His Beautiful Chaos

The Wedding.

***Chapter 4.***

~Arianna~

“We weren’t present at your wedding with Nicholas. It is tradition that a night reception is held to celebrate the new couple. I thought about it…now that both of you are home, we will celebrate it tomorrow evening.”

I couldn't stop the words from running through my mind, keeping me awake all night.

I tossed and turned, haunted by the fact that I left home to settle my father’s debt with a man whose family thinks I’m his wife. The thought of being married to the devil sent chills down my spine.

Morning came, and with it, anger. I went in search of Don Nicholas. Anna said he was in his room downstairs.

I knocked on the door, and after a few moments, it opened. There he was—Don Nicholas. No shirt….just his stupid mask. His body was like something straight out of a dream—broad shoulders, toned chest, and every inch of him looked perfect.

For a moment, the dark, intimidating side of him seemed to fade away, and all I could think about was how badly I wanted to close the space between us, to touch him.

It was like the devil himself had taken on a form too tempting to resist.

"What do you want?" His tone was sharp, breaking the moment.

I pushed aside the shame of admiring him. This was the man who ripped me away from my family, yet I couldn’t ignore the pull I felt. "We need to talk," I managed to say.

"I’m not interested. Go away," he snapped, turning his back on me. But I wasn’t about to back down. I stormed inside, slamming the door behind me.

"You don’t have a choice," I said, crossing my arms. His eyes narrowed, surprised by my defiance. He must be curious to know where I got the audacity overnight. “We have to talk. There is so much going on and I demand an explanation.”

Yesterday, I was begging for my family. Today, I wasn’t about to beg.

"You think I owe you an explanation? Don Nicholas does not explain himself to anyone, do you understand?” he asked, stepping closer. My heart pounded, but I refused to flinch.

"Fine," I said, playing my next card. "I’ll just tell your family we’re not married."

I turned to leave, expecting him to stop me, but he didn’t. I even slowed my steps, hoping he’d call me back, but nothing.

He was so sure of himself, so confident. Maybe I should’ve told him from the start that I didn’t want to marry him.

Maybe I should’ve begged him to listen. My mind raced with regrets, and as I closed the door behind me, I felt the tears pushing, but I held them in.

I wasn’t going to break down. I was Arianna Gomez. I’d faced worse and pulled through, always on my own.

Just as I reached the stairs, his voice stopped me. “Hey, you.”

My heart jumped. Did he change his mind?

I turned, walking back toward him. He stood there, still shirtless, looking even more irresistible than before.

"Let’s talk," he said, avoiding my gaze.

This time he held the door for me to enter the room and when I did, he closed it.

I turned around and faced him. “Let’s have it then. I thought you didn’t want to talk."

"I changed my mind," he said, running a hand through his messy dark hair. "We need to discuss what’s going on."

Good. I knew he didn’t want his family to find out the truth. But what was his real motive? Why me, when women would die to be in my place? "Why does your family think we’re married? Why didn’t you just tell them the truth?" I asked, staring at his half-covered face, trying to read him.

“Like I said earlier, I am not going to explain myself to you,” don Nicholas reminded with a frown.

“If you are not going to explain yourself, I expect you to tell me something…at least, let me know what is going on so that I won’t spoil the game.”

No answer.

“Just say something,” I insisted.

"You’re mine now…" he paused, his voice low and possessive. "What’s your name again?"

"I never told you," I said, defiant.

"Green-eyed fox. You act like a fox." He smirked.

I felt my face flush. "It’s Arian..."

"Whatever," he shrugged, taking a step closer. "You’re indebted to me, so you’ll do as I say. Whether you like it or not, you’re my wife now. See, you don’t have a choice here. If you are worried about the wedding…don’t please. I called a priest, and he would wed us this morning. End of discussion”

"I’d rather die than marry you," I spat, my fists clenched.

"Then die," he said calmly, walking past me. "But if you do, I’ll marry your sister. I have nothing to lose here, green-eyed."

My heart stopped. Rosalind? He wouldn’t. But the look in his eyes told me he meant every word. I had no choice.

“No, never!” I walked out of his room, leaving him alone.

I ran upstairs, tears burning my eyes. I didn’t want to marry this monster, but he held all the cards.

After many tears and bitter words, Anna told me it was time to get ready. I couldn’t hesitate—I wasn’t doing this just for me, but for Rosalind... for my Mama.

"Stay strong, Arianna," I whispered to myself.

Anna helped me get dressed for the wedding. A simple white dress, chosen by Don Nicholas, as if this were a date and not a nightmare.

We arrived at the church. It was just the two of us, and the ceremony was over before I could even process it.

The priest asked him if he wanted to kiss his bride. My heart pounded as I braced myself.

****

~Don Nicholas~

I looked at her standing before me, stubborn and fierce. From the moment she offered herself, I knew she’d bring trouble. Yet, there was something about her that interested me.

She was strong, selfless, and willing to sacrifice everything for her family.

That’s what set her apart. She didn’t care about me, but she’d do anything for her sister.

I could see it in the way she fought. And when I threatened to take her sister, she didn’t hesitate. She offered herself.

After my wife disappeared, I swore off love, closing my heart to any woman.

But my mother insisted I find someone to take her place. Arianna was perfect for what I needed—a shield to keep my secrets hidden.

But as I stood there, looking at her fiery green eyes, I knew this was no ordinary arrangement. Something about her made me feel... alive again. And I hated it.

The priest asked if I wanted to kiss my bride. I hesitated, watching her lips tremble with uncertainty.

And then, without thinking, I leaned in.