"That's better," he said. "Now, finish your breakfast. We have a lot of work to do."
He stood and walked away, leaving me alone with my thoughts. The ring on my finger felt like a shackle, binding me to a fate I never chose. I stared at the food on my plate, but it tasted like ashes in my mouth.I wanted to scream. I wanted to fight. But in that moment, all I could do was play the role he demanded.
Because that was the only way to survive.
I have to accept this role…
I pushed the half-eaten toast aside and rose from my seat, the sound of my chair scraping against the polished marble floors echoing like a quiet rebellion. My feet carried me through the hallways of Justin's penthouse—a place that felt both opulent and oppressive. Every step reminded me of the day I had agreed to this twisted arrangement, every hallway a reminder of the cage I'd willingly stepped in.After a few minutes of silent wandering, I found him in his office. The room smelled faintly of leather and cedarwood, a masculine space filled with books and art that screamed wealth and control. Justin sat behind his massive desk, eyes scanning a sleek black folder. His phone buzzed occasionally, but he ignored it.
"Sit," he commanded, gesturing to the chair across from him.
I obeyed, folding my hands in my lap like a schoolgirl awaiting instruction.
He closed the folder and set it on the desk between us. "Tomorrow is the big day. I want everything to go exactly as planned, without any surprises."
His tone was clinical no warmth, no softness, just business.
"Here's the itinerary," he said, sliding the folder toward me. "Read it carefully. If you have objections, now is the time to voice them."
I hesitated before opening the folder, as if touching it would seal my fate forever. But curiosity and survival demanded I look.
The Wedding Plan (In Detail)
I flipped through the pages, each one a meticulous breakdown of the day. Every hour, every minute, every detail accounted for.
Morning Preparation (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM)
Hair and makeup artists will arrive at your suite. You will wear the ivory satin robe provided, no jewelry. A photographer will take pre-wedding shots portraits, candid moments, dress reveal. Breakfast will be served in your room.
Bridal Gown Fitting (9:00 AM – 9:30 AM)
Final fitting in your room with the designer's assistant. Dress steamed and prepped. Veil arranged. Touch-up makeup session.
Ceremony Arrival (10:00 AM)
A black luxury car will transport you to St. Helena's Cathedral. You will arrive through the side entrance to avoid press. The ceremony begins at 10:30 sharp.
Ceremony (10:30 AM – 11:15 AM)
Small gathering—Justin's parents, my father, a few select business partners. Vows will be exchanged, rings placed. Photographer captures every moment.
Post-Ceremony Photos (11:15 AM – 12:00 PM)
Couple portraits in the cathedral garden, group photos with immediate family.
Reception (12:30 PM – 3:00 PM)
Held at the penthouse ballroom. Guests will include high-profile clients, extended family, media representatives. Toasts by Justin's father and best man. First dance as husband and wife. Cake cutting.
Evening Gala (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
Lavish dinner event at the Grand Hotel ballroom. Press conference announcing the marriage as a symbol of unity and business strength. Holding hands, posed smiles. You will wear a diamond necklace and emerald earrings gifted by Justin's mother.
Departure (9:30 PM)
Car will take us back to the penthouse for the wedding night.
Media Rules
Smile often, maintain eye contact. Hold his hand in public. Kiss on the cheek at the reception, lips at the gala. No tears. No emotional outbursts.
Wardrobe Requirements
Morning: ivory satin robe.
Ceremony: white lace gown, cathedral-length veil.
Justin's Conditions
Reception: blush pink evening gown with crystal beading.
Gala: emerald silk gown, diamond accessories.
I turned to the final page—Justin's personal notes:
1. Obedience: Follow the schedule. No deviations unless pre-approved.
2. Public Image: Appear happy, in love. Smile. Laugh. Maintain eye contact.
3. No Conflicts: No arguments in public or private during the wedding events.
4. Emotional Control: No tears. No breakdowns. You will be strong.
5. Intimacy Clause: Minimum public displays as outlined above.
6. Exit Clause: If at any point I determine this arrangement is no longer beneficial, I reserve the right to terminate the marriage with immediate effect.
