Chapter Three
1086 Words
Elena:
My room was filled with the scent of perfume, flowers, and fresh fabric. My wedding gown hung near the window like a beautiful lie.
I didn’t remember how all of this had appeared in my room.
It was soft, expensive, and perfect.
Just like the trap I was walking into.
“Stop frowning,” Mira said from behind me as she adjusted the veil in my hair. “You look like you’re going to a funeral.”
I saw her eyes in the mirror.
“Maybe I am.”
She sighed and gently touched my shoulder gently. Mira had been by my side since the beginning of this disaster—my cousin, my confidant, the only one still trying to keep things normal.
“Don’t start,” she said. “Today is not the day to panic.”
“I got a strange phone call earlier.”
She paused. “What kind of call?”
“A warning.” I swallowed. “Someone told me not to marry into the Valecrest family.”
Her brows furrowed briefly, then she forced a small laugh. “Probably a joke. People love drama. Don’t let it get to you.”
I wanted to believe her.
But something deep inside me had already begun to shake.
What am I getting myself into?
By the time we left for the chapel, my hands were cold.
The car ride was quiet. Even Mira, who usually talks nonstop, seemed careful with her words.
Outside the window, the city passed in a blur. I kept staring ahead, unable to shake the feeling that I was being carried towards something I wouldn't be able to escape.
“Are you sure about this?” Mira asked softly.
The question tightened my throat.
Was I sure?
No.
But I had no choice.
My father’s company was collapsing. Workers were losing their jobs. Every day brought another crisis.
If this marriage saved them, then I would do it.
Even if it meant marrying a man I had never met.
Even if it meant living a life that doesn't belong to me.
“I’m sure enough,” I said quietly.
Mira reached over and squeezed my hand.
That small gesture almost broke me.
We got to the chapel and the chapel was so beautiful.
White flowers lined the aisle. Crystal lights shimmered above us. Soft music filled the air, elegant and slightly mournful.
Everything looked perfect and expensive.
It was too perfect.
I stood at the entrance, clutching my bouquet tightly while guests whispered around me. Lawyers. Business Associates, Family and friends. People who had probably not cared about me before today.
My father stood at the altar, his face was pale and stiff.
He looked older than I remembered.
Fear was hidden behind his face but not well enough.
I searched his face for reassurance.
He gave none.
The priest adjusted his papers and cleared his throat.
The wedding should have started.
But the groom wasn’t there.
A frown formed on my face.
The guests began shifting in their seats, murmuring among themselves. I could hear their whispers clearly.
Where is Adrian?
What kind of man makes a bride wait?
Heat rose to my face—embarrassment, anger, humiliation.
Mira leaned closer. “Maybe there’s traffic.”
I almost laughed.
Before I could respond, the doors opened.
The sound echoed through the room.
Every head turned.
And then I saw him.
It wasn't Adrian.
The man I had kissed at the club last night.
He walked in calmly, as if he belonged there.
He stopped halfway down the aisle.
The room fell silent.
My pulse jumped.
He was tall, dressed in a dark tailored suit that fit him perfectly. He has sharp features and unreadable eyes.
He looks like trouble in human form.
When he looked at me, it felt like a touch.
My stomach tightened.
“Who is that?” Mira whispered.
I didn’t answer.
Because I knew him.
Just not his name.
He walked to the altar and stood beside the priest. Then he turned to the room.
“The groom has been changed.”
My heart pounded.
“What?” someone whispered.
His gaze returned to me.
“I’m Lucian Valecrest,” he said. “I’m your husband.”
My mind refuses to accept it.
Lucian Valecrest.
Adrian’s younger brother.
The one people avoided mentioning.
My grip tightened on the bouquet.
“What are you talking about?” I asked.
He turned to me slowly.
“Your marriage contract has been transferred.”
“No. That’s impossible.”
A lawyer stepped forward. “Miss Hart, the agreement was amended this morning. It is legally binding.”
I stared at him. Then at Lucian.
And then my father.
“You told me I was marrying Adrian,” I said. “You let me stand here without telling me?”
“Elena, please…”
“Please what?”
He was silent
Because there was no excuse.
Lucian watched everything without moving, like he had already decided my fate
Anger burned inside me. He had no right.
I faced him. “I’m not accepting this because of the paper.”
“I never asked you to.”
“Then what do you want?”
A flicker crossed his eyes.
“Obedience.” The word hit hard.
Mira gasped quietly.
I wanted to scream and run away leaving everything behind.
But I thought of my family.
Lucian’s gaze didn’t move. As if he already knew.
The priest cleared his throat. “We should proceed.”
A bitter laugh escaped me.
Proceed?
Like my life hadn’t just changed.
Lucian extended his hand.
“Shall we?”
I stared at it.
His long fingers, strong wrists. The hand that looks capable of both protection and destruction.
My heart pounded.
Every instinct said no. But I couldn’t refuse.
Slowly, I placed my hand in his.
His fingers closed around mine.
Heat surged through me.
His grip was firm. Too familiar.
His thumb brushed lightly against my skin.
A small touch but it sent a sharp shiver through me.
I hated it.
I hated that he noticed.
Because when I looked up, his gaze had darkened.
As if he felt it too.
The priest began speaking, but I didn’t hear him.
All I felt was Lucian beside me.
All I heard was my breathing.
Everything had changed.
Nothing could be undone.
The man beside me wasn’t the one I was promised.
He was worse and real.
And somehow, that terrified me more.
- Writer
