The Billionaire's Substitute Wife

Chapter2

Serena's POV

"I do!" My voice echoed in the hall as I said the vows and became Damian Cross's wife.

"I now pronounce you both husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." Not another kiss with this monster, I thought, shutting my eyes and tilting my head to a corner. What choice did I have? I felt my heart race as his breath on my skin drew closer. For a split second, my heart stopped beating. I felt his lips on my forehead and I opened my eyes, startled.

The crowd cheered on, clapping and singing his praise. His breath on my skin as he pulled away made my heart race even faster. He grabbed my waist, and whispered to me, "I remember you. I have never liked you. I still don't. I'll see you tonight, though." I swallowed hard as I listened. "Goodbye, wife!" He said contentiously. I forced a smile in response.

It couldn't get any worse. He remembered me? Maybe this was why he wanted the wedding, after all. Why didn't he kiss my lips? Did he also remember my reaction that night? I watched him disappear through the back door, many questions flooding my mind. With a heave, I turned towards the congregation. They were starting to disperse. Damian didn't care to take official pictures with the guests and with me. Whatever he had to tend to was more important to him, I sighed.

The ovation overshadowed my thoughts. My father's proud grin, my mother's cheerful smile, and my best friend who sat calmly at the back of the congregation. Ethan came? I hadn't seen him in years. How did he know about the wedding? Our eyes met and I felt guilt wash me over. I should have at least told him. I raced down to where he stood, with fisted hands thrown into his designer pants, and stood with a sad look on my face. A few eyes trailed me to him, but I didn't care. I had just married a monster in the stead of my younger sister. The least I could do was get a hug from my best friend.

I looked up at him while holding onto my wedding dress. The outfit was made for my sister who had more curves than me and so it didn't fit perfectly.

"Ethan," I said, smiling sadly. "You flew down here?"

He nodded yes, looking at me with fascination. "You look ravishing, best," His voice was calm and sent a chill down my spine, and I smiled in response. Almost shyly.

"Thank you!" I responded, wondering why he showed no vexation that he hadn't been invited. I was trying to think of a reason to give him. I couldn't tell him that the marriage was forced. Ethan was stubborn, he would make sure I eloped with him. Nor could I tell him a lie. He knew me well and he knew when I was being dishonest. Yet somehow, I knew I needed to be saved. I knew I needed to get help. I had ended up with a very evil man and I had to get away from his grip in any way possible.

The silence we shared lingered. Our gaze intensified. My breath got rapid. A smile broke out on our lips. It was getting more awkward, yet neither of us looked away. I wanted to look at him as long as I could. This might as well be the last time I would see the sky. Or see him.

"How long have you known him?" Ethan asked, breaking the silence, but not the gaze.

"Long enough," I said in response.

"What about Matt?" He sounded disappointed, I couldn't tell if it was because he felt I was double dating or because he didn't like the man I had married.

"He did say that he needed a break."

"That was three days ago."

"Yes. s**t happens."

"So, your boyfriend fights with you and you run off with another dude and get married barely three days after?"

I sighed. "I know that it was not the best thing to do, Ethan. But Matt and I used to fight a lot. We couldn't agree on anything. The point is that I'm married now and this is my reality. There's nothing you, me, or Matt can do about this."

"I have a feeling that you're not happy," He held my wrist and pulled me to himself. He was so strong, I came crashing into his chest, almost tripping. He was swift and swooped right on time to have me on his lap. He then crashed into a chair and twisted my jaw softly, so my eyes were on his.

"Why would you say that?" I responded, looking around me. The hall was now empty, but that was no excuse. I attempted to pull away from Ethan's grip, he tightened his hands around mine. "Let me go Ethan," I said in a whisper, feeling my heartbeat escalate. "I am married. It's wrong that you have me on your body. Especially not in the public, immediately after my wedding. How irrational?" Although it wasn't easy, I managed to get off his body. But he still held my hand firmly.

"Serena, I know something is the matter and I know that you wouldn't want to speak to me about it. You know me well and you know that I like drama. I would do anything to get to the root of this, so it's best if you talk by yourself!" He wasn't the friendly guy who I had walked over to meet. He was the stern Ethan who had stood up for me my whole life and shushed bullies away from me.

"It's a forced marriage," I said, exhaling and crashing on the chair next to him. "My father arranged everything! Dad threatened to kill me, would you believe it? And my mother seems happy about the whole thing."

"I kind of figured it out," He calmly said, wearing a smug smile that showed both triumph and anger. "Serena, do you like him?" He held my jaw and traced a line on it, turning me to look at him again, as I was starting to avoid eye contact with him.

"I..." I was tempted to tell him about my first encounter with the animal who had become my husband, but I changed my mind. Ethan would make a big deal out of it and I knew he would try to start a fight with Damian. "How can I like him, Ethan? I barely know him. The marriage was supposed to be between him and my sister. I don't know how plans changed, but here I am. I was told about this whole thing last night."

"Hm," He muttered, digging his hand into his side pocket and surfing for a cigar.

"This is the city hall, it's prohibited to smoke here," I was in my mommy character instantly. He could be a mess when upset. Despite his behavior, Ethan was more calm than I assumed he would be. Usually, he'd be raging and throwing his fists in the air while cursing my parents and Damian. He kept his eyes on space and bit his thin but beautiful lips. "Where is your sister?" He asked, finally looking in my direction. He ignored my warning and lit the cigar.

"She ran away. And please, Ethan, put that stick away."

"I will for you. Although you seem to forget that I'm Ethan and I do whatever I want."

The braggy best friend I had. He was successful, I wouldn't blame him if he bragged a few times. He wasn't just a tall blonde with the most beautiful dentition you'd ever see and a smile that lights up the atmosphere, he was a secret millionaire who was so close to becoming a billionaire. Although I never considered him attractive in a s****l manner, I loved him so much and he knew that I did.

"Come with me," He stood. He was still holding onto my wrist. He exhaled deeply and began striding to the door, his hand firmly holding onto mine.

"What are you doing Ethan, where are you taking me?" I was anxious. He was angry, he was probably high and I was the victim. The Ethan I knew would do anything to get justice for me.

"You and I are eloping as well.”