The Forced Bride

Solitude

Mason Tucker's father, a gruff businessman in his sixties, was pacing back and forth across the luxurious office they shared. Mason was standing opposite him, his arms crossed and his brow furrowed in frustration.

"I don't understand why you're being so difficult about this," his father barked. "June is perfect for you. She's smart, beautiful, and comes from a good family. What more could you want?"

"It's not that simple, Dad," Mason replied, his voice tense. "I don't want to get married just because it will help our reputation. I want to marry someone I actually care about."

"You think marriage is about love? That's romantic nonsense," his father scoffed. "You have a responsibility to this company, and to this family. You need to do what's best for both of them."

“And how has that turned out for me so far?” Mason asked with an anger that was menacing and akin to a volcano.

His last marriage was based solely on business and it had ended with a huge divorce and a stab in the heart.

"But what about what's best for me?" Mason shot back. "I don't want to live a life that's all about business and money. I want something more."

His father sighed heavily, rubbing a hand over his face. "It’s been decided Mason, you’re meeting her at Cafe Luis this afternoon."

With that, the argument was over. Mason stormed out of the office, feeling more conflicted and frustrated than ever before. He knew he had to follow his heart, but at what cost?

Another marriage meant he was going to get his heart broken all over again, and he really loved his girlfriend, Raelynn a lot. All this was June’s fault and he had decided that he was going to be as much of a jerk as he could be to whoever June was.

His phone beeped, it was a text from Raelynn.” I need you right now!”

When Mason arrived at Raelynn place, she was lying on her bed. Mason walked over to her and sat down on the edge of the bed. He leaned down and gently kissed her on the lips. She responded by wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him back passionately.

Mason ran his hands through Raelynn's hair, pulling her closer to him. She moaned softly as he deepened the kiss, exploring her mouth with his tongue. She tasted sweet, and the kiss was hot and intense.

As they broke the kiss, Raelynn looked up at Mason with a smile. He returned the smile and leaned down to kiss her once again. This time, he trailed kisses down her neck, and she arched her back in response.

They both moaned softly as Mason slided his hand under her shirt, running his fingers over her soft skin. The tension between them was palpable, and they both know where this was headed.

With a smile, Mason whispered in Raelynn's ear, "I want you so badly right now."

She nodded in agreement, and without another word, they continued to kiss and make out, slowly but surely removing each other's clothing, lost in the heat of the moment.

Suddenly, Mason’s phone went off with a loud grin interrupting their passionate moment. Mason broke the kiss once again and grabbed his phone on the table. It was a reminder that he was supposed to meet his “trophy wife” about an hour ago.

He smiled at Raelynn.”I’m sorry babe, I gotta go” he said grabbing his coat before Raelynn could say a word.

“You can’t just leave in the middle of this!” Raelynn snapped annoyed.

“I’ll explain everything to you later, babe. Love you”

And with that he stormed out of the room.

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June McDonnel nervously sippped her coffee, glancing around the cozy cafe her father had insisted she met this so-called "potential husband" at. She had been waiting for half an hour for him but he hadn’t arrived. If only Link hadn’t betrayed her, she wouldn’t be sitting here waiting for an unknown man, she would be five hundred miles away from her father and all these drama, she would be starting a new and happy life with Link.

She shifted in her seat, straightening her skirt as she waited, knowing that her father's business was on the verge of downfall, and that she was their last hope.

Suddenly, a figure strode into the cafe, and June's eyes were drawn to the tall, impeccably dressed young man walking towards her. He exuded confidence in every step he took. He stood tall at six feet, with broad shoulders and a chiseled jawline that could cut through glass.

His piercing blue eyes seemed to see right through her, making her feel like she was the only person in the room. His hair was dark as the night and looked tousled, giving him a relaxed but polished appearance. He wore a tailored suit that hugged his muscular frame perfectly, and it was as if he was born to wear it.

Her heart raced with nerves as he approached the table and introduced himself as Mason Tucker. Right away, June saw the cockiness in his demeanor, and she was taken aback by his confidence.

"So, you're the girl my father wants me to marry?" Mason asked, smirking as he took a seat across from her. "I must say, I'm not used to being set up like this."

