Chapter 1
1074 Words
Elena's Pov.
The wedding dress felt heavy.
Too heavy, like it was made of chains rather than silk and lace. As I stood before the grand mirror in the bridal suite, I barely recognized myself.
My face was flawless, thanks to the makeup artist my mother hired. My dark hair was pinned into an elegant bun, a tiara perched on top, as if mocking me.
Mocking the girl who had dreamed of love but was now being sold off like a prized possession.
“Elena, stand straight,” my mother’s voice snapped behind me. “This is not the time to look miserable.”
I clenched my fists at my sides. “It’s my wedding day, Mother. Shouldn’t I at least get to feel something other than this?”
She turned to me with a sharp glare, her lips pursed in disapproval. “You should be grateful. The Carter family is giving you an opportunity. Do you think any other man of Alex Carter’s status would look twice at you?”
I swallowed hard, my throat dry.
Of course, she thought that. To her, I was nothing compared to my perfect older sister, Emily, the one who had beauty, grace, and a fiancé she had chosen.
Meanwhile, I was the unwanted daughter, the one they could trade for power and wealth.
I rejected it when they first informed me.
But my father made it clear, marry Alex Carter, or be disowned.
“Elena,” my sister’s voice was softer. “Just…get through today, alright? It’s not so bad. At least he’s rich.”
I turned to her, feeling my chest burn with frustration. “I don’t care about his money, Emily.”
She sighed. “Then care about status, besides he's too handsome for a crippled man.”
I didn’t respond.
What was the point? No one cared how I felt. They just wanted me to be obedient.
A knock at the door made my heart jump. A butler stepped inside, bowing slightly. “Miss Sinclair, it is time.”
The grand hall was filled with wealthy people. I could feel their eyes on me as I walked down the aisle. The girl who had no choice. The woman being given away to a man who didn’t even want her.
And there he was.
Alex Carter.
The man I was to marry.
He sat in his wheelchair at the altar, dressed in a black suit that fit him perfectly. He had the kind of face that belonged on magazine covers—sharp jawline, cold blue eyes, and an aura that demanded attention. But his expression was unreadable, as if he was as uninterested in this as I was.
I had heard the rumors.
The once-mighty heir to the Carter empire, now nothing more than a cripple. His accident had been tragic, leaving him unable to walk. And now, his family had forced him into this marriage, just as mine had done to me.
When I reached the altar, Alex barely looked at me. He didn’t take my hand. He didn’t offer even a polite smile. He just stared forward, emotionless.
The ceremony felt slow, and I couldn't wait to escape. Words were spoken, vows exchanged, and before I knew it, I heard the priest’s voice:
“You may kiss the bride.”
Silence filled the room. My heart pounded as I turned toward Alex. He hesitated for a second before leaning forward. His lips barely brushed mine—cold, brief, and uninterested.
It was done.
I was Mrs. Carter.
Alex and I sat next to each other at the long, elegant table, barely speaking during the reception. He didn’t touch his wine. He didn’t acknowledge me.
And then, finally, the night ended.
Our driver took us to the Carter mansion—a breathtaking estate that looked more like a palace than a home. Marble floors, high ceilings, paintings worth more than my entire life.
A butler escorted us to our shared bedroom. My stomach twisted at the thought.
Alex wheeled himself inside, ignoring me completely. I stood awkwardly by the door, gripping my dress.
He sighed. “You can stop pretending to be nervous.”
I looked up, startled. His voice was deep, smooth, but laced with irritation.
“I—I’m not pretending.”
His cold blue eyes met mine. “You don’t need to worry. I have no interest in touching you.”
I felt my face heat with humiliation, but I lifted my chin.
“Good. Because I have no interest in you either.”
A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, but it disappeared quickly.
Without another word, he wheeled himself toward the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind him.
I exhaled, rubbing my temples.
A loveless marriage.
Who would've thought that I would've agreed to such madness.
It was past midnight when I woke up.
I had dozed off in an armchair near the window, still in my wedding dress. The mansion was silent, except for the faint sound of movement.
Frowning, I turned my head toward the bathroom door. It was slightly open now.
And Alex was standing.
My breath caught in my throat.
He wasn’t in his wheelchair. He wasn’t crippled. He was standing, stretching his arms, running a hand through his dark hair like it was the most normal thing in the world.
My heart pounded. This wasn’t possible.
I gasped before I could stop myself.
Alex’s head snapped toward me, and for the first time, I saw something in his eyes—shock. But it was gone in an instant, replaced by that same cold indifference.
“Elena.” His voice was calm, too calm. “Go back to sleep.”
I stood, my hands trembling. “You—You can walk.”
His jaw tightened. “Forget what you saw.”
My chest rose and fell rapidly. “You’ve been lying. This entire time. Why? Why would you—?”
His gaze darkened. “It’s none of your concern.”
My nails dug into my palms. “None of my concern? I’m your wife!”
“By contract.” He scoffed, his voice cold and shutting me off.
“So that’s it? You’ve been lying to everyone, pretending to be disabled, and I’m just supposed to accept it?” Anger boiled inside me.
I was sold off to someone who had the guts to fake his disability!
“Yes.”
- Writer
