A Marriage Of Ruin

Chapter Two: Anne

My eyes fluttered open just in time to feel the car slowing to a stop. It was dark, why-

I brought my hand to my face to feel the material securely tied around my eyes. Fear gripped me anew. I had no idea where I was or what was happening and the smell of weed made me feel lightheaded.

I feared I was going to pass out again.

The door beside me opened and harsh wind blew against my skin, it seemed like it was ten times colder than it had been. How long was I out for?

"Miss"

I swallowed, blindly trying to make my way out of the car.

"Walk"

I feared I'd never make it out of this.

I couldn't for the life of me fathom anyone or anything I had offended.

Mara lazily crossed my mind. She couldn't have done this..... or maybe her stupid boss just wanted to teach me a valuable lesson.

Snot ran down to my lips as I blindly walked to God knows where, but I don't bother to sniff it back in.

I stumbled over something... stairs.

I felt two strong arms closed around my skin and it felt like I was being airlifted.

My feet doesn't touch the ground for another eternity.

We eventually came to a stop and my blindfold is removed.

I blinked away the tears that had clouded my eyes to see... What the...

Were we..... We were in a church. And in front of me was an old priest who looked like he was cutting into his bedtime by being there.

I took a good look around me. Two.... Four... Six men littered the building.

And two beside me. What the hell was going on?

Was I some sort of sick sacrifice or this was just some sick joke.

"Raymond"

The voice startled me and I flinched

I watched one of the men move to stand in front of me.

"Apologies miss Williams, Mr Baranov is currently out of town and will be back tomorrow. He's deeply sorry, but has requested for Raymond to stand in for him today in honor of this blissful ceremony."

My lips trembled as I scout for a knife, a sword, gun whatever people used to behead other people but I don't see anything. My mind was like a thousand fireworks set on fire.

Was I going to die?

"What is going on"

I finally made out

"Nothin' much. Just repeat whatever the priest tells you and we'll be out of here in no time"

I looked over to the exit, it was far away. We were in those ceremonial cathedrals that had dramatic entrances.

I'd never make it.

The other part of me couldn't help but feel like thus was some sort of very expensive prank Anne was probably playing on me. But I hadn't spoken to that b***h in years.

"God help me" I muttered.

I hoped it was one of those tv shows they did where they pranked unsuspecting civilians such as myself? But it was plain as day, there were no cameras.

The priest cleared his throat and opened up a book on the altar.

"This gentle man here is representing your soon to be husband at the altar this evening. So do not be alarmed when I use his name." He said, looking at me with a brow raised as if to question if I understood but I barely registered anything

The corner of my eyes caught the man infront of me shuffling around in his pants and my eyes fell back to him. I caught the light reflecting on his belt and I swallowed.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join Stavros Baranov and Rain Williams in holy matrimony." He cleared his throat. "Marriage is a sacred commitment, founded on love, trust, respect, and companionship.

Stavros Baranov, do you take Rain Williams to be your lawfully wedded spouse, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?”

“I do.”

My eyes were as dried now and I was as confused as a motherfucker. The priest turned to me, repeating the same question.

I wondered if he actually expected an answer, he couldn't be serious.

The man from earlier infiltrated the silence by clearing his throat.

“By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

I turned to look at him, then back at the priest who shuts his book and proceeded walk away.

I scanned the area once again, expecting a camera crew to pop out and for someone to tell me it's all a joke.

"This way Miss" The man reached for me but I ducked

"What the f**k is going on here?" I asked in the calmest voice I could muster.

"You just got married."

I squinted, did I hear right?

"Who are you and what do you want from me, what's the meaning of this whole charade?"

"Apologies, my name is Dexter. I work for Baranov, your now husband, and you just got married."

"If this is some sort of sick joke you have to stop it." My lips trembled as I tried for a smile.

I forced my shaky hands to a ball behind me, my heart rate was going wacko and I could swear I was getting tachycardic

"Nothing about this is a joke Rain"

My breath shuddered at the sound of my name.

"What are you talking about?" I almost scream. My voice echoed through the building. "I am being held against my will, kidnapped and brought here to perform some sort of sick ritual or whatever have you. I want to go home."

I said with a tone of finality but he held his hand out..... to stop someone.... Raymond. My heart automatically somersaulted.

"Walk with me, will you?"

I hesitated, but I do just that.

"I am not obliged to speak to you about anything." He said reaching into his pocket to bring out a pack of cigarette, opened it up and retrieves a cigar that he offers me.

I shook my head and he shrugged, placing the cigar in-between his lips, lit it and took a long drag.

"I'm sure you're familiar with the name Anne?"

I shuddered, not because of the name but because of the cold.

Anne? I haven't spoken to her in seven years.

"What about her?"

He stopped looking down at me with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"You will be meeting with Rozanov tomorrow by noon."

He reached into his pocket to present a small box.

"Wear this. Can't have a wedding without a ring now can we?"

"Are you people going to kill me?"

"No" He said, almost annoyed at my question.

"Whatever you want, I don't have it. I haven't spoken to Anne in seven years. We've been estranged ever since."

"You'll get all the clarity you need at the meeting tomorrow"