CHAPTER 3
1167 Words
The next morning, the Amalfi Coast looked bright and beautiful under the warm golden sun. But Chloe didn’t feel calm at all. On the inside, her feelings were a mess, more like a storm swirling in her chest.
The Palazzo di Mare had been completely changed overnight. It now looked like something out of a dream wedding. White silk hung from the old stone walls, and sparkling chandeliers dangled from the wooden ceiling beams. The wedding gate was covered in red roses, meant to show passion and love. Chloe couldn’t help but think how painfully perfect that was, given everything.
The highly anticipated lavish wedding has already drawn top Italian business moguls, families, well-wishers and friends to the Europeans.
The wedding was praised not just as a union of the two, but as a generational victory for power, wealth, fame and legacy.
Media outlets across Italy were already broadcasting live updates, with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage flooding social media. Guests were expected to enjoy performances by top Italian acts, a designer reception, and a firework display to crown the festivities.
With luxury, culture and fame all wrapped into one high-profile celebration, Nick had already cemented the occasion as the Italian wedding of the year.
Mr Raymond beamed with smiles and excitement. He expressed how honored he was to celebrate the special moment with his only daughter, as he prayed for her.
Italian skies were set to sparkle as the grand wedding between Nick Manchester and Raymond.
Chloe stood in front of a tall mirror, the wedding dress hugging her body like a soft trap. The gown was beautiful, an embroidered beaded wedding gown, but it didn’t feel like hers. It felt like she was pretending to be someone else.
The stylist fixed the veil gently in her hair. “You look stunning.”
Chloe looked at her reflection. Her eyes had no sparkle, her face was pale under all the makeup. She didn’t look like a happy bride. She looked like someone being sold off with no choice.
“Thank you,” she said quietly.
The door opened with a small creak. Her father stepped in, his eyes filled with tears.
“You look just like your mother,” he said, his voice rough. “She would’ve been so proud of you.”
Chloe didn’t answer.
Mr. Raymond walked closer. “I never wanted this for you. I hoped that maybe, over time, you’d find some joy in it.”
“You sold me, Father,” Chloe said in a flat voice.
He winced. “I was desperate. I really thought he’d be good to you. He promised he would.”
She looked away. “Nick Manchester doesn’t know how to be kind.”
Her father tried to say something, but just then, the wedding planner came in. “It’s time.”
Chloe was seen dressed in an expensive gold customized embroidered beaded white wedding gown with an A-curve design infusing her unique style and a white veil covering her face. Her designers customized high-heeled shoes also embroidered with gold. She wore simple earrings and light makeup.
While the groom, Nick was seen wearing an expensive Italian three-piece designer suit with a customized black-colored designer shoe to match.
Mr Raymond was seen basking in a joyous mood as he walked his daughter, Chloe, down the aisle.
Though it was a special and happy occasion for Chloe, her countenance portrayed that of gloom as she soliloquized to herself and said “I really wish it was Dave instead of that heartless man, Nick.”
Hardly had she contemplated such thoughts that she was snapped into reality again, and she became moody.
Chloe had always envisaged a simple, small and modest wedding, but she got the opposite of what she wished for and that made her even more unhappy even in the midst of the lavish wedding that was ongoing.
Chloe walked down the aisle, her hand shaking as she held her father’s arm. At the front, Nick waited for her, dressed in a dark suit, his face calm, but his eyes full of something unreadable. He looked like a man who had just taken possession of something he’d paid for.
Chloe's heart beat faster with every step she took.
When they reached the altar, her father kissed her on the cheek and stepped away but Chloe barely noticed.
Nick reached out for her hand. She hesitated, then gave it to him.
The pastor began the ceremony.
Nick spoke first. His voice was steady and confident.
“I, Nicholas Manchester, take you, Chloe Raymond, to be my wife. To have and to hold, in wealth and in power, from this day forward, until death do us part.”
The pastor looked at her. “Chloe, do you….”
“I do,” she said quickly, cutting the pastor off and her voice shaky.
There were quiet gasps from the guests.
Nick lifted an eyebrow but didn’t say a word. The pastor hesitated, then went on.
They exchanged rings and people clapped.
Then came the kiss.
Nick leaned in and kissed her gently, almost sweetly. But Chloe felt nothing at all.
It was done.
They were now husband and wife.
A few hours later, the reception was in full swing. Music filled the air and champagne and refreshments were passed around. Chloe smiled even though she was hurting inside. She danced even though she felt heavy with fear. She moved from guest to guest, playing the part of the perfect wife, even if it felt like a lie.
When it was finally time to leave, a sleek white Mercedez awaited them.
They both drove home in utmost silence.
The Manchester mansion sat high on the cliffs, modern but warm, glowing with soft candlelight. Inside, rose petals made a trail that led to the bedroom.
Nick opened the door and held it for her. Chloe stopped for a moment, then walked in.
The room was filled with golden lights, a big bed stood in the middle and a bottle of champagne waited in a bucket of ice.
Chloe turned to him. “Do you really think I can pretend that this is normal?”
Nick walked in and closed the door. “I think you should keep your promises.”
“I didn’t promise to love you.”
“No,” he said gently. “But you will.”
He stepped closer. Chloe’s chest beat faster.
She knew she should turn around, say no and push him away, but she didn’t rather she looked into his eyes and stood still.
Something inside her felt different.
Nick lifted a hand and touched her cheek. “You’re not what I expected, Chloe. You’re more.”
Her heart pounded very hard.
And then, maybe without thinking, she leaned in.
Their lips touched.
It wasn’t soft nor gentle. It was a war, a battle of dominance, pain and desire all mixed together.
They ended up on the bed, caught in a night they would always remember.
- Writer
