Chapter 4

The Wedding of Convenience

The scent of money and roses filled the air. Every note felt like a hammer hammering at my determination as the soft music, as delicate as spun glass, drifted across the huge hall. There were gold chandeliers dripping with crystals, infinite tables covered in white flowers, and a sea of unfamiliar faces staring at me as if I were a piece of art. The richness was overwhelming.

This was no nuptial ceremony. It was a deal.

As I walked down the aisle, the weighty material of my gown clung to my body, making every step reverberate throughout the vast room. With his hands clasped behind his back, Jack stood at the altar, and I couldn't force myself to look at him. Even though his suit was perfectly cut and his stance was impeccable, he could have easily been carved out of stone. The whispers of mistrust and condemnation from the crowd echoed about me like small daggers, and I was unable to block them out.

Someone remarked, "She looks like a doll,"

In a whisper, "This is all for show," said another voice.

I held my head up, staring at an unseen object outside the altar. When you had nothing else, your dignity was the one thing no one could take away from you, according to what my father had told me. However, I sensed that evaporating as well as I approached Jack Sterling.

When I got to him, his eyes briefly locked with mine. cold. far away. However, something else was there as well a glimmer of something unintelligible that made my stomach knot. I could hardly hear the words as the officiant started talking. My head was racing with questions that I was unable to answer.

How had this happened in my life?

Before I realized it, the ceremony was finished. Jack placed a ring on my finger as carefully as he would while signing a contract. Without hesitancy or empathy, there was only a robotic move that cemented my position in his life. Even though my fingers were shaking when it was my turn, I was able to slide the band onto his hand. His frigid appearance was a sharp contrast to the warmth of his skin.

"You may kiss the bride," the officiant declared.

It made my heart skip a beat. Jack leaned in and gave me a quick, cliched kiss with his mouth. It was not fervent. It was not romantic. It served only as a seal of the contract. His look was inscrutable when he withdrew, and I felt even more alienated.

The reception was a haze of unending toasts, false smiles, and clinking glasses. Jack remained by my side as we made our way through the crowd, his hand lightly resting on my waist. He did a great job portraying the obliging husband, but I knew better. This was more about looks than it was about me. about authority. About the game he was playing, which I still didn't comprehend.

"You're a very fortunate woman," a voice said next to me. A gorgeous blonde with a smile that stopped short of her eyes and curled her red lips caught my attention. "Jack doesn’t usually keep anyone around long enough for something like this."

"It’s a special occasion," I attempted to say with a kind smile.

She glanced over to Jack, who was chatting with some men nearby. "Yes, it is special. But, sweetie, exercise caution. Jack's ability to make others feel significant lasts until they don't.

Her remarks made me feel sick to my stomach, but I didn't want her to know how they made me feel. Instead, wanting a breather, I excused myself and walked to the room's edge. A woman wearing a white gown, her eyes darkened with doubt, gazed back at me from a golden mirror. Was this the way my life will be going forward? Not being able to see the smiles, a part I didn't want to play?

"You look lovely," Jack said in a silky voice behind me. I turned to see him holding a glass of champagne while he watched me.

"Lovely," I said again, my voice tremulous. "Like an ornament."

A little grin curved his lips. Amelia, perception is crucial. You should keep that in mind.

I wanted to yell and demand explanations, but I felt like I was being watched. Rather, I grabbed the glass of champagne he gave me, feeling its coldness sting my skin. "What happens now?" Silently, I inquired.

"Now," he stated, his eyes penetrating, "you embrace your new life."

The

I stood by myself in Jack's expansive master bedroom later that evening. I peeled off the gown with trembling hands because it felt oppressive and heavy. Only the distant sound of waves crashing against the cliffs outside could break the oppressive silence.

I was startled by a knock at the door and froze. I uttered, "Come in," in a voice that was hardly audible.

Jack entered the room and his presence filled the space. He had loosened his tie, but he was still wearing his tuxedo, and his gaze on me was unnerving.

His voice was low as he said, "You did well today,"

My fists clenched, rage seething beneath the surface. "Did I? because I thought I was a piece on your chessboard.

While his eyes darkened, his face remained unchanged. "Amelia, this is what you agreed to. Remember the reason.

"Oh, I haven’t forgotten," I finally said. "But that doesn’t mean I have to like it."

We both remained silent for a moment. We could feel the tension between us, a silent struggle of wills. Jack finally took a step toward me, his eyes never leaving mine. "Liking it is not the point of this. It all comes down to survival.

The door clicked shut behind him as he turned and walked out of the room before I could reply. With my chest heaving from trying to contain my tears, I collapsed onto the edge of the bed.

I then caught sight of it.

There was an envelope on the nightstand, half hidden by the lamp, with my name written in bold, strange handwriting. I reached for it, my fingers shaking, my heart pounding. One sheet of paper with the following phrases scrawled on it in bold, purposeful strokes was inside:

This is not a safe place. Never put your trust in anyone.

My blood froze, and as panic took hold, the words became hazy. This was left by whom? And what were they trying to say?

The door creaked open once more, and with my heart thumping in my chest, I pushed the message under the pillow. Jack entered, looking around the space. "Is everything alright?"

With my thoughts racing, I forced a smile. I responded, "Fine," in a tight tone. "Just tired."

Although he nodded, his gaze stayed on me for an excessive amount of time. "Get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.

With the note still fresh in my mind, I held onto the side of the bed as he walked away. One thing was certain: my new life was much riskier than I had ever thought, regardless of who had issued the warning.