Chapter 4
784 Words
The morning of Ava’s wedding ceremony dawned grey, the sky shrouded in heavy mist. She stood in front of a full-length mirror in her room, her reflection a bride in a white lace wedding dress that clung to her full hips and waist.
The neckline exposed the curve of her chest, and her chestnut hair was packed into an elegant bun with tendrils framing her face.
Her hazel eyes were swollen from sleepless nights. A diamond necklace was fixed on her neck, and it blended with the silver locket on her neck. The locket her mother gave her.
Seeing herself in the wedding dress made her look like she had become a stranger and was a reminder that she was forced into this marriage to save her mother’s life.
She can’t believe that she is a sacrificial lamb and that marrying a disgraced billionaire’s son would be her husband.
Her fingers trembled as Jessie helped to adjust her veil. Ava’s stepmother, Eleanor, walked in; her blonde hair was packed into a ponytail. She smiled coldly as she walked up to Ava. “You make a beautiful bride,” she said, smoothing Ava’s dress and locking eyes with her. “Don’t embarrass us.”
Ava swallowed hard, and her jaw tightened. Her father stood at the door as he quietly watched her.
“This is for the family and your mother, Ava. You know your duty. Don't disappoint us.”
****
Ava's heels clicked on the marble floor in the cathedral, her dress trailing behind her as she walked down the aisle. New York elites, media, and gossip columnists filled the church.
They whispered, and cameras were clicking as she walked. “The replacement bride,“ they murmured. The headlines on the news were already forming. “Sterling Spare Daughter Saves The Empire with Marriage,”
Austin Russell stood at the altar dressed in a black tuxedo. His hair was silk black. He had a sharp jawline and high cheekbones. His grey eyes were cold and didn't meet Ava as she approached.
At thirty, he already carried the family’s ruined name. “Russell collapsed empire,” a scandal that everyone whispered about in the corner of the church.
Austin was said to be a failure. A broken boy living in his father’s ashes. Yet his broad shoulders and muscular chest made him command attention without even saying a word.
Ava’s heart pounded, and her fingers gripped the bouquet tightly. She didn't know him, but she knew this marriage was a transaction. Her freedom was traded for her mother’s life.
The wedding began, and Ava's eyes moved to the crowd as she caught Eleanor’s arrogant nose and Richard's wicked smile. The media’s cameras clicked effortlessly.
“Do you, Ava Sterling, take Austin Russel to be your lawfully wedded husband?” the priest asked.
The words were stuck in Ava’s throat, and her eyes were filled with unshed tears. She looked at Austin, searching for a bit of emotion, but his eyes were cold and fixed on the priest. “I do,” she whispered.
Austin’s response was sharp, and his voice was low. “I do.”
Even while they exchanged the ring, there was no form of emotion or tenderness between them. Ava could hear murmurs from behind. “A pity marriage. The sterling desperate move.”
At that moment, the priest smiled at Austin, “You may now kiss the bride.”
Ava turned to Austin, and her breath ceased. She never thought that this would be part of their wedding vows. The whole congregation went silent, and Austin's eyes locked into Ava’s.
He took a step closer, his hand wrapping the small of her back, and he pulled her gently towards him. Ava’s heart raced. She never expected his touch to be so tender and warm.
Then, his lips met hers. It was meant to be a simple kiss to seal their vows, but Austin didn't hold back. His mouth moved against her slowly and intensely, which made her feel heat through her veins.
Ava closed her eyes, and her hands gripped his broad shoulders as she leaned into him. Her body betrayed her as the kiss deepened.
For a moment, the whole world paused. It was just them enjoying the moment.
Ava tasted a faint mint of his breath; she hadn't expected him to kiss her this good to make her knees numb. Austin went ahead and tightened his hand on her waist.
He slowly pulled away with his eyes not leaving hers. They were both looking surprised.
The guest erupted in applause, making Ava return to reality. Her cheeks flushed, and she bit her lips as she stole glances at Austin.
- Writer
