The Billionaire's Wrongful Wife: The Secret Masterpiece

Seraphina's PoV "If you dare ruin this wedding, Seraphina, I'll make sure your mother's grave is dug up and thrown into the river." Mr. Vance's venomous words made my head drop even lower. My hands trembled beneath this satin wedding dress worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. This luxurious gown was supposed to envelop Clara Vance, their biological daughter, who was incredibly beautiful, confident, and always got everything she want. Not me. I was just Seraphina—a worthless adopted child who had been raised for decades with one doctrine in mind: your life belongs to the Vance family to repay your mother's life debt. "Clara ran away an hour ago," Mr. Vance whispered again. His grip on my elbow was so tight it felt like it was crushing my flesh. "If you fail to pretend to be Clara until the marriage certificate is signed, your mother's life debt will be forfeited. We will burn all the art restoration records your mother left behind, and we will make your name rot in this city." I swallowed hard. My throat felt dry and burning. I had no choice. Since childhood, I've been taught to surrender, to give in, and to sacrifice myself for this family. I clutched the bouquet of white roses tightly in my hands, holding back the terrified sobs that were threatening to rise in my throat. The cathedral bells resounded loudly, deafening my ears. I walked trembling down the red carpet, led by Mr. Vance to a terrifying cage. At the end of the altar, a man stood waiting. Sebastian Sterling. Just looking at his tall, upright posture, clad in a precise black suit, sent shivers down my spine. The aura around him was thick, cold, and it froze the air around us. His face was carved with too-perfect sharp lines, a defined jawline, and thin lips pressed tightly together in a haughty, flat line. His obsidian eyes were sharp, dark, and icy. There was not a hint of warmth or happiness on his face. For a powerful man like him, I knew this marriage was just a businesslike affair he was forced to pursue. He viewed everyone around him with a sneer and looked down on anyone he deemed weak. As soon as Mr. Vance offered me his hand, I could feel the coldness of Sebastian's palm as he took my fingers. His grip wasn't gentle at all, but a powerful one that felt like iron handcuffs. "Your hands are shaking," Sebastian said. His baritone voice was low, flat, and filled with a natural arrogance. He didn't even bother to glance at me as he spoke. "Don't be ridiculous. I don't have time for sad drama." "S-sorry..." I whispered so softly, it was barely audible.I panicked and was scared that my voice would tell them all. I bent my face down further, behind the thick gold edged veil. The priest in front of us started to say the marriage liturgy. I found it hard to remember.I didn't know what to say. When the priest used Clara Vance's name, my heart and body shook violently every time.I felt like a cowardly thief awaiting execution. When Sebastian slipped the giant diamond ring onto my ring finger, I nearly burst into tears. The way he pushed it onto my finger felt so cold and emotionless. With trembling fingers and gasping breath, I returned the gesture and slipped the ring onto his strong finger. "I hereby pronounce you husband and wife," the priest said, concluding the ceremony. "You may kiss the bride." My heart felt like it was about to leap out of my chest. My world suddenly went silent. Sebastian took a half step forward, standing directly in front of me. I heard his low, bored sigh. Without asking permission and without the slightest hesitation, Sebastian's hand lifted, and in one swift motion, he lifted the thick veil up and over my face. Suddenly, my face was lit up by the camera flash. I enlarged my eyes, and looked directly into Sebastian's deep black ones, which seemed to contain a chill of ice. I was terrified. I was so innocent and had never faced a terrifying man like him face-to-face. My body froze in place. I could only stare at him through my glassy eyes, filled with guilt and pure fear. Sebastian frowned his face. My innocent face had a gaze of the obsidian pupils. There was nothing warm there, just a cold, judging look that made me feel so tiny. The man glanced at me, a sinister look in his eye, then tilted his head slightly. "Why are your eyes like that?" Sebastian hissed in a low, cold voice that pierced my ear. His grip on my fingers suddenly tightened, almost painfully. He leaned forward slightly, staring straight into my trembling eyes. "Rumor has it that Clara Vance is a brazen and money-hungry woman," Sebastian murmured, a thin, cold, condescending smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "But you... are standing here trembling like a scared rabbit ready to be slaughtered. What other foolish game are you planning?" To be continued…