CHAPTER3
1162 Words
POV: Rose Volkov
The wedding planner wouldn't stop talking.
"And the orchids will line the aisle, with white roses as accents. The string quartet arrives at two. Your hair and makeup team is scheduled for nine AM..."
Liam agreed that I hire Monic to plan everything. She was efficient and enthusiastic and completely oblivious to the fact that I was being sold like cattle.
I sat in my old bedroom surrounded by fabric samples and flower arrangements and wanted to scream.
"Miss Volkov?" Monica looked at me with concern. "Are you okay? You look pale."
"I'm fine."
"Wedding jitters are completely normal." She smiled brightly. "Mr. Salvatore seems absolutely devoted to you. The way he talks about you is so romantic."
I almost laughed. Romantic. Sure. If k********g and blackmail counted as romance.
"What does he say about me?" I asked, curious despite myself.
"That you're the only woman he's ever wanted. That he'd move heaven and earth to make you happy." Monica sighed dreamily. "He's paying for everything, you know. No expense spared. This wedding will cost over two million dollars."
Two million dollars to buy a wife. What a bargain.
My phone buzzed. A text from an unknown number.
Unknown: The dress better be white. I want you to look pure when I destroy you. - L
My hands shook as I deleted it.
"Miss Volkov?" Monica touched my arm. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yes." I forced a smile. "Just overwhelmed. It's all happening so fast."
"I know! Three days is incredibly rushed. But Mr. Salvatore insisted." She pulled out her tablet. "Now, about your vows. Do you want to write your own or use traditional ones?"
"Traditional is fine."
"Are you sure? Most brides love to personalize..."
"Traditional," I repeated firmly.
I couldn't write vows to a man I hated. Couldn't stand up there and lie about love and devotion and forever.
Well, I'd have to lie. But I didn't have to write it myself.
Monica left an hour later with a checklist as long as my arm. I collapsed on my bed and stared at the ceiling.
Tomorrow I'd be Mrs. Liam Salvatore.
Tomorrow my life as Rose Volkov ended.
The door opened and Marco walked in without knocking.
"I found something," he said urgently.
I sat up. "What?"
"I've been digging into Liam Salvatore's background. Looking for leverage, anything we could use." He sat down beside me. "Rose, there are rumors about him and pregnant women."
My blood went cold. "What kind of rumors?"
"Seven women in the past six years. All of them were involved with him. All of them got pregnant." Marco's face was grim. "All of them died under mysterious circumstances."
if you ever get pregnant..."
"I won't." The words came out automatically. "I'll make sure of it."
"How? He'll control everything. Your birth control, your doctor appointments, everything."
"Then I'll find a way." I pulled my hand free and stood up. "Marco, I appreciate your concern. But I signed the contract. There's no going back."
"There's always a way back."
"Not for me." I walked to the window and looked out at the city. "Not anymore."
Marco left eventually. I spent the rest of the day alone, ignoring phone calls and text messages.
At midnight my phone buzzed again.
Unknown: One more day, Rose. Then you're mine forever. Sleep well. - L
I threw my phone across the room and buried my face in my pillow.
I didn't sleep at all.
The next morning started at 6 AM. Hair and makeup team arrived exactly on time. They worked on me for three hours, transforming me into someone I barely recognized.
My hair was styled in soft waves with white flowers woven through it. My makeup was flawless but natural. I looked like a bride from a magazine.
I looked like a lie. Monica arrived at ten with the dress. It was beautiful, I had to admit. White silk with delicate lace, fitted perfectly to my body. It probably cost more than most people's cars.
"Oh, Miss Volkov." Monica's eyes filled with tears. "You look absolutely stunning."
I looked at myself in the mirror. The girl staring back at me was a stranger. Beautiful and elegant and completely hollow inside.
"It's time," Monica said softly. "The car is waiting."
The wedding was at some expensive estate in the Hamptons. Liam's estate, apparently. The place where I'd be living from now on.
The car ride took ninety minutes. I spent it in silence, watching the city disappear behind me.
When we arrived, my breath caught.
The estate was massive. A sprawling mansion surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens. There had to be at least fifty rooms.
This was a prison disguised as paradise.
"Mr. Salvatore is waiting inside," the driver said as he opened my door.
I stepped out on shaking legs. Monica helped me with my dress as we walked up the marble steps.
The ceremony was set up in a massive ballroom. White flowers everywhere. Hundreds of guests in expensive suits and designer dresses. A string quartet playing softly.
It looked like a fairy tale. But It felt like a funeral.
Marco appeared at my side. He was supposed to walk me down the aisle since my father couldn't be here.
Since my father was chained up somewhere, paying for his sins.
"Last chance," Marco whispered. "Say the word and I'll get you out of here."
"No." I took his arm. "Let's get this over with."
The music changed. Everyone stood.
And I saw Liam waiting at the altar.
He looked devastating in his black tuxedo. Tall and powerful and absolutely terrifying. His cold eyes locked on mine as I walked toward him.
Each step felt like walking toward my execution.
When I reached him, Marco placed my hand in Liam's and stepped back.
Liam's grip was firm. Possessive. His thumb stroked my palm once, a mockery of tenderness.
"You look beautiful," he said quietly. Only I could hear. "Like an angel going to slaughter."
I said nothing.
The officiant began speaking. Words about love and commitment and forever. I didn't hear any of it.
All I could focus on was Liam's hand holding mine. The way he smiled at me like we were actually in love. The way everyone in this room believed the lie.
"Do you, Liam Salvatore, take Rose Volkov to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do." His voice was clear and strong.
"And do you, Rose Volkov, take Liam Salvatore to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
This was it. My last chance to refuse. To say no. To run.
I looked at Liam. His eyes dared me to try.
"I do," I whispered.
"Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife." The officiant smiled. "You may kiss the bride."
Liam pulled me close and kissed me hard. Not gentle or romantic. Possessive and brutal.
The crowd applauded. But I wanted to die.
- Writer
