Dreadful Contract

The Wedding

Audrey's Pov.

“She will be fine in a few hours,” our family doctor reassured us.

My Mom simply nodded, while her gaze was fixed on Aunt Emily.

Aunt Emily was diagnosed with chronic heart disease a year ago, and she had to come live with us, as she has no husband or children.

I admired the relationship my Mom shared with her sister-in-law. They were best of friends before she met my dad through his sister.

“Thank you, doctor,” I said, as I ushered him out of the house.

We shook hands, and he left.

I sat beside my mom calmly, and dragged her into my arms. We held each other in a tight embrace.

“I will marry Suarez Fernandez,” I announced sadly, with a trembling voice.

A bright shadow of happiness crossed my mom's eyes, and a short smile escaped her lips.

“Thank you, Audrey, for saving us,” my mom said, admitting her sad and overwhelming emotions.

“We appreciate you, Audrey,” my Aunt added with a grin on her face.

************

“Take to your heels and run away,” a scary voice floated in my ear as I climbed the altar slowly.

The voice continued, “You are going to regret this decision for the rest of your miserable life.”

Ignoring the voice, I grit my teeth and swallowed hard as I climbed the last step to the altar.

I watched as Suarez stared at me with lust gleaming in his eyes.

He smirked mischievously, and I returned the smirk with a stern look from under my veil.

For every bride, their wedding day is the happiest day in their life, but mine is the exact opposite. I hate every moment of my wedding.

“Please repeat your vows after me,” the priest's words, stirring up the pain in my heart.

“Suarez Lucas Fernandez, do you take Audrey Maris Ethan as your lawfully wedded wife?”

“I do,” he replied in a cold and hoarse voice.

Turning to me, the priest began, “Audrey Maris Ethan, do you take Suarez Lucas Fernandez as your lawfully wedded husband?”

Hot tears rolled down my cheeks.

I glanced back at my Mom and Aunt Emily, and I saw them looking at me with fear and expectancy in their eyes. I saw the unspoken words and pleas in their faces.

I could hear the crowd behind me, murmuring.” Why isn't she answering?”

“I do,” I answered, after inhaling and exhaling forcefully.

“I pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss your bride,” The priest declared.

I closed my eyes as he approached me to remove my veil, he uncovered my face slowly. His warmth hit my face with a deep smell of tobacco and whiskey.

He plunged his tongue into my mouth, but I resisted, stiffening my lips. I blinked, my eyes opened only to meet with his red and furious eyes. I quickly closed my eyes.

He tilted my face in an angle and whispered into my ear, “One more resistance from you, and your remaining family will be wiped out,” his angry voice mixed with his alcoholic breath pierced through my nostrils.

My lips quivered and my body trembled.

He forced a kiss on my lips, and the crowd clapped joyously.

“Welcome to hell, Mrs. Audrey Fernandez,” A mischievous smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

I cursed myself for agreeing to this marriage charade.

He held my hand firmly, and we climbed down the altar. My Mom followed behind us.

“Man, you did it,” a man with the same demeanor and appearance as Lucas applauded him.

I chuckled at the words of the mean-looking man.

“Did marrying me win him a trophy?”

My mom ran her hand over my back, comforting me, “I hope you get all the happiness you deserve, thank you for doing this for us,” She cried over my shoulder.

I gave her a short smile.

“It's time for us to leave for the reception,” Aunt Emily reminded us.

The three-hour reception seemed like the last time I had to bond with my family.

I felt my lower stomach aching, so I rushed to the female toilet to ease myself, only to find my newly wedded husband passionately banging an older woman.

I could tell she was old from her saggy skin and gray hair.

“f**k me harder, my sweet boy,” She moaned in pleasure.

I gritted my teeth in disgust as I ran out in tears. I dabbed my eyes with the hem of my wedding gown to avoid rumors and stares as I approached the reception hall.

'It's just for eighteen months, you will be fine, Audrey, I encouraged myself.

“Don't forget to avenge your father's death,” the scary voice was back, and my heart sank.

There are only two things I want out of life right now; to be a good daughter to my Mom and Aunt, and to see my father's murderer, and my r****t go to jail.

Thankfully, the reception was cut short by the mean-looking man, “The couples have to be on their way for their honeymoon,” he announced.

“Honey moon?” I muttered.

“I thought honeymoons were for couples who married for love,” I blurted out subconsciously.

“And who says I don't love you?” Suarez asked from behind.

I froze in shock, there was something about his presence that depicted fear and unease.

He hugged me from behind, and I perceived a familiar feminine perfume, the same scent I perceived in the toilet a few minutes ago.

“You bastard!” I cursed beneath my breath.

“Audrey, don't be all stiffed up, we have a long way to go together, and today marks the beginning of our beautiful or dreadful journey,” He turned my shoulder gently, making me face him directly.

“Beautiful or dreadful, the ball is in your court, my Princess,” he laughed devilishly, and walked away.

It was time to bid my Mom and Aunt goodbye, and depart with my husband.

We hugged and cried passionately. She reminded me that I was doing this for my dad, and he would watch over me from heaven.

We said our final goodbye, and I slowly walked over to where Suarez's car was parked. He stood beside his car waiting for me, and stared at me as I walked towards him.

“Welcome my lady,” he grinned, and opened the car door for me like he was a gentleman.

Quickly, he joined me in the car, and began to drive slowly until we reached the outskirts of the city, where only wealthy and powerful people lived. I watched in surprise as he drove into one of the biggest and most beautiful houses in the area.