TRAPPED BETWEEN VOWS

CHAPTER ONE

Shantel’s Pov

Golden chandeliers bathed the ballroom in a warm glow, casting flickering reflections on polished marble floors. Elegantly dressed guests clinked glasses, their laughter blending with the soft notes of a grand piano

The ballroom of the Suarez mansion was filled to the brim with unfamiliar faces. The big chandelier created a golden glow that illuminated the faces of the exquisite guests in the mansion.

I stood at the edge of the room with a glass of wine in my hand which was untouched. I had a smile on my face, it was not much but it was there. I could feel the weight of my father’s hand on my shoulders.

It was a reminder of what this party was all about—my duty.

Gonzalo Bocares and Alonso Suarez—the founders of the ALANG GROUP—-a leading tech company in the country. They had arranged this party not for celebration but for strategy—-the wedding of their two children.

“Mi hija…..smile.” My dad whispered into my ear as he leaned in closer, “This is an important moment for the family and you need to understand the importance of this union.”

I nodded my head aimlessly to give an illusion that I was actually listening but I wasn’t.

I used my eyes to scan across the room till my eyes landed on the person I was looking for—Bryan Bocares.

He stood in the middle of it all, with his shoulders held up in pride and a smile that could tell that he was arrogant as he looked. He had a smirk on his lips as the young lady giggled at what he said to her.

My stomach turned. This guy hadn’t even come to say hello to me, even if it is out of respect, as the hostess.

As if he knew I was watching him, his eyes darted up. The moment our eyes met, the smile on his face flattened. He stood up straight and he whispered something to the little group and walked out towards my dad and I.

“Ah…the groom-to-be!” My dad smiled so hard he patted his back, “How are you enjoying the party?”

Bryan’s lips curled into a smile, “It has been absolutely amazing, Mr Suarez. You really outdid yourself.”

My dad grin was huge, “It is nothing. I did it for our families.” my dad's voice was laced with pride, “and it is for the legacy that you and Shantel are about to build.”

I forced a smile to my face as Bryan’s eyes turned to me, “of course—our legacy.” his voice, cool.

I took a deep breath, “dad would you please excuse it?” I said, giving him a pleading eye, “Bryan and I have some important things to discuss.”

Before my father could respond, I grabbed Bryan’s hand and yanked him towards the direction of the balcony.

I shut the door leading to the balcony as it drowned out the noise from the party. I immediately released Bryan's hand as I turned towards him, frustration evidently written all over my face.

I crossed my arms, my fingers gripping my elbows so tightly they ached. 'So, you couldn’t even have the decency to come and say hi?' My voice was steady, but the anger beneath it burned.

Bryan walked towards the railing of the balcony, leaning onto it, “and why should I do that? I did not think it was necessary. It isn't like this is a real engagement.”

My jaw tightened, “It may not be real to you, Bryan but it is very real to me. Our dad made it very clear that this is about the company and about preserving our legacy and the least you can do is pretend to care.”

Bryan’s eye turned dark, he pushed himself off the railing, walking closer to me, “care?” he repeated after me in a low voice, “let me make something crystal clear, Shantel, I didn’t ask for this marriage anymore than you did. If I had my way, I would be anywhere else but here.”

I kept a poker face, telling him he can’t intimidate me, “The feeling is mutual, Bryan.” I shot back, my voice a little high, “Neither of us wants this, but we are stuck together, unfortunately.” His eyes shot at me, making me roll my eyes.

“So, we can either keep fighting every little thing or we can make this work.”

Bryan stared at me for a while, his gaze calculating and cold, “Fine, but don’t expect me to be the doting husband you are looking for. This….” He pointed to the both of us, “It's just a business deal, nothing else.”

My heart sank but I kept a straight face as she refused to let him see the impact he has on me, “Come down your high horse, Bryan. I don't want anything from you.”

………………….

Two weeks later

The day of terror is here—the wedding. It was a big event and it was attended by all of Huston’s elite and more. I stood at the altar, my hands holding my beautiful bouquet of flowers, while Bryan stood beside me, his face not impressed as we exchanged our vows.

The officiating priest finally declared us husband and wife, as Bryan leaned in and placed a cold kiss on my cheeks.

“Life!” I mumbled in my mind.

The marriage was fast and done. Throughout the reception I kept the most poker face I could keep, only smiling occasionally.

“Shantel.” I heard my name and turned to see my dad and Bryan’s dad walking towards me.

“Dad, Uncle.” I hugged them both with a smile.

“Ahhh, don't call me that. I am also your father now.” Bryan’s dad corrected and the both men giggled.

I tried to keep my awkward feeling I had to myself and not ruin the moment.

We began talking as they both gave me advice on what marriage is.

After about thirty minutes, I was beginning to get tired but I couldn't stop them.

A waiter walked up to us, bowing down to show respect.

“Speak.” I commanded

“Sirs, ma, the master is heavily drunk and I suggest he gets home immediately.”

I grumbled as Gonzalo Bocares clenched his jaw, “Oh, this boy? When would he stop embarrassing me?” he turned to us, looking embarrassed, “I should get him home.”

He turned to leave but my dad stopped him, “Wait……my daughter with the help of some guards can take him home—-after all there are new weddings and this is part of her responsibilities.”

“Dad!” I exclaimed but he just shrugged and walked out with his friend leaving me to solve the problem.

“Arghhh!” I grumbled under my breath, “Not even started and this is what I am left with!”

I turned to the waiter, who was staring at me and waiting for my command, “Just take me to where he is.”

The waiter bowed, as he turned towards the direction of the balcony.

“This is going to be a long night.” I said to myself as I walked behind the waiter to go get the child I was forced to get married to.