Chapter 4
Chapter 4
ROSALIE
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The morning of my wedding felt like a fever dream, a strange blur of rituals and preparations, none of which felt like they were for me. My father had insisted on a grand ceremony, and our house was filled with bustling attendants, florists, and
staff.
It’s the best decision you’ve ever made, Rosalie,” Charlotte murmured with a smirk, her voice oozing satisfaction. “Damien Hale is quite the catch, you know. Even you should realize that.”
I said nothing, keeping my face expressionless, not wanting to show her the turmoil churning inside me. Charlotte didn’t know who Damien had been to me, didn’t understand the dread tightening around my chest like a vice.
“God you look so beautiful Rosalie. You are one lucky bride. Your husband is filthy rich and handsome as well,” Charlotte happily said, oblivious to my countenance.
“Can you stop saying that Charlotte? Do you realise what is going on with me right now? In my life?” I snapped at her, unwilling to remain silent.
“What is going on in your life? You are doing this family a great help by marrying one of the richest business tycoons. I and dad did you a big favour by arranging this marriage. Which man of his status would accept to marry you?” Charlotte retorted back.
“You who has the so called status and respect, why not marry him? Why me? Huh?!” I yelled, my eyes thinned with fury. “Enough. Today is your wedding day Rosaline. The last thing we all need is an unnecessary argument. Let her be charlotte. Rosalie, let’s go,” my mother finally said, a note of impatience in her voice. She barely glanced at me, her face betraying none of the emotions I wished so desperately
O see–sympathy, love, anything. I knew better than to expect her support.
I forced a nod, took one last look at the stranger in the mirror, and followed her out, each step feeling heavier than the last. The hall was lined with guests, friends, and family, each one whispering as I passed. I barely heard them. My gaze was fixed on the large double doors leading into the chapel, where Damien would be waiting.
The music swelled as I entered, and the murmurs ceased. My heart pounded as my eyes locked onto him, standing at the altar, his gaze never wavering from me. Dressed in a sharp black suit, Damien looked every bit the man he had become- confident, powerful, and so sure of himself that it made me want to run in the opposite direction.
But there was no escape. I was trapped in this nightmare, and the only way out was forward.
As I reached the altar, Damien extended his hand, his grip firm, possessive as he led me to stand beside him. The officiant began speaking, but I could barely hear the words. All I could feel was the weight of Damien’s gaze, intense and unrelenting, as if he were staking his claim in front of everyone.
When it came time for the vows, I forced myself to meet his eyes, the words heavy on my tongue.
“Do you, Rosalie Thompson, take Damien Hale to be your lawfully wedded husband…?”
The question hung in the air, and for a brief second, I considered running, even knowing there was nowhere to go. But the thought of my father, of the power Damien held over him, stopped me cold.
“Yes,” I murmured, the word a hollow echo in the silence.
Damien’s smirk softened, and he squeezed my hand as if to remind me of his control, his satisfaction. When it was his turn, his answer was steady, unhesitating. “I do.”
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19:29 Mon, 17 Feb
Chapter 4
ท
34%
+13
I barely registered the rest of the ceremony. I was numb, moving through the motions, detached from my own life. Then, suddenly, the officiant declared, “You may kiss the bride.”
Before I could brace myself, Damien’s hand was on my cheek, his grip possessive as he leaned in. His lips brushed mine, firm and unyielding, and for a brief moment, I felt the intensity of his obsession, the years of longing he had harbored, now realized. It wasn’t a kiss filled with love or tenderness; it was a claim, a dark promise of everything to come.
When he pulled away, his gaze lingered on mine, filled with something that made my stomach twist. Possession, satisfaction -a silent message that reminded me I was his now, in every sense of the word.
The crowd erupted into applause, and I felt Damien’s hand tighten around mine, pulling me closer as he turned us to face our guests. I forced a smile, but inside, a storm raged, knowing that the life I had once dreamed of was now shattered, replaced with this unsettling reality.
The reception was a blur, filled with speeches, music, and people who approached us to congratulate “the happy couple.” Damien kept me close to his side the entire time, never letting me drift more than a few feet away. He introduced me to his colleagues and friends with a proud possessiveness, as if I were a prize he had finally won.
At one point, I excused myself, hoping for a moment to breathe, but as soon as I was alone, he appeared beside me, his hand resting on the small of my back, pulling me close.
“You’re not running away, are you, Rosalie?” he murmured, his tone a mixture of amusement and warning.
“I needed a break,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “It’s been a long day.”
He chuckled softly, a dark, knowing sound. “Well, it’s far from over. Tonight… we’ll begin our life together.”
The implication in his words sent a shiver down my spine, and I found myself hastily walking away.
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