Married To a Mute Man to Escape an Arranged Marriage

Serena’s POV "Serena, you’re getting engaged. The Ecclestone heir will meet you today." Those words shattered my peaceful morning, my father barging into my room with a decree that felt like a death sentence. My heart plummeted into an abyss, and my complexion turned ghostly with shock. He never showed me love or affection; I was always just a backup plan. "Dad, what are you talking about? I haven't brought home any suitors, and my career is my focus now. Marriage is irrelevant to me." I stood there, my mouth agape, my body paralyzed. How could he spring such a life-altering decision on me without warning? My thoughts raced, each more frantic than the last. "The wedding will follow in a few weeks. This isn’t up for discussion." I am your father, and my word is final in this house. Prepare yourself." His words were daggers, and I fought the urge to lash back. The realization hit me like a tidal wave—my fate was sealed, and I had no control. "You are useless to me. Weak and lazy, your presence here is unnecessary," he continued, his tone as cold as ice. His presence demanded respect, and his words cut deep. The sting of his rejection was almost unbearable. Why was I never enough for him? "Dad," I called out, my voice a mere whisper. My heart descended deeper into despair as I gazed at his retreating figure, my eyes brimming with pain. He ignored me and vanished into his room after delivering that terrible news. I had been nothing but a servant in this house, treated as though Thomas wasn't my father. This all began when my mother succumbed to cancer, and he remarried a woman as cold and demonic as the darkest nightmare, uncaring of my existence. Tears spilled from my eyes, despite my efforts to hold them back. My jaw slackened, and my legs quaked as I stumbled out of my room. How had my life come to this? I was about to marry a stranger, forced into a future I didn't choose. An hour later, the door creaked open. A man in his late twenties stood in conversation with my father. As I emerged from my room, my stepmother approached with new clothes, dressing me swiftly. My heart bled as I stood there, grappling with the grim reality. Was there no escape? Was this truly my destiny? "You are getting married. Congratulations," Linda said with a bitter smirk. She orchestrated the whole scheme, her words sharp as daggers. Her voice was merciless, each sentence another wound. I sat in stunned silence, my mouth open, unable to utter a word. My face grew paler, and my hands trembled. The betrayal was complete—I had no allies left in this house. Marrying a stranger wasn't an option. But with no other choice, I followed, burdened with my luggage. We headed to the heir of the Ecclestone family, the city's wealthiest clan. I had heard whispers of him—cold, aloof, commanding respect with an iron fist. Richard, his name, echoed through the city's corridors, his reputation intimidating and far from positive. How could I be expected to marry such a man? As we arrived at the mansion, the door swung open. The man inside was almost six feet tall, adorned with a fedora hat and a heavy trench coat. His shoes, simple and black with pointed tips, lay stark against the floor. His skin, pale as printer paper, contrasted sharply with his bright blue eyes, reminiscent of Christmas lights on a snowman. But this man was no Frosty; his pursed lips exuded boredom and disdain. I recoiled as he turned to me, his presence sending shivers down my spine. My legs shook, my face drained of color, and breathing became a struggle as he addressed me. "Your name is Serena, right?" His voice was icy, his demeanor matching the chilling rumors. My heart sank, and I stared at his back, my pain evident. I tried to speak, but fear sealed my lips. What kind of life awaited me with this cold stranger? "Yes, that's my name." "Call me Richard. I own almost all the production companies in the city. I'm wealthy, possessing nearly everything. "We’re engaged for appearances. Don’t expect more."." His words were cruel blows. Marriage without love? As I attempted to respond, he cut me off. "My decisions aren’t up for discussion." His voice was frigid, and my heart felt as though it were being torn apart, making it hard to breathe. The weight of my new reality pressed down on me like a heavy burden. Did my father realize what he was subjecting me to? Richard was arrogant, disinterested in the marriage. Our parents had made an agreement long ago, and we were the pawns to fulfill it, ensuring their business partnership thrived. Their children were to marry each other. I overheard the conversation between my father and Mr. Ecclestone. Richard, his only son, was to marry me for the sake of their legacy. "At least we are just meeting for the first time. Control your words," I said, my voice trembling. My jaw dropped, and my body froze. Could I ever find my voice in this suffocating arrangement? He was dismissive, cold, and distant, indifferent to my feelings. "The maid will take you to your room. My words remain unchanged; this is just a marriage. Don't call me any sweet names; don't cook for me; don't wash my clothes. I have people for that," he declared, his dark eyes burning with fury. The space between us was frigid, and I felt an unbearable loneliness settle in. "Are we sharing a room? As a couple, we should sleep in the same room." I knew the answer, but I needed to hear it from him. I needed to understand the full extent of my isolation. He moved closer, and I glared at him, furious at his smug tone. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I closed my eyes, unable to meet his gaze. His presence eroded my confidence, his jaw tight with unspoken anger. His silence was louder than words, but something in his expression made my heart ache. Was there a sliver of humanity behind those cold eyes? He didn't say anything as he left, his departure leaving me in a room that felt more like a prison cell. The tears wouldn't stop, each one a testament to my anguish. How could I survive this marriage? How could I endure a life with a man who saw me as nothing more than a pawn in a ruthless game?