NATALIA'S POV
The dressing room was covered in an undoubted wave of silence, consumed by despair. I couldn't believe that today was my wedding day, a day that was supposed to be filled with joy, happiness, and delight for me, but instead felt like a funeral. Tears streamed down my face as I dressed in my white gown, my mind disturbed with the thought of how I would spend the rest of my miserable life with a man I never love and would most likely not fall in love with.
My mother's gentle voice broke the silence, "Natalia, stop crying, you'll ruin your makeup." I turned to face her and noticed that she had been sobbing quietly behind me.
I couldn't hold in my emotions any longer. My composure crumbled, and I burst into tears, embracing my mother tightly. "You'll be fine, my baby," she whispered softly into the back of my ear.
My mother handed me a handkerchief from her bag to wipe away my tears. Although I tried really hard not to ruin the makeup but it wasn't possible. My mum realized this helped call the make-up artist and within 10mins of going up and down on my face she was done and my face looked perfect once again
I gazed at the mirror in front of me with a fake smile, my eyes fixed on my reflection as if searching for a little piece of peace I once knew. I can't believe am seriously getting married. The thought sent a shiver down my spine.
At that point, the door swung open and my Dad entered. "It's time Natalia," my Dad said. I could barely hear him across the room. I could sense his disappointment and distress, a reflection of mine.
I stood up and walked closely to my Dad where he was stretching his hand and I placed mine on his.
One of the bridesmaids had already accompanied my mum to where the ceremony was to be held while I was busy with my makeup
With sadness, regrets, and pain I walked down the empty hallway with my Dad to the altar to meet what I would call my personal HELL
I stared at the floor with pain, anguish, and anger while I was walking with my Dad to the altar. The guests invited all rose to their feet with their murmuring and whispers filling the air
Very close to the altar, I raised my head and stared at the man I would be getting married to, and no doubt he looked extremely handsome with lots of aura. He was dressed in a flawlessly tailored black tuxedo with a haircut that suited his dress. But who cares about his appearance, he's still an asshole!. I thought as my father turned back and left for his seat.
I stood at the altar right in front of Andrew, my hand and body, trembling without the strength to even make eye contact with him
As the Priest began to speak, his voice seemed to fade into the background as my mind rebelled against the vows I was about to make. It felt as though I was in a nightmare with no escape route
"To love and cherish," the priest said and my heart felt like it was pulled apart into two. I knew there was no way possible I could actually fall in love with this man and am supposed to be devoted to him for the entirety of my life.
Andrew took my hand and his touch felt like an ice. The priest ordered. Finally, I raised my head and I caught his fierce gaze with an evil smile
"Do you, Andrew Johnson, take Natalia Wilson as your wife in both good and bad conditions"
"Yes, I do" I heard him, his voice firm and sharp. This really made me nervous and curious as to why he really wants me as his wife
"Do you, Natalia Wilson, take Andrew Johnson as your husband in both good and bad conditions"
These words felt like a sharp knife used to pierce deep into my skin
"I do" I whispered hesitantly. We exchanged rings after and I felt like I had been caged and trapped
"I now pronounce the two of you Mr and Mrs Johnson" These words felt like a death sentence finally sealing this unfortunate fate. I glanced at Andrew and I saw him smirking. All in his plan must have worked out perfectly, I thought.
"You can now kiss the bride". I felt Andrew's strong hand around my waist as he drew me closer and I could feel his lips brushed against mine. I felt like I was going to lose myself for the few seconds we both used.
Even with the blurry vision I had, I could see all the guests up on their feet and clapping. I felt like I was going to collapse at that moment. Am I really Mrs Johnson now? The question echoed in my mind with no one to give an answer
As we stood at the exit of the church, Andrew's hot breath whispered against my ear, "Now that you're mine, you'll obey all my commands." His evil tone sent shivers down my spine as he drew me closer, his broad chest pressing against me.
"We have to go now and prepare for the reception," he said, pulling my hands toward the waiting limousine. I felt a surge of despair, realizing I was now another man's property.
Outside, a fleet of luxurious cars and escorts awaited us. We entered the limo, sitting opposite each other. Andrew tossed a bag at me, saying, "You can't dress like that to the reception." I opened the bag, finding a dress, but wondered how I was supposed to change with him staring at me.
I politely asked if we could stop at Chic Boutique so I could change. Andrew raised an eyebrow, asking sharply, "Why?" I explained, and he gruffly replied, "Do as you wish, but don't waste my time. I have guests waiting."
We stopped at the boutique, and I quickly changed into the dress. As I returned to the limo, Andrew's gaze lingered on me, his expression unreadable. I ignored it, focusing on the passing scenery.
At the reception venue, Andrew surprisingly opened the door for me. "You're beautiful," he whispered, his breath sending shivers down my spine. I smiled, but his charming attitude was short-lived.
As the night wore on, I grew tired and forgot my newfound status. I picked up my bag, ready to head home, when Andrew grasped my arm. "Where do you think you're going?" he asked, his grip firm.
"Home," I replied restlessly. Andrew's smile vanished, his eyes glinting with a sinister light. "Have you forgotten you're my wife now?" Reality hit me like a ton of bricks, and I remembered I was now Mrs. Johnson.
Andrew's calm demeanor returned as he said, "You must be tired. Don't worry, all your belongings are at my place already. We'll be leaving soon." He held my hand, and we greeted the remaining guests before departing for his mansion.
As we entered the grand estate, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. We entered his mansion and my bag was collected by one of the maids. I was about to follow the maids when Andrew held me back, his grip firm.
"Before you leave here are my rules, Natalia," he said, his voice firm and menacing.
"We don't sleep in the same room. I don't want to see you in my room for any reason." His eyes seemed to bore into my soul as he continued, "I get to decide where you go and don't go. Finally, you don't have the right to see your parents ever again." He said with a wicked smile all over his face.
I was dumbfounded, watching his mouth dance as he spoke, where are all these rules coming from?