Audrey’s pov
The wedding preparations started and today is the day I will be getting married to my husband. Sitting down in front of my mirror,I saw how I looked in my wedding dress,I felt a mix of emotions ;pain,hate,anger I couldn't particularly name. As a young girl,who loved reading books,I had always fantasized how my weddings would be and this thing happening was far from it.
The wedding gown is beautiful.It has a deep v neck shape,not slutty. Everything was picked by my mother and mother in law,the shoes,veil,my makeup too.My face was becoming teary already wishing my brother was here to save me.
When I was 16,on my birthday my brother came out late at night because I was drunk and I didn't want my parents to find out. On our way,we had an accident and I was the only one that survived it.
I couldn’t help but blame myself. Ever since Chris died,my parents have been mistreating me and blaming me for killing their only son, who is going to be their heir. My eyes swelled up with tears,thinking about it. If only I was not drunk that night….
As the wedding started,I stood at the altar,my heart racing.Nicholas looked into my eyes,with a stoned hard expression on his face. I couldn’t read his face.As I repeated my vows, my voice trembled. I felt like I was surrendering to a stranger.
"...till death do us part."
Nicholas hand enveloped mine, his touch warm but distant.
"You may kiss the bride."
Nicholas' lips brushed against mine, a gentle, perfunctory kiss. The applause and cheers were deafening.I smiled, a mask to hide my turmoil. As we exchanged rings, I couldn't help but think of the escape plan I'd been crafting. This marriage was a prison sentence.Nicholas' eyes narrowed, as if sensing my thoughts."You're mine now," he whispered.
I forced a laugh. "Forever and always."
The ceremony blurred together – signing documents, posing for photos, and reception speeches.At the head table, Nicholas whispered to me.
“If you stay out of my way and comply with my rules,I will not bother you,so,stay away from me.”
I almost laughed at his ridiculous statements. He looked angry as I reacted to his words.
“I won’t bother you husband,I don’t have any business with you, so you stay away from me”. I snapped back.
He chuckled evily,I couldn’t not help but glare at him back. The wedding came to an end after taking pictures and all. It was time to move to his house. I dread going there because I don’t want to stay with him but I don't know if it’s better than staying with my parents.
As I stepped into the penthouse,my heels clicked on the marble tile floor. My heart took a beat as I took in the scene before me.
Nicholas’s mistress lounged on the couch,in her red lingerie which showed us armless and showed plenty of skin.There were candles everywhere in a love shape giving a seductive vibe.
Nicholas stood there frozen,taking in the scene his eyes blazed with fury as he stood beside the couch, his jaw clenched.
“What the hell are you doing here, Sophia?” He spatted angrily at her, his voice low and menacing.
Sophia’s smile dropped for a moment but she recovered
“Celebrating your wedding night,honey.” with a seductive voice.
Nicholas' anger was evident, his eyes flashing with rage. “Get out, now.”
“Don’t be like this,darling. Remember that nigh—“ Nicholas didn’t allow her to finish before he shouted;
”Get the hell out of my f*****g house now!”
I watched, surprised by Nicholas' anger. Sophia’s laughter was nervous as she gathered her things. “Fine, Fine,no need to be rude.” She gathered her things and left the house angrily in which Nicholas slammed the door behind her.
I couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of what happened just now.
Nicholas' eyes darkened further,”you found this funny right?”
I nodded, still chuckling,” Yes I do.”
Nicholas' expression turned cold, his voice dripping with disdain.
“Please show me my room,I have had enough drama today” I said to him.
Nicholas’ gaze lingered, his expression unyielding.
"Your room is down the hall," he said curtly, nodding toward the stairs. "Second door on the left."
I turned, my heels clicking on the marble floor as I ascended the stairs.
The silence between us was oppressive, heavy with unresolved anger.
As I reached the top, I glanced back.
Nicholas stood at the base of the stairs, watching me.
Our eyes met, and for a moment, the air seemed to vibrate with unspoken words.
Then, I turned and disappeared into my room.
As I closed the door behind me, I leaned against it, exhaling slowly. This marriage was my escape, my ticket out of the suffocating life I once knew.
Thoughts swirled in my mind:
"I will finally be free from Mother's constant criticism, Father's dismissive attitude. No more living in the shadow of my perfect sister."
"But at what cost?" my conscience whispered.
I pushed the doubt aside, focusing on the benefits:
"Nicholas' wealth and influence will protect me. I'll have the freedom to pursue my passions, to travel, to live life on my own terms."
Memories resurfaced:
Mother's belittling words: "You'll never amount to anything."
Father's indifference: "You're just a daughter, not the heir,you killed your brother remember?”
My sister's condescending smile: "You're so reckless, Audery."
I shook my head, clearing the toxic thoughts.
"This marriage may not be love, but it's my chance at redemption."
I had all these thoughts before I retired to bed after a long ass day.