BOUND BY VOWS, TORN BY SECRETS

Chapter 5: The Wedding Day

The opulent chapel was filled with the spotlight from the stained-glass windows, which majority were arranged in vivid patterns on the marble floors, and the sweet aromas of vanilla and jasmine from the many rows of candles lining the aisles. The air was heavy with the scent of fresh roses purchased from Europe's finest gardens.

Except for the love that should have been the main focus, the marriage had been carefully planned.

Brenda Williams, Standing in the doorway, dressed in a gorgeous gown made entirely of the finest silk and lace by a well-known Parisian designer. Her head was gleaming with the diamond tiara, a crown worthy of a queen in a nation built more on practicality than dedication, under the lavish lights. Like a cage's fence, her veil was small yet confined, covering her face.

Her father squeezed her arm a little. "You look incredible," he muttered, but his voice was free of genuine feelings but believed that the time came at last to safeguard his family's legacy.

Brenda gave a quiet nod. Never in her life has she felt like more of a prisoner. Taking a reassuring breath, she forced herself forward under the pressure of responsibility.

The most illustrious visitors stared in wonder as the doors opened. Both socialites and wealthy businessmen had gathered to watch Brenda Williams and Eric Walter get married.

It was beyond just a marriage ceremony; it was a blending, a strategic balancing act between status and power. The visitors' constant, low murmurs spoke a lot.

Like a bird trying to get away from its nest, her heart jumped beneath her ribs while she made her way down the aisle. Her spirit pleaded with her to turn and run, but each step felt more than the last. Her mother looked at her from the front row, content, relieved, and unaware of Brenda's suffering.

Wearing a black tuxedo that had been custom-cut to fit him like a second skin, Eric stood squarely at the altar. Brenda felt even more powerless since he exuded effortless control and was the epitome of cool authority. His blue eyes met hers, not lovingly, but quietly, "Remember the arrangement."

The throb of blood in her veins overpowered the priest's speech, which sounded like a slight buzz in her ears. Hands were linked together with silk, vows were spoken, and as Eric raised her veil, he kissed her quickly and without a face, more as a formality than a statement of their oneness.

There was loud applause.

The opulent ballroom, bursting with riches and luxury, served as a location for the special event. Brenda felt extremely alone, even though the most wonderful champagne was continually pouring while there was a lot of discussion and laughter. Every day, she became conscious of the agreement she had entered into by the compliments mumbled in her ear.

Whispering, "Smile," Eric reached down and placed a protective hand on the small of her back.

"People are watching."

To cover up the anger that was growing inside of her, Brenda pressed her lips into a gentle curve.

"Of course, darling," she replied in a lovely voice, her tongue turning to ash.

She went through the motions as the evening went on, laughing at fictitious jokes, dancing with dignitaries, and drinking just enough to ease the pain in her chest. She had never desired the title of Mrs. Eric Walter, but liquor could not make her ignore it.

Someone murmured behind her, "You don't feel like an exciting bride." She had earlier excused herself to enjoy the cold night air on the terrace, and now she hung onto the railing while the city skyline blazed with missed opportunities in front of her.

A man appeared in the shadows when Brenda turned, startled. She had a sharp eye that saw straight through her, was tall, and was nicely dressed. "Who are you?" she inquired warily.

He grinned. "A friend. Or just someone who appreciates the experience of being confined."

While she could ask further questions, Eric's black and imposing presence emerged at the doorway. "Go inside, Brenda. Now.”

After giving her a knowing glance, the enigmatic man disappeared into the throng. Before she could escape, Eric's hand was on her arm.

He said in a dangerously low voice, "Who was that?"

"I don't know," was her honest response. "But he claimed to know you."

After holding on to her for a moment, Eric let her go. "Keep off from him."

As the evening concluded, Eric escorted her from the visitors' prying eyes to the beautiful honeymoon suite at the top of the luxurious residence. When they closed the door, the façade fell.

Brenda moved to face him. "Are we done playing game now?" she said in a tone of mild disagreement.

Eric observed her coolly, his jacket had been set aside and his tie loosened. "Brendan, we weren't faking. This is the reality.

She laughed hard and shook her head. "Perhaps for you. It's a life sentence to me. “

He approached close, his presence oppressive. “You made your decision."

"Did I?" she replied, catching his attention with fire-like hazel eyes. "You assured me that I had nothing more to do. Eric, that's not an option. The term is coercion.”

His face assumed sadness but disappeared before she could even confirm it. She opened her lips to say a word but was cut off by a knock on the door.

A startling, sharp knock.

Eric looked at the clock and scowled. “It's almost midnight now. Who could—"

The knocking became more pronounced.

Brenda felt sick to her stomach. It was an odd sensation.

A man in a dark suit stood there with a pale, strained face when Eric opened the door. "We have an issue, Mr. Walter. A serious problem."

Eric's face immediately stiffened. "What kind of problem?"

After a moment of hesitation, the man entered and shut the door. "Your past has come knocking, sir. Someone you thought was gone... isn't."

Eric's jaw tightened and he went rigid. Confusion and uneasiness ran up Brenda's spine as she watched the discussion.

Eric screamed, "Who?" in a tone she had never heard him use before.

The man took a deep breath. "Your brother."

There was a profound quiet in the room.

Eric gasped. “My brother?”

Eric has never mentioned any brother. There had been no reference to another Walter in all the research she had done before signing the contract.

Furthermore, based on Eric's response, this was not your typical sibling argument.

It had been a farce on her wedding day, but this? This happened.

Additionally, she had just been drawn into a game that was much riskier than she had ever imagined.