mood in the room shifted as whispers flew amongst the guests.
My uncle, Marcus, stepped forward. He had a placid smile on his face, but I could tell from the twitch at the side of his mouth that he wasn't pleased by my announcement.
Having a wife meant that I would be qualified to inherit the family company according to the will. After what they did to me, they thought it would be impossible for me to have a companion. Never would I give them that satisfaction.
“How are we to believe that you are married when there is no proof?"
Marcus started his interrogation just to sow doubt amongst the guests.
“I don't owe you an explanation for my decisions," I muttered, my voice low and dark with malice.
We glared at each other for seconds, throwing invisible daggers at each other's throats. If only I had my gun.
Cough
I snapped out of the malicious daze and looked at Glydon, whose obnoxious cough had melted the tension in the ballroom.
“I am sick."
She coughed, placing her hand dramatically on my chest.
“Are you alright?" I played along, touching her forehead to check her temperature.
“It must be the baby," she said, and I paused. That wasn't part of the script.
“Baby?"
Her words caught my grandmother's attention.
A smile broke across her face for the first time in years.
The ballroom livened with the news. Even my uncle couldn't believe his ears. He stood with a shocked expression, just like I did.
I had really underestimated this woman. What exactly was she thinking?
“Come to me, my child," Grandma beckoned, shocking everyone with her sudden gentleness.
My grandmother was meticulous about those she brought close to her. Not even her direct blood relatives were allowed to stand that close. But Glydon stood before her as if she were her own daughter.
“Sit down with me, my dear." She adjusted to the side for Glydon to sit beside her.
My uncle's face twisted with bitterness on seeing his own mother favor a stranger over him.
My heart swelled with joy, mocking him for his failure to impress the old lady.
“Vincent." My grandmother called my attention.
“Since you and this lovely lady are expecting, I hereby declare an open grand wedding," she announced without hesitation.
Glydon and I exchanged knowing glances as the marriage declaration was not part of the plan.
And an open grand wedding only meant one thing...Glydon would never be able to leave the family.
- Writer
