Sophia stood in front of the ornate mirror, her reflection almost unrecognizable. The ivory gown fit her like a second skin, its intricate lace and pearls glimmering in the soft light of the bridal suite. But the beauty of the dress couldn't mask the storm brewing inside her. Today wasn't a fairytale—it was a trap.
The knock at the door startled her. Before she could respond, her best friend, Clara, slipped in. "Soph, are you sure you're ready for this?" Clara's voice was low, her expression clouded with worry.
"Do I have a choice?" Sophia muttered, adjusting the diamond necklace Liam had sent earlier as a "gift." It felt more like a leash.
Clara sighed but didn't press further. "He's waiting at the altar. Try not to kill him before the vows."
Sophia let out a humorless laugh. "No promises."
Minutes later, she was walking down the aisle, her heart pounding with each step. The grand cathedral was filled with hundreds of strangers, all there to witness her fate. At the end of the aisle stood Liam, dressed in a tailored black tuxedo, his expression unreadable. His gaze locked on hers, sharp and assessing, and for a fleeting moment, she thought she saw something—pity? No, it couldn't be.
The priest's voice droned on, a blur of words about love and commitment, both of which felt laughably absent. When it came time for their vows, Liam's voice was steady, his tone laced with sarcasm. "I promise to tolerate you, for better or worse."
Sophia's lips curved into a defiant smile as she responded, "And I promise not to poison you—unless provoked."
The crowd chuckled, but their gazes burned with unspoken challenges. As they exchanged rings, Sophia braced herself. The battle had officially begun.