REVENGE RE-WRITTEN: THE BILLIONAIRE'S FORGOTTEN BRIDE.
CHAPTER 1: The Wedding Day
Ava Sanders stood in front of a full-length mirror in the guest room of the Sinclair estate, soon to be her matrimonial home. Her heart pounds with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. The lace of her wedding gown clung to her slender frame, the intricate patterns forming a cascade of elegance down the floor.
Though it was her wedding day, the day which was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, she wasn't allowed the pleasure of choosing her own wedding dress.
The dress was a "gift" from her soon-to-be-mother-in-law.
Never in her wildest fantasies has she dreamed of this day coming true, a day where she is about to marry the man she has had a crush on since when she was 15 years old, the heir to one of the most powerful families in the world, Alexander Sinclair.
A knock from the door brought her out of her thoughts. "Come in," she said softly.
As the door opened, she saw her dad looking as handsome as ever, smiling but he had a worried look on his face.
"You look beautiful my little angel, I wished your mom was here to see how beautiful her daughter looks, but I'm sure she's looking down from heaven with a smile on her face." Her dad said.
Taking a deep breath he added, "I know you've been in love with Alexander for a long time now, but are you going to be okay marrying into the family? Whatever decision you make, will be right by your side supporting you, but I want you to be happy." Her dad said while caressing her face with his thumb.
"I know you're worried about me Dad, but I'll be fine. Marrying him is a dream come true for me. He asked me to marry him, so I know he'll treat me right. Plus, it's not like you're going anywhere— you'll be here with me." Ava said, trying to reassure her dad.
Her dad extended his arm, a silent invitation for her to wrap her arm around his. She took his arm, feeling the warmth of his gesture. With deep breaths, they stepped outside ready to walk down the aisle.
Ava's finger trembled as adjusted her veil as they drew near. When the doors of the chapel opened, and the wedding march began, Ava felt her breath catch in her throat.
This was it, the moment she had been waiting for, the moment that would change her life forever. Her heart beats in time with the melody of Young and Beautiful theatrical version by Lana del Rey.
The chapel was filled with the who's who of society, all eyes on her as she made her way to the altar. She could feel their gaze, could sense their curiosity about the driver's daughter who captured the heart of Alexander Sinclair. But Ava kept her eyes forward, focused on the man of her dreams who would soon be her husband.
Alexander stood at the altar, his tall, imposing figure dressed in a perfectly tailored suit. His features were sharp as ever, his dark hair neatly combed back.
As Ava drew closer, she noticed something in his expression, an emotion she couldn't quite place. His hazel eyes, usually so clear and calculating, seemed distant and cold. It was as if he was there in body, but not in spirit.
A part of her knew that he was not in love with her, but she hoped that would change when he asked her to marry him. This wasn't how she had imagined it. She had dreamed of warmth in his eyes when that would reassure her, but instead, she found herself faced with a man who seemed detached, almost indifferent.
When she reached the altar, her dad let go of her hand and Alexander took her hand, but his grip was firm, almost too firm, lacking the tenderness she hoped for.
As the officiant began the ceremony, Ava forced herself to focus on the words, to push aside the unease that gnawed at her chest. Her mind swirling with doubt and fear, was this the right decision? Was she about to make the biggest mistake of her life? No, maybe she was just overthinking it.
Even if he doesn't love her now, she has read books where the husband falls in love with his wife after marriage, Alexander will come to love her.
She turned to look at the audience and saw Evelyn, Alexander's mom sneering from the front row. Ava quickly averted her eyes and focused on Alexander.
It was time to recite their vows. Alexander spoke his vows, his voice cold but steady, no emotions in his words whatsoever. It was as if he was reciting a script, saying what was expected of him.
When it was her turn to say her vows, she looked into his eyes searching for a sign that she didn't make the wrong decision. Ava's voice trembled as the word came out of her mouth.
They exchanged rings, Alexander slipped the ring onto her finger, his touch so casual with no affection in it, after which she took his large hand and put the ring on his finger.
The minister then asked Alexander if he would take Ava as his lawfully wedded wife, she held her breath, waiting for the moment that would seal their fate.
"Yes, I do, he said with no emotion whatsoever.
The minister turned to her and asked her the same question; if she will take Alexander as her lawfully wedded husband, "Yes, I do", she said.
The minister then pronounced them husband and wife. The guest erupted into applause, and Alexander leaned in for their big kiss, which was also their first kiss, the moment she had fantasized about since when she was 15. But it was brief, perfunctory, and when it was over, Alexander turned to greet the guests, leaving Ava touching her lips. Wait, that's it? This wasn't what she imagined. Kissing the one you love is supposed to make butterflies erupt in your stomach, but their kiss felt more like a peck, than a kiss.
The rest of the day passed in a blur. The reception was as lavish as you'd imagine it to be. The grandeur of the Sinclair estate is on full display. Crystal chandeliers hung like suspended galaxies from the highly decorated ceiling, casting a magical glow over the ground and the elegantly dressed guests.
Champagne flowed freely and the rich laughter filled the air. Ava thanked them for coming with a warm smile on her face, playing the part of the happy bride, but deep inside she could have imagined them sneering at her for her lowly background but they dared not make their intention visible in front of the mighty Sinclair family.