I stared at my reflection, feeling the weight of my reality pressing down. I wanted to cry one more time, but the tears refused to come. My face was calm, neutral—thanks to the makeup artist, who had highlighted my features without exaggeration. Perfect. Too perfect for a day I hated.
"Ma'am, do you want me to layer the blush a bit more?" she asked, her brush moving in delicate strokes.
I forced a smile. "No. It's fine."
Fine. A word that felt empty. Fine, because working for Sebastian meant one mistake could ruin everything. One wrong look, one wrong word, one wrong breath and my life would be over.
"It's time for the dress," she said.
I nodded, following her into the room where my life was about to change forever. Today, I would be the first bride ever who didn't see her dress until the wedding morning. Sebastian had prepared everything. All I had to do was show up.
This was nothing like the fairy tale I had imagined as a child. I had dreamed of shopping for my gown, of planning the decorations, of laughing with the man I thought I loved. Now, waking up to a wedding I had no part in felt like suffocation.
I sighed, and the makeup artist glanced at me, worried. I gave her a small smile to calm her.
"Don't worry, ma'am. Mr. Sebastian made sure everything matches your taste. He brought the best designers from around the world. This dress… it is made for a princess," she said, her eyes sparkling.
Princess. My chest tightened. In any other situation, I would have swooned. Now, the word was poison.
The gown lay on the table like a vision. Light, flowing, almost unreal. Every layer whispered elegance, every bead on the bodice shimmered with precision. The craftsmanship was breathtaking. Every detail screamed perfection.
This was not a dress for a princess.
This was a dress for a queen.
And I was a hostage in it.
I stepped into the hallway. The room beyond was filled with strangers—court officials, people I had never seen, eyes that judged me before I had moved. I looked to the heavens, praying for a miracle. My mother would not come. She never came. This time, there was no one to save me.
I dug my nails into my palms, bruising the skin as I walked. Every step felt like trudging through a storm. My gaze searched desperately for a familiar face. Nothing. Only my father, smiling as if this were a celebration, chatting casually with his associates.
Sebastian waited at the altar. His white fitted shirt traced the lines of his muscles, sharp and unyielding. He did not smile. He did not look angry. He was a wall of calm.
I noticed his height—6'5" to my 5'9"—and the scar cutting across his chin, darkened with age. It did not disfigure him. It made him dangerous. It was a reminder of a tragic accident years ago, one that had made headlines and broken the news. A scar that had aged with him but only added to the aura of control and mystery surrounding him. His hazel eyes were clear and cold, reflecting me back like glass. A mole softened the edges, but not enough to hide the predator beneath.
Hatred burned in my chest. Why me? What had I done to deserve this? Why not one of the women chasing him endlessly?
"It is time for the declaration of vows," the magistrate said.
I barely heard the rest. I was about to marry THE Sebastian, the ruthless, infamous billionaire who had aided my father in clipping my wings.
"Now for the exchange of vows," the magistrate continued. Sebastian's lips parted. For a fleeting second, his eyes softened. Then the mask returned.
"I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, Sebastian Carlos Alejandro Morales…" His gaze never wavered. "…do take thee, Ah-reeh-ah-na Prescott," he pronounced my name with that accent that made it strange and painfully beautiful. "…as my lawful wedded wife."
It was my turn. My mouth would not open. If I spoke, it would be over. My eyes scanned the room, desperate for a miracle. None came. This was my fate.
"C'mon, princess. Don't make the magistrate wait," my father said. I clenched my jaw, wishing I could erase his words from existence.
"I… I…" My voice cracked. Tears blurred my vision. "I call upon…"
The door crashed open.
Edward.
"What the actual fuck is going on here?!" His voice boomed. Rage. Shock. Pain. He stared at Sebastian and then at me. My heart lurched.
"You will be damned if you think I am going to let you get married to that bastard!"
Relief and hope surged through me. My savior had come. Maybe, just maybe, this nightmare could end.