Signed For His Hate

Chapter 1

Isla's POV

Walking down the aisle is one of the most epic and significant walks of a lifetime. With each step toward the altar, I felt a surge of pride and love unlike anything I had ever experienced. Beside me was the man who had held my hand for only a short time but had claimed my heart forever. The man who knew what I needed before I even asked. He never dictated how I should live; instead, he lived his life with such grace and strength that I learned by simply watching him. He was my protector, my shield, the one who took care of me in ways that made my mother's absence feel less painful.

As my eyes roamed over the guests, I saw beaming faces filled with joy. I smiled back, wanting to savor every detail, every emotion. The world around me seemed to slow down, allowing me to imprint this moment into my memory. The church was adorned with delicate roses, their fragrance filling the air with a subtle sweetness. In the front row sat my future family, their expressions warm and welcoming. I met their gaze and flashed them a smile, my heart swelling at the sight of them.

Then, I heard the familiar melody of my favorite song, A Thousand Years. Everything was perfect.

Finally, my gaze landed on the most handsome man in the world—Landon. My heart raced as I took in the man who had completely stolen it, my soon-to-be husband, my first and only love. From the moment I met him at a party, I just knew. Love at first sight. For years, I had admired him from a distance, loving him in silence. Even when he asked me to refuse my father’s proposal for our marriage, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Not only because I wanted him, but also because the pressure from my father was overwhelming.

I never truly understood why Landon was so insistent that I reject this marriage, but it didn’t matter. I was ready to be his wife, to fulfill my duties, to cherish him without hesitation. My love for him only grew stronger with time, and today, I would finally have the chance to confess my feelings. Once the ceremony was over, I would tell him everything.

My thoughts were interrupted by my father’s voice. “I’m giving you my most valuable treasure, son. Please cherish and take care of her.”

I turned to Landon, expecting a response, a reassuring smile—anything. But he remained silent. He didn’t even take my hand.

A pang of unease settled in my chest as I looked up at him. His jaw was clenched, his fists tightened at his sides. My heart sank. Something was wrong.

I tried to push away the growing dread. It was our wedding day. He was probably just overwhelmed by everything. That had to be it.

Taking my place before him, I let myself admire him. He was breathtaking. His scent, a mix of crisp cedar and musk, was nearly intoxicating. He towered over me, broad-shouldered and strong, making me feel small in comparison. His features were striking—an angular jaw, dark waves of hair neatly combed to the side, and piercing blue eyes that held the endless depth of the sky. He was the embodiment of every girl’s dream. I was so lost in his presence that I barely registered the priest’s words.

“Do you, Miss Isla-Mae Farrington, take Landon Aldridge to be your husband, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?”

I turned my gaze up to him, smiling despite the way he refused to meet my eyes. Pushing away my doubts, I answered with unwavering certainty, “I do.”

The priest turned to Landon and repeated the question. He shut his eyes for a moment before responding, his voice strained, his teeth gritted.

“I do.”

Something inside me cracked.

“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

This was it—the moment I had dreamed of for so long. My heart pounded in anticipation as he bent down. But when his lips met mine, it wasn’t soft or tender. It wasn’t a promise. It was a battle. The kiss was rough, angry, filled with something dark and punishing. I winced from the force, and just as quickly as it began, it was over.

I dared a glance at my father, praying he hadn’t noticed the hostility in that kiss.

For the first time, I allowed the thought I had been desperately avoiding to surface.

Had I made a mistake?