"Good evening, friends. I'm truly honored that you all accepted our invitation and came to my humble abode." He stood tall, pride swelling in his chest as he addressed the crowd. "I stand here today with my family to announce the reason behind this grand party."My heart began to race as all eyes fixed on him.
"My daughter Aurora's marriage to Mark Wilson." A roar of cheers erupted from the crowd, but for me, the world seemed to freeze. What nonsense is he blabbering?
I was about to shout, to protest, to scream that this wasn't my choice when Mom's hand shot out and gripped my arm hard.The pressure was sharp, almost painful. I flinched and looked at her with teary eyes.
She leaned close, her breath warm against my ear, whispering just for me: "You better compose yourself, my dear. You don't want your father getting angry."
His voice continued, but I was no longer listening. My mind went blank, my heart squeezed tight inside my chest like a vice.
They did it again. They used my weakness against me.My so-called foster parents.
Then, cutting through the chaos, my father's voice rang out louder:"Mark, please join us and take the hand of your wife."
There he was. The man with the hazel eyes his gaze locked on mine like a predator stalking his prey.
He walked over and hooked his arm through mine. I forced a smile for the crowd, but inside I was breaking. My eyes scanned the audience until they landed on Maxwell and Angel. Their faces were etched with disappointment especially Maxwell's. The sting of their silent judgment cut deeper than any words.
I wanted to shout at them that I had no idea, but before I could, I watched them turn and walk away from the mansion.They've already given up on me.Meanwhile, Mark's thoughts were far from mine:This woman is shameless. Look at that fake smile. She must be thrilled after all, she's marrying a billionaire.One small comfort the hurt in Maxwell's eyes as he left.
Such is life, I thought bitterly.
After the cameras flashed for what felt like hours, Mark's grip on my arm loosened. I slipped away and fled toward the stairs, my parents trailing behind me.
"Brother… you… you got married?" Tiwa's voice trembled with disbelief. Of course I did. What did you expect?" I replied, forcing calm into my voice. "I'm glad you finally moved on." "But to think," Tiwa added with a proud smile, "my sister-in-law is absolutely beautiful."
Mark hesitated, then asked quietly, "Aren't you mad at me?"Just a little," I admitted, "but I'm okay. I know you had your reasons."
"It's good to know you still trust me."
"And why wouldn't I? You're my brother and I love you so much."
Later, alone in my room, rage and despair consumed me.What did I ever do to deserve this? How could they force me into a marriage without my consent?Do they think I'm some object to be sold?
"This is not my choice," I shouted, my voice cracking with pain. "I do not accept this marriage!" My father stepped forward, cold and unyielding. I'm sorry, my princess," he said mockingly, "but you're already married to him. You became his the moment you signed those papers." I clenched my fists, teeth gritted tight with fury. I lunged at him, ready to strike back.But before I could, his hand came down hard a brutal slap that sent me crashing to the cold floor.
I curled up, trembling, and wept bitterly.
At that moment, all I wished for was to disappear to die and escape this nightmare.