My heart slammed against my ribs at the last clause so cold, so final. Terminate the marriage with immediate effect. Like firing an employee. Like discarding a contract.
I lifted my gaze to Justin, my lips trembling. "Number six," I said. "You can end this whenever you want?"
He regarded me coolly, one eyebrow raised. "That's correct. If you can't handle the pressure, or if I find the arrangement no longer serves my interests, it ends."
"And me?" I asked, my voice brittle. "What if I want to end it?"
His lips pressed into a thin line. "You knew the terms when you signed on. You're here to help me. That's the job. Don't forget it."
A bitter laugh bubbled in my throat but died in the air between us. "Of course. It's all about what you want."
He leaned back, his eyes sharp. "Exactly."
We've talked about this before, remember..
You can also terminate the contract if you have a tangible reason, also before you leave the house you would have a ninety days notice.
Before I could respond, a soft knock came at the door. A woman's voice floated through. "Justin, darling? May we come in?"
His expression shifted, a flicker of warmth or at least politeness. "Yes, come in."
The door swung open, and in swept a woman I'd never met graceful, radiant, with a soft smile that immediately disarmed me. She was dressed in a pastel pink dress with a pearl necklace and carried a small bouquet of white roses.
"Mother," Justin said, standing to greet her. "This is Elena."
She turned to me, her eyes warm and welcoming. "Elena! I've heard so much about you. Welcome to the family." She crossed the room and took both of my hands in hers, squeezing them gently.
I blinked, stunned. "Th-thank you," I stammered.
Her smile widened. "Oh, honey, you're so beautiful. Justin is a lucky man." She turned to Justin, who was watching us with that same unreadable expression. "She's perfect, darling. Truly perfect."
Behind her, a tall man entered, his suit impeccable. He had Justin's jawline but softer eyes a man who looked like he had built empires but knew how to smile. "Elena, I'm Robert," he said, extending his hand. "Welcome to the family."
I took his hand, my own trembling slightly. "Thank you," I whispered.
Mrs. Shawn turned back to me. "I know tomorrow is a big day. If you need anything a hairpin, a safety pin, a shoulder to cry on, I'm here, dear. We may not have met before, but you're family now."
Tears threatened, but I blinked them back. "You're very kind," I managed.
We sat together, the four of us, as they shared stories about Justin's childhood how he'd always been determined, independent, a bit stubborn but fiercely loyal. I listened, surprised to hear laughter from his mother, even the gentle teasing from his father about Justin's teenage hair experiments and his inability to cook.
Mrs. Shawn leaned closer. "Justin's always been a bit closed off emotionally," she confided. "Don't let that scare you. He has a good heart, even if he hides it well."
I nodded, swallowing the tightness in my throat. "I'll… try to remember that."
She patted my hand, eyes soft. "You'll do wonderfully tomorrow. Just be yourself, and everything will fall into place."
As evening fell, the penthouse was filled with boxes, suitcases, flowers, and staff preparing for the wedding. Dresses hung like ghosts in the wardrobe; jewelry cases glistened like cages. The place smelled of roses and stress.
I excused myself to my room, claiming exhaustion. Behind the closed door, I sank onto the edge of the bed and stared at the folder Justin had given me. Every page was a reminder of the life I was about to enter a life I hadn't chosen but one I had no choice but to endure.
I touched the ring on my finger, its cold metal biting into my skin. I will not cry tomorrow. I would wear the gown, smile for the cameras, and accept the fate that had been written for me.
I will not cry. I will be strong. I will accept this new life.
God has a plan for everything and if this is what he planned for me, I would embrace it with open hands.
I closed my eyes and repeated the words like a mantra until exhaustion claimed me and the world faded away.