Game of Chance

Biggest Mistake

NOELLE

When I got the message from that strange number, asking me to check my bank account, a cold wave of unease rolled through me. My first instinct was to ignore it but something inside me whispered to check and I did.

My breath hitched.

I had expected to see the amount he transferred, enough to clear the debts but what I saw had made my stomach drop. The number was far bigger. Too big.

“Still think this is just a contract?” The message came again.

Who the hell was this person? Panic tightened around my throat. It felt like a set up. There were only two possibilities. Either someone was trying to scare me or there was something I did not know.

I however decided to find out hence I proceeded with the dinner. I didn’t get a chance to speak to him till I returned home that night, even after he had declared our wedding without informing me but all of that had to wait till morning.

I arrived at Xavier’s office earlier than expected the next morning. I had so many questions. So many questions that kept me up during the night.

The moment I stepped into the reception, the assistant barely spared me a glance before greeting me with a smile and leading me to his office. I scarcely took in the details because my eyes immediately landed on him.

He was standing by the floor to ceiling window, his hands buried in his pockets and his shoulders tensed. Something was off.

“Mrs. Xavier Everhart.” His lips curled into a smile the minute he sighted me. “I didn’t expect to see you so early.” He added before dismissing the assistant.

“I got the transfer.” I spoke and he nodded before settling into his chair. “It’s too much.” I added.

“It’s exactly what I decided you’d need.” He responded with pride.

“I didn’t agree to this.”

“You agreed to be my wife and my wife has to look the part. “

I looked at him, thinking of what to say. Who the heck was this man?

“What am I walking into?” I questioned. I think I deserved to know the truth.

“You’ re walking into my world and in my world..... my wife has everything she needs and about the wedding.....”

“Where will it be?” I asked.

“A private ceremony at my family’s estate. No press, only close family and a few business associates. It needs to look real so you’ll have to play your part.”

“And my dress?”

“Already taken care of.” His voice was cool. “You’ll have a fitting tomorrow. Everything will be custom made.” He spoke and I nodded.

“You’ve really figured it all out.” I shook my head.

“Well, I don’t leave things to chance.”

The days passed in a blur of fittings, rehearsals and preparations. Before I knew it, my wedding day arrived.

The estate was breathtaking and a masterpiece of architecture.

I stood at the entrance, dressed in the most exquisite gown I had ever worn. The fabric clung to my body in all the right places, cascading down in layers of ivory silk. My hair was swept into an elegant updo, my makeup flawless.

I looked the part of a perfect bride.

The door opened and all eyes turned to me. Everyone stared at me but my gaze locked onto him, the man waiting at the altar.

I walked down the aisle, my heels clicking against the hard floor,

When I reached him, he extended his hand. I hesitated for the briefest moment before taking it. His grip was firm and steady.

“Do you, Noelle Vale, take Xavier Everhart to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

I swallowed hard. This was it.

“I do.”

His turn came and without a wavering tone, he said “I do.”

Rings were exchanged. Vows were spoken and then.... “You may kiss the bride.”

He didn’t hesitate. His hands came up to cup my jaw and then, his lips pressed against mine.

And just like that, I became Mrs. Everhart.

Neither of us uttered a word to the other. This was just a contract and neither of us was pretending it was otherwise. The wedding was extravagant. Cameras flashed, guests toasted and congratulations echoed through the grand room but now, it was just the two of us, sitting in the back of a sleek, black Rolls Royce.

I could not look at him but instead, stared out of the window. He on the other hand continued to check his wrist watch like he was supposed to be somewhere. He didn’t try to initiate a conversation neither did I try to say anything.

Then ----

BAM!

Our car jerked violently, tires screeching against the floor as another vehicle slammed into us from the side.

I screamed, my hand gripping the seat as the car spun uncontrollably. For a moment, everything became still except the ringing in my ears.

I blinked, trying to make sense of what had just happened. My pulse raced and my breathing became uneven. A warm hand suddenly grabbed my wrist.

“Are you hurt?”

I turned to him and he was staring at me. There was a cut on his forehead, blood trailing down the side of his face yet his focus was completely on me. I shook my head, my voice barely above a whisper. “I.... I think so.”

His entire body went rigid as he looked through the cracked windshield. Before I could process what was happening, he grabbed me and shoved me down onto the seat.

“Stay down.” He spoke calmly like pure steel. The door suddenly ripped open and a rough hand reached for me but in a flash, Xavier lunged.

The fight was swift and brutal.

I watched in shock as he moved with deadly precision, knocking one attacker back with a single punch. The second man reached for a weapon but Xavier was faster; he disarmed him effortlessly, twisting the gun away and slamming the man into the pavement.

This... it didn’t look like self-defense. He seemed to have done this before. A lot.

The attackers scrambled away, one of them firing a desperate shot into the air before disappearing into a dark alley.

Titan exhaled, rubbing a hand over his jaw before turning back and joining me in the car. His suit was ruined, torn, stained with blood but he looked completely unfazed.

“Who.... who were they?” My voice was shaky. I had to know. Was I the target or was it he?

He didn’t answer. Instead, he pulled out his phone, barking an order into it. “Get another car. Now.”

I gripped the car door, my anger rising through my fear. “Was this a robbery or were they after you?”

His eyes suddenly snapped to me.

“I said... get in the car.”

My hands curled into fists. I wasn’t just going to let this slide like it was nothing.

“We just got married If someone’s trying to kill you, I think I deserve to know why.”

A muscle ticked in his jaws but he said nothing, Instead, he reached out and grabbed my wrist again, firm, possessive. Not gentle this time.

“I don’t owe you explanations.” He murmured; his voice low. “But you owe me obedience. Now, get into the car.”

The words sent a slow chill down my spine and it was at that moment I realized..... I might have just made the biggest mistake of my life.