Chapter 5 An arranged fate

***Present Day***

It turned out he wasn't messing with her because seven days later, Avery had on a wedding dress!

The dress was a masterpiece that seamlessly blended elegance with her mom's specific wishes. The deep V-neckline plunged just above her chest, trailing down to her abdomen, revealing a subtle hint of cleavage. Despite the beauty of the gown, Avery felt a wave of discomfort.

The amount of exposed skin made her uneasy, but she couldn't bring herself to defy her mother who said she needed to charm David with her body.

"It's just for two hours," Avery reminded herself, trying to push down the gnawing discontent.

She had already fought against the idea of a wedding reception, feeling unenthusiastic about the entire marriage. After all, why celebrate with strangers when none of her closest friends were present? The only familiar faces around were her family and Simon's, making her feel lonelier than ever.

The ceremony moved forward in what felt like a blur. David's voice rang out, steady and assured as he said his vow, drawing applause from the room.

Avery's discomfort grew. Her gaze darted around, first landing on her mother and her stern expression, and then to her father, who offered her a soft, understanding look. His sad smile tugged at her heartstrings, nearly bringing tears to her eyes.

"I love you," her dad mouthed, offering a silent yet powerful message of support.

Avery forced herself to stay composed. But then, the priest's voice broke through her thoughts like a cold gust of wind.

"Do you, Avery Downs, take David Park to be your lawfully wedded husband..."

Reality crashed down on her like a wave, suffocating. The weight of the question pressed on her chest, and she desperately wished she could escape.

And for some reason, David was still smiling at her!

As her eyes swept over the gathered crowd, she noticed their varied reactions: her mother's judgmental glare, her father's empathy, and Simon's barely concealed anger. Everyone was waiting. Waiting for her to submit to this arrangement. Waiting for her to say the words that would seal her fate.

"I do."

The words left her lips like a whisper of defeat. The priest smiled warmly, continuing his blessing, but Avery barely registered his words. Her nerves clouded her thoughts, leaving her dazed.

Then came the ring. David took her trembling hand and slid the wedding band onto her finger. For a moment, their eyes met, and this time, he was smirking.

The moment she had dreaded most arrived. The priest's voice echoed through the room:

"You may now seal your vows with a kiss."

Avery's heart pounded, expecting nothing more than a brief, emotionless peck. David leaned in, his movements slow, deliberate.

But when their lips met, it wasn't the chaste touch she had anticipated. His kiss was filled with a surprising passion, something she hadn't prepared for. His hand pressed against the small of her back, pulling her closer, his lips lingering longer than necessary.

A whirlwind of conflicting emotions swirled inside Avery-confusion, irritation.

'This isn't part of the plan,' her mind screamed. And yet, her body betrayed her.

When they finally broke apart, Avery's head spun. She stared into David's eyes, searching for an explanation.

What was this? Why was he acting so unexpectedly? First, the vows. Now, the kiss.

Was this marriage supposed to be something more? Or was David just putting on a show, manipulating everyone, including her?

Her thoughts were interrupted as she caught sight of her mother's piercing gaze. Around them, the guests began to murmur, their whispers spreading like wildfire.

"Weird..." Avery muttered under her breath, still trying to make sense of it all.

Minutes later, the ceremony ended, and David's hand felt cold and detached in hers as they made their way out of the venue. He led her to the waiting car, and as they climbed in, the tension between them was palpable.

The drive was silent. After a few moments, David angrily tugged at his tie, ripping it off and tossing it to the side. Unfortunately, the edge of the tie brushed against Avery's eye, causing a sharp sting.

"Ouch," she muttered, rolling her eyes and waiting for an apology. But none came.

He was busy on his phone, texting someone.

"What?" David finally asked, noticing her irritation.

"Your tie hit me in the eye," Avery said, glaring at him.

"Oh, did it?" he responded casually, as if it was no big deal. "No biggie, right?"

"Not a big deal?" Avery echoed, disbelief creeping into her voice. "You can't even apologise?"

"For what? It's just a tie," he replied, his tone dismissive.

"It literally hit my eye!" she snapped back.

David frowned, his arrogance evident. "Did it blind your eyes? You're just looking for an excuse to talk to me, aren't you?"

Avery's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? Why would I want to talk to you? Who do you think you are?"

He leaned back, a smug grin on his face.

"Who am I?" He chuckled.

"I'm David Park."

That grin-that maddening grin-only fueled Avery's growing irritation.