The Devil's Deal - Trapped as the Enemy's Bride

Chapter 4

ALEX POV

The ceremony went by in a blur. For the entire time it went on, I was hardly present. The priest’s words scarcely registered, and the exchange of vows felt like I was signing myself up for a life of torment rather than a union. Kyle’s eyes were fixed on me the whole time and would darken each time I hesitated to speak when it got to my part of the vows.

The final words were said, and Kyle slipped the cold metal ring onto my finger. The diamond that adorned it was gorgeous, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. The despair and weight of my decision weighed heavy on me, slowly consuming me. Finally, the chains that once felt invisible were now all too real, binding me to this ring.

My heart shattered into a million pieces, the resounding applause that filled the cathedral closing in on me like the iron bars of a prison cell. I couldn’t look at the strangers witnessing my humiliation, nor could I bear to look at Kyle, who was beyond satisfied with himself.

The moment we stepped outside, a wave of cool evening breeze hit my skin, a refreshing relief from the suffocating heat of the hall. The fake smiles on the guests’ faces as they congratulated Kyle made my stomach twist in disgust. I felt more like an outsider at my own wedding, a mere spectator watching the drama unfold from a distance.

A fleet of black cars suddenly pulled up at the entrance, and Kyle turned to his men. With a calm yet commanding voice, he said, “Take her home. I’ll join you later.”

More like prison. Marcel is my home.

Married or not, Kyle’s home would never be mine. All it ever would be was a place where I would have no freedom of my own; a place where I would be treated as nothing more than a pawn in his wicked game.

At his word, two men came forward from behind, their grip on me was firm as they guided me toward one of the sleek black cars waiting.

I didn’t resist—I had no strength left. But as Kyle’s eyes met mine one last time before he turned away, a silent promise burned in my chest.

This wasn’t over.

The car merged onto the highway, and throughout the drive, I couldn’t shake off the sight of Marcel wounded and battered from my head. Kyle was not here, and though I knew how dangerous his men could be, I had to do something as simple as find the nearest police station to report the situation.

I had to do something.

As the car sped along, my eyes darted between the escort vehicles that followed us behind from a safe distance and the driver in front of me, who had been silent the entire ride. His eyes were focused on the road. I knew the escort vehicles were there to make sure that I didn’t do anything stupid. Still, their mistake was letting me sit with the driver alone in the car.

A crazy plan formed in my head as we went on the darkening road ahead. I steadied my breath, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. The car took a sharp turn ahead, and that was when I caught a glimpse of it—my opportunity.

Without thinking twice, I lurched at the steering wheel, yanking it to the side, causing the car to swivel off course. The loud screeching of tires filled the cool evening air as I fought for control.

“You’re going to get us killed!” The driver shouted, panic lacing his voice. “Let go of the wheel!”

I gave no heed to him, my grip tightening around the wheels as I succeeded in swerving the car off the road onto the sidewalk. My heart raced the moment I saw this, and bang, the car slammed into a nearby tree.

The impact of the crash threw me forward, the world blurring before my eyes as the darkness consumed me. I was drowned by an endless void, lost to unconsciousness.

The first thing that hit me the moment I opened my eyes was the harsh, bright light searing through my eyelids. I squinted my eyes, slowly letting the light in as I regained consciousness. I felt a dull ache at the back of my head, and I winced, the pain crashing through me like tidal waves as memories of the crash flooded my mind.

I had no idea where I was. The concussion I’d suffered was taking time to wear off. The steady beeping machines and the smell of antiseptic invaded my nostrils. The IV in my arm was a dead giveaway—I was in the hospital.

I sprang up from the bed, fully awake now. The room I was in seemed like one of those VIP suites you’d often see in movies. Who would have thought I would ever get to be in one? But that was not what mattered now. I was alone, and that already was a good sign.

The hospital gown was lightweight compared to my wedding dress. I knew exactly what I needed to do. Without hesitation, I pulled out the IV, slipped into a pair of slippers that had been left by the bedside, and tiptoed to the door. To my surprise, there was no one guarding it.

It all seemed too easy, like a trap, and I was willingly walking right into it. But what did I have to lose? Whether or not I got caught, I had to try.

My heart did not stop pounding as I moved quickly through the hospital corridors, looking for a way to blend in without being noticed. The air was thick with tension through the deafening silence. It didn’t take long for me to find what I was looking for. At the far end of the hall was a locker room.

I pushed the door open quietly, searching for anything that could serve as a disguise. On the rack at a corner were nurse’s uniforms, neatly hung. “Perfect,” I whispered as I reached for one. It was a simple blue scrub, and I couldn't care less about the size, as it was enough to help me blend in.

Hurriedly, I slipped into it, tossing my hospital gown aside. I slipped back into the hallway, cautiously heading for the nearest exit. The honking of car horns on the street, people chattering, and the cool night air all came flooding my senses at once. It was a refreshing and reassuring moment for me—I could taste my freedom.

Focus Alex!

My focus shifted to the cars on the highway; I needed to locate the nearest police station as soon as possible. With desperation flowing through my veins, I flagged down passing cabs, but they all sped past without a second glance.

Frustration was slowly creeping in on me. I guess I was mistaken to think the universe was on my side.

I was about to give up when suddenly, a black car stopped in front of me. The tinted window concealed whoever was inside the car, a slight feeling of discomfort overshadowing me. Slowly, I stepped away from the vehicle when I saw the window roll down, and inside was the man behind my worst nightmare—Kyle. His eyes were dark with rage, I knew I was done for should he lay his hands on me.

With a low, commanding tone, he said, “Get in the car.” but I couldn’t dare to do that. “Now!” he thundered.

I froze, my heart hammering in my chest. The sight of him unsettled me, sending jolts of panic coursing through my veins. The fury in his eyes made me scared for my life.

He would hurt me, I know it.

My mind became alert at this realization and as soon as I regained composure, I began taking small steps backward. “Do not test me, Alexandra!” His voice came again, louder and more vicious than the first.