Chapter 1 THE LAVISH WEDDING

The smell of roses and fresh linens filled the air, almost sickeningly sweet. I stood at the end of the long, pristine aisle, staring ahead at Alexander Knight-my husband-to-be. The grand cathedral was brimming with people, faces I didn't know, faces I would probably never remember. This wasn't my world. But now, I was being pulled into it, headfirst, in a whirlwind of diamonds and designer dresses.

My heart pounded, the thrum of it almost drowning out the soft symphony of violins that echoed through the hall. Every step I took felt heavier than the last, not because of the weight of my gown-though it was a masterpiece of ivory silk and lace-but because of the sinking realization that I wasn't walking towards love. I was walking into a gilded cage.

People whispered as I passed, their eyes glinting with envy or curiosity. To the outside world, this was a dream come true: Sophia Bennette, a no-name interior designer from a modest family, was About to marry Alexander Knight, the most powerful CEO in the city. The media had painted me as the lucky girl, swept off her feet by the cold, elusive billionaire. But they didn't know the truth. They didn't know that this wedding, this union, was nothing more than a calculated deal.

I stole a glance at Alexander as I approached the altar. He was devastatingly handsome in his tailored black tuxedo, his sharp jawline and perfectly tousled dark hair giving him an air of untouchable elegance. But it was his eyes-those stormy, icy blue eyes-that made me shiver. They gave nothing away. No joy, no excitement, no love. He was as distant as ever, standing tall and composed, like a statue carved from stone.

The ceremony was a blur. Vows were exchanged, rings slipped onto fingers, and the minister's voice droned on, but I wasn't really present. My mind raced, replaying every conversation, every moment leading up to this day. Was this truly what I wanted? I had agreed to this marriage hoping for a better life, for security. My mother, Victoria, had made it clear that this was the opportunity of a lifetime, but what she didn't understand was that no amount of wealth could fill the emptiness that came with this arrangement.

Alexander turned to me, his hand reaching for mine as we were declared husband and wife. His touch was firm, but cold. He leaned down, and I braced myself for the kiss, knowing it would be nothing more than a performance. As his lips brushed mine, there was no warmth, no passion. It was as if he was checking off a box on a list.

The crowd erupted into applause, and I smiled-a hollow, practiced smile. I was Mrs. Sophia Knight now, but in reality, I felt more alone than ever.

The reception was nothing short of extravagant. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling of the ballroom, casting a golden glow on the marble floors. Waiters in crisp uniforms glided between the guests, offering champagne and delicate hors d'oeuvres. Everything was perfect. On the surface, at least.

I sat at the head table beside Alexander, who was deep in conversation with some business associates. He hadn't looked at me since the ceremony, not really. I sipped my champagne, the bubbles dancing on my tongue, but the taste was bitter. I glanced at him again, trying to read the expression on his face, but as always, he was a closed book.

Just as I was about to excuse myself to get some air, I heard a low voice, sharp and controlled. It came from behind me, just out of earshot of the other guests. Alexander's father, Richard Knight, had pulled him aside near the balcony, his tone harsh yet restrained.

"You've done what's necessary. Now, make sure she doesn't become a distraction," Richard said, his voice cold as ice.

My breath caught in my throat. I couldn't move. I didn't want to eavesdrop, but my legs were frozen in place. I pretended to adjust the hem of my gown, but my ears strained to catch every word.

"I know the terms," Alexander replied, his voice equally as calm, but with an edge that made my skin crawl. "This is all just business, Father. She understands that."

Business? The word echoed in my mind. Is that what I was to him? A transaction?

"Good," Richard said, the sound of a glass clinking against his teeth as he took a sip of his drink. "Don't let her get too comfortable. You need to stay focused if you want to remain in control of the company."

There was a pause, and I could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on me. Control? What was this really about?

Alexander's voice dropped to a whisper, but I heard the last part clearly. "I won't let anyone stand in my way. Not even her."

I felt my stomach twist, a cold dread settling into my bones. They weren't just talking about me; they were talking about my place in his world, in his life. I was nothing more than a pawn in their game.

Suddenly, I realized how deep I had sunk into this life. A life of luxury, yes, but a life where I had no real place, no real power. I was just a piece on a chessboard, and Alexander was the one moving all the pieces.

I had to get out of here. I stood abruptly, nearly knocking over my champagne glass. My heart raced as I excused myself, walking toward the balcony doors to catch my breath. My mind spun with everything I had just overheard.

As I stepped outside into the cool night air, I wondered-was there more to Alexander than this icy exterior? Or had I just married a man who would stop at nothing to stay in control, even if it meant keeping me in the dark?

The answer wasn't clear yet, but one thing was certain: this marriage was not what I had imagined.

And it was just beginning.