The Forced Bride

I Feel Betrayed

Suddenly, June felt a cold hand grab her hand. She froze in her tracks, screaming for help at the top of her lungs. The stranger slowly placed his palm oh her lips and June didn’t recognize him until she took a good look at him.

"Jack?!" June asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jack Griffin was June’s childhood friend who lived down the block. They had a history together, they had dated when June was still in high school but June didn’t see it as a big deal, she thought it was all in the past where none of them knew right from wrong. They had been friends since then, with June avoiding female friends because she had always thought having female friends meant one thing; drama!

"Why did you scream like that?!" Jack asked, slightly annoyed.

June slowly sat on the chair by the sidewalk as she watched Jack sit next to her.

"What did I say about spooking people out?!" June snapped, rolling her eyes in frustration.

Jack smiled and faced her. "I didn't know you were such a scaredy-cat. I thought I'd just play a little prank on you."

"Great! There you have it! I'm a scaredy-cat. Happy?" June replied, proffering a smirk.

Jack’s imploring eyes asked, "Why are you out this late?"

June tried hard to avoid his gaze, knowing she was about to lie. "I had business in the area," she replied, glancing sideways.

“Alright. So when is the wedding?" Jack asked and June was taken aback. She was sure she hadn’t said anything to Jack about the wedding.

“How did you…?”

“Yeah, words get out fast!”Jack replied with a smirk.

"Yeah, I guess," June said lost in her thoughts as she got on her feet.

"It's late, let me walk you home ."Jack offered.

After much thought, June agreed. As they walked in complete silence, she found herself worrying about how her life was going to turn out if she married Mason. She wondered if he was a nice person or otherwise. After all, the fact that he left her alone at the coffe shop to find her way home showed how much of a jerk he was.

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Three days later…

As the sun began to rise on the wedding day, June sat in front of a large mirror in her father’s home. Her Grandmother bustled around her, preparing her hair and makeup, and fussing with her white ornated wedding dress. She tried to focus on the task at hand, but her mind was consumed with doubts and fears about the unknown future that lay ahead of her.

June’s grandmother noticed her anxious expression and hurried over to soothe her. "You will be a beautiful bride," her grandmother said, gently patting June’s arm. "Your groom will be a lucky man to have you as his wife."

June managed a weak smile, but inside, she felt like screaming. Her fate was out of her control, and despite the countless hours of prep and adornment that were being lavished on her, she felt like a prisoner being prepared for sacrifice. It wasn't that she didn't want to get married or start a family, it was just the idea of doing so on someone else's terms that made her feel like she was being suffocated.

As the sun continued to climb, the doorbell rang, signaling that it was time to leave for the reception. June’s heart raced as she heard the commotion outside, knowing that her life was about to change forever. She took a deep breath and tried to steel herself for what was to come, but as one of the older women helped her stand, she found herself feeling unsteady on her feet.

As she looked back into the mirror, the woman staring back at her seemed like a stranger. Her face was painted with layers of makeup, her hair was pulled back tightly, and her body was weighed down by heavy silks and and diamonds. She wondered how she had ended up like this, and if she would ever be able to escape the traditions of arranged marriage based solely on business.

With a final pat on the shoulder from her grandmother, June was led out of the house and into the street, where a waiting car would take her to the wedding venue. As she settled into the back seat, june couldn't help but feel like she had already lost something precious, something that she wasn't sure she would ever be able to regain.

After a long journey from her family home, June arrived at the grand wedding venue, where Mason’s family and guests were already assembled. She stepped out of the car and took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. All eyes were on her, and she could feel the weight of their expectations. June took another deep breath and steadied herself as she entered the beautifully decorated reception hall. Hundreds of eyes turned to her as she walked down the aisle, dressed in an elegant white gown. Everyone was smiling, but June had never felt more alone in her life.

As she walked down the aisle, she could see her groom, Mason Tucker waiting for her. He was tall, and handsome in his well tailored black suit but his eyes were cold and distant. They had barely spoken before today, and she couldn't help but wonder what could have been if they had met under different circumstances.

As they reached the altar, the ceremony began. The bride and groom exchanged vows and put rings on each other's fingers. The moment was solemn and serious, and there was a palpable sense of expectation in the air.

June felt a pang of fear as the ring was placed on her finger, cementing her union with a man she hardly knew. The ceremony was brief, and before she knew it, they were pronounced husband and wife. June didn't even have a chance to smile before they were whisked away to their new home.

Once they drove into the big compound, June was relieved to finally be away from all the noise. The house was spacious, modern and pristine, with high ceilings, regal chandeliers, and large windows that let in the moonlight. On her right, there was a formal dining room that could accommodate a large party of guests, with a full-sized dining table surrounded by comfortable chairs. On the left was the a spacious living room, complimented by plush couches and armchairs to sink into and relax. The windows were large offering a view of the well-manicured lawn outside. A fireplace sat at the center of one of the neatly painted walls, for cozying up on chilly nights.

As they made their way to the master bedroom, June noticed something off with the way Mason was acting. Usually calm and collected, he seemed nervous and fidgety as they walked down the hallway. But she didn't look too much into it, the stresses of the day were bound to have gotten to both their heads.

As they entered the room they were supposed to share, her heart sank. The carpeted floor was covered in a softer shade of crimson, and there was a woman, sitting on their bed, scrolling through her phone.

June wasn’t sure how to react. She inhaled deeply and turned to Mason.

“Who is she?!” She asked as she clenched her fists in anger.

“Oh, she’s Raelynn, my girlfriend”Mason replied her indifferently as he walked over to Raelynn’s side.

A chill of unease ran down June’s spine as she stared at Raelynn who didn’t seem moved by her presence. It all felt like a dream to her.

"What is she doing here?" June asked, feeling her heart drop.

"It's none of your business," Mason replied cooly. "We had an arrangement before the marriage."

June's cheeks flushed with anger and embarrassment. It was bad enough to be forced into this marriage, but to be humiliated like this was unbearable.

With a tight-lipped smile, Mason turned to June. "I'll be back in the morning. Sleep well."

June watched as he left the room, his arm around Raelynn’s waist. Tears streamed down her face as she realized the true nature of the man she had married. She was alone in a strange house, with a man who didn't care about her at all.

As the night wore on, June couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal. She had been forced into this marriage, and now she was trapped with a stranger who had no interest in a future with her.

When she woke up the next morning, Mason was gone. June was alone in the vast, empty mansion. She knew she had to make a decision soon. Would she stay with this man who had no regard for her, or would she find a way to escape this life she never wanted?