The day of the wedding arrived, and the atmosphere was tense.
At the Smith estate, Bella paced in her room, her maid struggling to tighten the corset.
"This is a nightmare," Bella muttered. "I'm marrying a stranger."
Her mother, Sophia, entered, a stern expression on her face.
"Bella, stop this nonsense. You'll do your duty."
Bella's eyes flashed. "My duty? You're selling me off like a commodity."
Sophia's voice hardened. "You'll obey."
Meanwhile, at the Thompson mansion, Alex adjusted his tie, his best man, Ryan, beside him.
"You look like you're going to your execution," Ryan joked.
Alex's smile was forced. "Feels like it."
Ryan's expression turned serious. "Alex, you can still call it off."
Alex shook his head. "Can't. Family obligations."
At the ceremony, Bella walked down the aisle, her eyes fixed on Alex. He looked equally unhappy.
As they exchanged vows, their voices lacked conviction.
"I, Alexander Thompson, take thee, Isabella Smith, to be my wedded wife..." Alex's words trailed off.
"I, Isabella Smith, take thee, Alexander Thompson, to be my wedded husband..." Bella's voice trembled.
The rings were exchanged, and the kiss was perfunctory.
As they were pronounced husband and wife, the room erupted in applause.
Bella's eyes locked onto Alex, a silent message passing between them: This is far from over.
The reception was a blur of forced smiles and polite conversation.
Samantha, Alex's ex-girlfriend, attended, her presence a reminder of Alex's broken promises.
As the night wore on, Bella and Alex shared their first dance as husband and wife.
Their bodies moved in sync, but their hearts were miles apart.
The music ended, and they parted, the tension between them palpable.
"This isn't the end," Bella whispered.
Alex's eyes narrowed. "Oh, it's just beginning."
The night would unfold with secrets, lies, and hidden agendas.
-------------
The luxurious Thompson mansion loomed before them, its grandeur a testament to Alex's wealth. The newlyweds stepped out of the limousine, their tension palpable.
As they entered the mansion, a flurry of maids and staff rushed to greet them.
"Welcome, Mrs. Thompson!" they chimed in unison.
Bella's gaze swept the room, her expression icy. "Don't call me that," she snapped.
The staff halted, taken aback.
Alex's eyes narrowed. "Bella, please—"
"Save it, Alex," she cut him off, striding away.
The maids exchanged nervous glances.
"Shall we show you to your room, ma'am?" one of them ventured.
Bella spun around. "I don't need your help. I'll find my own way."
She stormed up the staircase, leaving the staff and Alex staring after her.
"What just happened?" Ryan, Alex's best man, whispered, appearing at his side.
Alex rubbed his temples. "I think I'm in for a long marriage."
Upstairs, Bella slammed the door to her room, her anger boiling over.
She paced, tears welling up. "This is a prison."
Downstairs, Alex addressed the staff. "Give us space. We'll dine in our rooms tonight."
As the staff dispersed, Alex's phone buzzed. Samantha's name flashed on the screen.
"Hey," Alex answered, his voice low.
"I heard about the wedding," Samantha said, her tone laced with sadness. "Are you okay?"
Alex sighed. "I'm managing."
Samantha's words cut deep. "You deserve better than her, Alex."
Alex's gaze drifted upstairs. "I'll handle it, Samantha."
But could he?
----------------
★Dinning Room★
"Dinner Disaster"
That evening, Alex and Bella reluctantly gathered in the grand dining room. The tension between them was palpable.
As they sat down, the maids began serving dinner. Alex's eyes remained fixed on his phone, while Bella stared out the window.
One maid, Emma, carefully poured wine into Bella's glass. But her hand trembled, and the wine spilled all over Bella's stunning silk nightwear.
Bella gasped, her eyes flashing. "Clumsy idiot!"
Emma apologized profusely, "I'm so sorry, ma'am!"
Bella's face twisted in rage. She slapped Emma, sending the maid stumbling back.
Alex's head snapped up, his expression thunderous. "Bella, what the—"
Bella stood, her voice venomous. "This is all your fault. Your incompetent staff can't even—"
Alex rose, his face inches from Bella's. "You're a spoiled child, Bella. Always getting your way, hurting others—"
Bella's eyes blazed. "How dare you! You know nothing about me!"
The room fell silent, the staff frozen in shock.
Bella's voice escalated. "I'm trapped in this loveless marriage, and you have the nerve to lecture me?"
Alex's tone matched hers. "You're not the only one trapped, Bella. We're both prisoners of our families' ambitions."
The argument hung in the air like a challenge.
Bella's face contorted, and she shouted, "I've had enough!"
She stormed out of the dining room, leaving Alex seething.
Emma, still shaken, whispered, "I'm so sorry, sir."
Alex's expression softened. "Not your fault, Emma. Take care of yourself."