Chapter 5 The wedding

The Blackwood family's villa was abuzz with activity as they prepared for the most anticipated wedding of the season. The cream of society had been invited and the news of Elian's marriage to Luna had spread like wildfire through the town.

Three days later, the villa was transformed into a fairytale setting with flowers, candles, and champagne flowing like water. The guests began to arrive, dressed to the nines and eager to witness the union of Elian and Luna. But as the ceremony began, a hush fell over the crowd, whispered and murmured followed.

The bride, Luna, stood alone at the altar with her eyes scanning the crowd for a glimpse of her groom. Elian was nowhere to be found.

The minutes ticked by, and the guests began to murmur, their whispers growing louder. Where was Elian? Had he changed his mind?

Luna's face remained calm, but her eyes betrayed her anxiety. She knew Elian's reluctance to marry her but she had hoped he would come through.

As the silence stretched out, Luna's mother stepped forward with her voice trembling. "It seems we have a situation. Elian Blackwood is not here." She said, her voice sounded so terrible.

The crowd erupted into chaos with their voices raised in shock and dismay. Luna's heart sank, her worst fears confirmed that Elian had abandoned her at the altar.

The middle-aged woman, a distant relative of the Blackwood family, stepped forward with a suggestion.

"Why don't we just proceed with the wedding without Elian? We only need someone to stand in for him, for form's sake." She suggested.

The guests looked at each other in surprise, unsure of what to make of the suggestion. Luna's mother hesitated, clearly torn.

But the woman persisted. "Think about it, dear. The ceremony is all set, the guests are here, and Luna is ready. It would be a shame to let it all go to waste. And who knows, maybe Elian will show up later and they can have a private ceremony."

Luna's eyes widened in horror as she realized what was being suggested. Marry a stranger? Stand in for Elian? It was absurd but she was powerless to decide in her state.

The woman's words struck a chord with some of the guests. They began to murmur among themselves and some of them nodded in agreement.

"Yes, let someone stand for her," one of the guests suggested and the room bost with others' agreement.

Ryker, who had been standing at the back of the crowd, stepped forward.

"I'll do it," he said, his voice firm. "I'll stand in for Elian."

Luna's heart skipped a beat as she met Ryker's gaze. She stood still with her eyes fixed on Ryker but her gaze was no longer vacant. She was taking in every detail with her senses heightened. She knew she couldn't reveal her newfound sight yet, so she remained silent and observing.

Just as Ryker had offered to stand in for Elian a soft voice spoke up from the back of the room. "I'll do it," said Logan, one of the Blackwood maids. "I'll represent the groom."

Luna's eyes shifted to Logan, a quiet, unassuming man who had always been kind . Logan stepped forward with his eyes cast down, and took his place beside Ryker.

Ryker gives in allowing Logan to take on representing the groom.

The ceremony continued, with Logan and Luna standing in for the absent groom.

The guests seemed to accept the unusual arrangement and the party went on smoothly.

Luna's mind raced with thoughts and emotions. She was still trying to process her newfound sight and now she had to navigate this strange turn of events. She knew she had to keep her secret hidden at least for now to protect herself.

As the ceremony ended and the reception began, Luna played her part, pretending to be the blind, helpless bride. But inside she was seething with determination and curiosity about what would happen next and how she would use her newfound sight to her advantage. She was confused about what Elian was planning so she planned on playing along.

Immediately after the wedding, Luna was helped to a luxurious car, the luxurious car pulled her into the Blackwood estate and Luna was escorted inside with her senses still reeling from the events of the day.

She was led to a beautifully decorated room filled with flowers and candles and left alone.

The door closed behind her and Luna heard the soft click of the lock. She was trapped.

She looked around taking in the opulent decor and her eyes landed on a small record tape placed on the bedside table. It read: "Welcome to your new life, Mrs. Blackwood."

Luna's heart sank knowing that she was now a part of the Blackwood family bound to them by a fake marriage, she felt like a prisoner in a gilded cage but she promised herself to find and navigate the family's secret and endure to find out about Elian.

Luna walked over to the window and pulled back the curtains revealing a stunning view of the estate's gardens. But Luna's gaze was drawn to something else, a figure standing in the shadows watching her,Ryker.

Luna's thoughts swirled with questions and doubts as she turned away from the window and faced the room. She knew she had to be careful to play her part until she could uncover the truth and escape but for now she was trapped in this luxurious prison, a pawn in the Blackwood family's game.

Suddenly, a door cracked and Luna turned to see Ryker open the door and Elian strode in with his eyes fixed on Luna's back. She stood at the window staring out at the estate with her shoulders tense.

Luna suddenly spun around, her eyes widening as if she sensed his presence. "Who's there?" she yelled, pretending she hadn't seen him.

Elian's voice was smooth as silk. "Welcome to the Blackwood family, my dear. I see you're settling in well."

Luna's face twisted in anger. "Don't come any closer!" she spat, her voice venomous. "Why didn't you show up at the wedding? What kind of game are you playing?"

Elian's smile was lazy. "That's not your concern," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "But I did get you a gift." He added.

Luna stepped backward trying to avoid Elian but still pretending to be blind so she couldn't swiftly escape. Elian moved closer with his hand reaching into his pocket.

Luna's eyes flashed with warning but Elian ignored her. He pulled out a small box and opened it. Opening the box, the book revealed a stunning diamond ring. Elian picked the ring and held Luna's hand.

Luna's eyes widened as Elian took her hand with his fingers closing around hers. He slid the ring onto her finger and his touch sent shivers down her spine.

"Keep it safe," he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. "This ring means a lot to me."

Luna's heart raced as she tried to pull her hand away but Elian's grip was like a vice. She was trapped and she knew it.