Billionaire's Replacement Bride

Chapter: 5 Wedding

Alina

The soft rustle of silk and lace surrounded me as I stood in front of the mirror, my reflection a ghostly figure in the elaborate wedding dress. It was beautiful, a delicate creation that shimmered under the dim light of my room, but it felt like a shroud, suffocating me in its layers. Just four days ago, I had turned eighteen, and now I was being thrust into a life I never chose. My heart raced, not with excitement, but with a heavy dread that settled in my stomach like a stone.

I glanced at the door, half-expecting my stepsister to burst in and declare that she had changed her mind, that she would take my place after all. But the silence was deafening. my father and stepmother had made it clear that my feelings didn’t matter. I was merely a pawn in their game, a means to an end. And now, I was to be married to Kai Volkov, the ruthless playboy whose reputation preceded him like a dark cloud.

The door creaked open, and my father stepped in, his face as cold and emotionless as ever. He reached for my hand, his grip firm and unyielding. I felt a shiver run down my spine as he led me out of the room, the weight of my fate pressing down on me. I kept my head lowered, avoiding the curious glances of the guests as we made our way to the altar.

The venue was lavish, adorned with flowers and twinkling lights, but all I could see was the path ahead, leading me to a man I had never met. My heart pounded in my chest, each step echoing the reality of my situation. I was a substitute bride, a mere replacement for someone who had the courage to refuse this life.

As we reached the front, I finally looked up, my gaze falling on him. Kai Volkov. The name alone sent a shiver of apprehension through me. He stood there, tall and imposing, with an air of confidence that was almost palpable. I felt small and insignificant in his presence. When he extended his hand toward me, I hesitated for a moment before placing my trembling fingers in his.

He pulled me up roughly, and I stumbled slightly, catching myself just in time. I was used to humiliation, to feeling out of place, but this was different. This was a public display of my submission, my acceptance of a life I never wanted. I lowered my head again, the weight of the veil obscuring my vision, but I could feel his gaze on me, assessing, calculating.

The priest began the ceremony, his voice a distant murmur as I tried to focus on anything but the reality of what was happening. I knew this was just a show, a contract marriage that would last for two years. I was merely a trophy, a means to fulfill some obligation.

When the priest finally declared, “You may kiss the bride,” I lifted my head slightly, my heart racing. I was met with the sight of Kai, his features strikingly handsome, almost devilish in their allure. For a moment, I was taken aback by the intensity of his gaze, a mix of anger and something darker lurking beneath the surface.

He leaned in, and I felt his hands grip my waist, pulling me closer. My breath hitched as he uncovered my veil, exposing my face to him fully. And then, in a swift motion, he pressed his lips to the corner of mine—a fleeting touch, barely a kiss at all. It was over before I could even process it, and he pulled back, leaving me reeling.

My first kiss, stolen in an instant, gone just like that. I stood there, stunned, as the applause erupted around us. The world blurred, and I felt the weight of my new reality crashing down. I was now Mrs. Alina Volkov, bound to a man I barely knew, with a future that felt more like a prison than a promise.