MARRIED TO A CRUEL BILLIONAIRE

CHAPTER5

THE WEDDING.

ANNA'S POV

"Rise and shine!" "It's your big day!" my buddy Victoria cried with excitement. I struggled to fully open my eyes due to the harsh brightness of the sun.

"Is it today?" I asked groggily, getting out of bed and wiping my eyes.

Before I could grasp what was going on, Victoria surprised me by putting a lovely white gown on the bed.

My life had taken a dramatic and unexpected turn for the worse. Not only had I lost my job recently, but I was also forced to marry a total stranger without any sentiment of love or attachment. I felt like I was imprisoned in a strange dream, where I was being sold to someone very influential.

I had promised myself never to fall for Kevin because I knew I would end up getting hurt.

Kevin doesn't seem capable of true love, and he doesn't seem ready for a real relationship. I'm only considering marrying him because of my family's situation, and I know it wouldn't be right to leave them to struggle when I could do something to help. I'm not willing to put my feelings first if it means letting down the people I care about.

After my initial shock wore off. I started to get ready for the wedding. It was past seven and the make-up artist was ready, she picked out a simple yet elegant hairstyle that complemented the gown on the bed.

Kevin had already booked everything from the dress to the make-up, and shoes, to the venue and the legal documents. I wondered if this was going to be a grand affair or not, but without having seen Kevin in several days, I was left to rely on Madam Angelica's briefing, which included a detailed schedule and list of all the elements that Kevin had arranged for the event.

The makeup was light and simple, I slipped into my wedding dress, it fit perfectly and clung to my curves.

Looking at myself in the big mirror, I couldn't help but feel like a stranger in my own body. I didn't want to be marrying someone for the wrong reasons.

"Jane the makeup artist looked at me carefully before lightly touching my cheek. "You don't have to pretend, you know," she said. "You are truly stunning, and your genuine smile will brighten the room."

Her remarks struck a chord with me, and I saw that my insecurities were preventing me from accepting myself. I took a deep breath and let go of my artificial smile, allowing a genuine one to spread across my face.

Jane's eyes brightened as she witnessed the shift. "That is it! She screamed, "That's the smile I was talking about." "You radiate beauty when you're being authentic."

As I stood there, admiring my reflection in the mirror, doubt began to creep in. Was this really what I wanted? This entire wedding felt more like a production than a celebration of love. I knew deep down that I couldn't go through with it.

Ignoring the voice in my head urging me to leave, I took a deep breath and walked to the window to get some air overlooking the beautiful garden outside.

The sun was starting to set, casting a soft, golden glow over everything. It was a picturesque scene, but my heart was heavy with uncertainty.

"You look stunning, my love as always" Victoria's voice drew me back to reality

As I turned back at her I could see her eyes full of tears. Immediately a lump formed in my throat, and my eyes became very tearful. I gently held her hands, squeezing them softly.

"Thank you, darling, you look amazing also," I replied, she was going to be my chief bridesmaid so she wore the same color of dress as me, the armless gown she wore was short and it had a flare at the bottom.

"I can't believe you are getting married.

I am happy for you, Anna you deserve it and more" the tears that have gathered around her eyes finally drop down her face.

Ever since Victoria's parents both passed from a car accident I saw her as my sister ever since then we have been together for years sharing most of our life experiences, we've talked about our dreams and plans, getting married, having kids, it just feels sad that this whole preparation is just like in a movie and it's not considered as a true marriage to me, because I do not love Kevin am just being forced by my mom and I have no choice.

"Stop crying, you are ruining your beautiful makeup," said Victoria as she wiped my face softly with some wipes and hugged me.

"I wish Dad was here, if only he was here he would not let this wedding hold, instead he would find another alternative to clearing the matter on the ground than sacrificing my happiness by marrying a billionaire who I don't love," I said with a heavy waving voice.

"You know I am always here for you so cheer up," Victoria said with a smile.

As we arrived at the church, I started to feel a bit of nervousness mixed with guilt. I couldn't believe that I was about to marry someone whom I didn't love just to prevent my family from suffering. Was it worth it?

The driver suddenly pulled over. I could already see the tight security that was at the entrance of the church. Of course, it was a grand wedding and people trooped in, it was the talk of the town that the soon-to-be CEO of Beyer's Law Firm, Was getting married to a total stranger from nowhere.

I dropped down from the long flashy car as Victoria, my friend , walked me down the aisle. My mom was too busy greeting her friends. She didn't even know I was around. She seemed to care a lot about her ego and making sure her name guests were satisfied.

The church was beautifully decorated. I had butterflies in my stomach when I saw the wonderful color matching. We stepped right onto the red carpet, and everyone in the chapel stood up. I moved slowly towards the altar, careful not to lose my footing due to the veil covering my face.

Kevin stood on the altar. He looked quite nice and spotless in the navy blue suit he was wearing. Clinton, his best man, stood alongside him.

As I stood close to him, I summoned all of my courage and looked straight into his eyes confidently.

"Kevin Beyer, do you take Anna Lucas to be my lawful wedded wife, rich and poor, in wealth and health, until death do you part?" The priest asked, to which he replied, "Yes, I do," without hesitation.

Victoria handed us the ring as I said, "Yes, I do." After the priest finished reading the vows, my heart was on a marathon as I battled my concise

"Is there anyone in this Congress who is against this union? Please step forward quickly." The priest called out as the tradition demands.

A man wearing black pants and a shirt with a dark shade stood up walking towards the altar and the whole congregation murmured.

I wondered who that could be as the person approached the altar. My heartbeat increased simultaneously.