June bristled at his tone, but tried to remain polite. "We're here to discuss a potential business merger, not marriage," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

Mason leaned back in his chair, a look of amusement on his face. "Of course, darling. A merger it is. Let's get down to business then."

“So, I have a plan” June stated.

And so, their conversation continued, with both June and Mason jockeying for control in their own way.

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Raelynn Cooper stood in her ornate bedroom, her eyes fixed on the vase as it fell to the floor and shattered into a thousand pieces. The room was filled with beautiful things - a testament to her family's wealth and status - but it offered no solace to the pain that was gnawing at her heart.

She had suspected Mason was up to something when he stormed out during their make out session without explaining himself. She had contacted a guy she knew and he had told her that Mason was getting into an arranged marriage all over again with a woman called June Mc something. The revelation felt like a physical blow, and Raelynn's heart was pounding in her chest with a mixture of hurt, anger, and frustration. How could he do this to her?

As she looked around the room, it felt as though everything was mocking her. The plush, designer carpet beneath her feet seemed to be smirking, the intricate drapes on the windows were whispering behind her back. Even the artwork on the walls, which she had always taken comfort in, now felt hollow.

Raelynn was struggling to grapple with the reality of the situation. Mason was someone she had always cared for deeply, and she had been holding onto the hope that one day they would get married. Now that hope had been shattered once again. Even his first marriage didn’t come as such a blow to her as this.

Angry tears streamed down her face, and she cried out in frustration and agony. She knew that breaking the vase would solve nothing, but it felt like her only outlet for the inescapable pain that she was feeling. Raelynn was confined in a world of opulence and wealth, but the one thing she truly desired - the love of her best friend - seemed to be forever out of reach.

Whatever price she had to pay, she wasn’t going to let the wedding happen, ever!!!

Her phone beeped and she wiped her tears, it was a text from her manager. “The limousine is here, when will you be out?”

It was that moment she realized she had somewhere to be, she had an important tv show to appear on that afternoon. Alarmed, she grabbed her bags and stormed out.

Raelynn’s limo halted at the destination and she got off. When she got to the producer’s office, she was asked to wait since there was still an hour before the shoot began.

She sank into a seat in the office and her mind drifted to Mason again. She knew what she had to do, she just had to get rid of his pathetic bride. She had done it before and she wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.

She brought out her cell phone and dialed a number.

“I want you to get rid of her, fast!!”

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The road was quiet and deserted, lined with tall trees whose dark branches reached up to the sky like bony fingers. The full moon cast an eerie light on the path, making everything look more menacing than usual.

If only Mason Tucker had offered her a ride home after their so called “coffe date”, she wouldn’t be walking all alone on this quiet road with no hope of finding a cab. Mason had left June alone at the coffe shop after they had both finished discussing their plans. They had agreed to get married and get divorced immediately after Mason’s father helps June’s father. After that, Mason had left without offering June who didn’t bring her car, a ride.

June walked along the road, past the occasional street lamp that flickered uncertainly, casting long shadows across the pavement. Rustling leaves and the sound of nocturnal creatures filled the air, adding to the unsettling atmosphere.

As she walked, she passed by old houses and shops with their closed doors and windows, adding to the spookiness of the night. She felt like someone was watching her from every dark corner and alley.

The night air was cool, but June pulled her jacket tighter around her body. As she walked down the dark road, she couldn't shake the feeling that someone was following her. She kept checking over her shoulder, but couldn't see anything. The only sound was the crunching of leaves under her feet, and the occasional hoot of an owl in the distance.

She told herself that it was just her imagination, but the feeling persisted. When she heard footsteps behind her, she turned around quickly. But there was no one there. She picked up her pace, almost at a jog now.

The footsteps followed her, but still, when she turned, no one was there. June was starting to panic. She was still a few blocks from home, and she didn't know if she could make it there without someone actually jumping out at her.

For a moment, the footsteps ceased and she was relieved. As she got closer to home, she could hear the footsteps again, but this time with a stank of beer and the jangling of keys… or chains, she wasn’t sure.

Suddenly she felt a cold hand grab her hand and she froze.