The Wedding Contract
868 Words
Chapter Three: The Wedding Contract
The next three days passed in a blur.
Wedding planners filled the Hart mansion from morning until night. Designers carried in gowns worth more than Amelia's first car. Florists covered every room with white roses, while photographers prepared for what the media was already calling the wedding of the year.
Amelia felt like a guest in her own life.
Every decision had already been made.
Every smile was expected.
Every step had been planned.
Only one thing remained uncertain.
The man waiting for her at the end of the aisle.
---
The chapel was breathtaking.
Crystal chandeliers sparkled above rows of white roses. The soft melody of a string quartet drifted through the room as the city's wealthiest families took their seats.
Outside, reporters crowded behind security barriers, desperate for a glimpse of the billionaire groom.
Inside, Amelia stood behind the chapel doors, her heart pounding.
"You look beautiful," her mother whispered, adjusting her veil.
"I don't feel beautiful."
Her mother sighed.
"I know you don't understand now... but I hope one day you will."
Before Amelia could reply, the wedding coordinator smiled.
"It's time."
The doors slowly opened.
Every guest turned to look at her.
At the altar stood Ethan Knight.
He wore a perfectly tailored black tuxedo that made him look every bit the powerful CEO the newspapers admired. Yet there was something different about him today.
He looked nervous.
Only for a moment.
Then his calm expression returned.
Amelia walked down the aisle, each step feeling heavier than the last.
When she finally reached him, Ethan offered his hand.
She hesitated.
Then placed hers in his.
His fingers tightened ever so slightly, as if silently reassuring her that she wasn't facing this alone.
The ceremony began.
The minister spoke of trust.
Commitment.
Respect.
Words that felt strange between two people who barely knew each other.
When the vows were exchanged, Ethan looked directly into Amelia's eyes.
"I promise to respect your choices, protect your dignity, and never make you feel trapped."
It wasn't the traditional vow everyone expected.
But it was sincere.
Amelia swallowed the lump in her throat.
"I promise to be honest with you, even when the truth is difficult."
A faint smile touched Ethan's lips.
For the first time since they met, it reached his eyes.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife."
The chapel erupted in applause.
"You may kiss the bride."
The room fell silent again.
Amelia looked at Ethan.
He leaned closer.
"So everyone believes this marriage is real," he whispered.
She gave the smallest nod.
His hand gently cupped her cheek.
Their lips met for only a few seconds.
Soft.
Gentle.
Respectful.
Yet the kiss sent an unexpected flutter through Amelia's chest.
When they pulled apart, flashes from dozens of cameras lit up the chapel.
To the world, they looked like a couple deeply in love.
Only they knew the truth.
---
The wedding reception was even grander.
Champagne flowed freely, musicians played elegant melodies, and guests lined up to congratulate the newlyweds.
Amelia was beginning to feel overwhelmed when a glamorous woman in a crimson dress approached.
She smiled at Ethan.
"I didn't think you'd actually go through with it."
Ethan's expression became unreadable.
"Hello, Victoria."
Amelia noticed the familiarity between them.
Victoria turned to Amelia with a practiced smile.
"So you're the lucky bride."
"I suppose so."
Victoria laughed softly.
"You should know Ethan doesn't let people get close. He lives for work. Don't expect flowers, sweet words, or fairy tales."
An awkward silence followed.
Before Amelia could respond, Ethan stepped beside her.
"Victoria."
His voice was calm but firm.
"That's enough."
Victoria's smile faded.
"I was only telling the truth."
"Then let me tell you one."
He slipped an arm around Amelia's waist.
"My marriage is no longer your concern."
For the first time that evening, Amelia felt genuinely protected.
Victoria looked between them before forcing another smile.
"Congratulations."
She walked away.
Amelia slowly looked up at Ethan.
"You didn't have to do that."
"Yes, I did."
"Why?"
"Because whether this marriage lasts one month or a lifetime..."
He looked into her eyes.
"No one disrespects my wife."
Her breath caught.
The words sounded so natural coming from him.
Almost real.
---
That evening, Ethan's black limousine stopped in front of an enormous estate overlooking the city.
Iron gates slowly opened.
Beyond them stood a magnificent mansion surrounded by gardens and fountains.
Amelia stared in amazement.
"This is your home?"
"Our home," Ethan corrected gently.
The words surprised them both.
A line of household staff waited by the entrance.
The head butler smiled warmly.
"Welcome home, Mr. and Mrs. Knight."
Home.
The word echoed in Amelia's mind.
She wasn't sure if it comforted her...
Or frightened her.
As Ethan led her through the grand entrance, neither of them noticed the figure watching from across the street.
Inside a parked black car, someone lowered a pair of binoculars.
"They're married," the stranger muttered into a phone.
A cold voice answered from the other end.
"Good."
"Should we begin?"
There was a brief pause.
"Not yet."
"Let them fall in love first."
The call ended.
And somewhere in the darkness...
Someone smiled.
- Writer
