Chapter 5 Wretched bride of the Wayne household

EMILY

"Yes, please take a few steps forward while I proceed with the marriage rites." The priest continued, his voice dry and crisp, further adding to my dismay. While I took a few steps forward, soft chuckles and muffled voices filled my ears, and I trembled, feeling a burning ache in my chest. I guess the rumors were true after all, the fact that my soon to be husband is a misogynist.

My eyes darted around, landing on the old man and the priest who stood before me. I sucked in a breath and walked further, feeling my ridiculous dress in the way of my steps.

"Due to the absence of the groom, you only have to say the vows after Inserting the ring on your finger, okay?" He asked with a warm smile and I nodded, stretching my finger to accept the ring.

Everything seemed like a joke, maybe a nightmare. After being raped, I still had to get married the next day. Perhaps I was born to be caged; I would never be a free bird.

As soon as the priest inserted the ring in my finger, I retracted my hands, feeling the cold touch of the metal on my skin. After staring at the ring for a few more seconds, I placed my hands by my sides and raised my head to take the vows.

It was the regular statement repeated over years, but mine was a bit different. While brides take the vows with every fiber of their being and a smile on their lips, I recited mine in misery as I felt a pang of pain in my chest. The vows were like bitter curses flowing from the depths of my soul.

"I hereby declare you and Theodore Wills husband and wife." The priest's voice rang in my ears again and I inhaled a deep breath, turning around to face the guests. Rather than cheering, they glared at me, their mocking gaze eating deep into my soul.

A few minutes later, the most humiliating wedding of all times was drawn to a close. I raised my gown and took slow strides outside, watching as everyone left without congratulating me. My eyes stung with unshed tears as I tried to find my way in the sea of unknown people.

"Miss Wayne?"

I halted in my tracks, raising my head to meet the old man from earlier. He walked towards me and flashed a smile which made my stomach twist, "I'll be taking you to the Wills household where you would meet your husband, Theodore. "

Eager to leave the suffocating environment, I nodded and walked right after him. He halted in front of a black BMW and opened up the door for me, "Please." he said, urging me to go in which i did.

To be very honest, I had expected something small and less grand, not the limited edition of one of the most expensive cars I'd ever seen. I leaned on the head board, placing my hands on my thighs as the old man started the engine. The car roared to life, taking us to our supposed destination, the Wills household.

My gaze traveled outside, mesmerized by the beautiful sight of nature. The large, green trees, and the white fluffy clouds which painted the sky. Car horns and the soft laughter of kids filled my ears and unconsciously, my lips lifted up in a smile. I placed my hands on the window, enjoying the perfect view of the happiness I'd always wanted, the freedom I had always desired.

"Momma, let's go to the ice cream shop!"

"Momma, momma, over there." The young kid giggled, dragging his mother's hands as he pointed at the colorful ice cream shop. My lips stretched into a sad smile, fond memories rushing in like the cold gust of wind. Spending time with my mother was what I looked forward to each day, and now that she was no more, I was forced to face reality at a tender age.

Each day became torturous and agonizing. Sometimes, It became so hard that I pleaded for death to take me.

I shook my head, taking the thoughts off my mind. Moments after the slow ride, the old man came to a stop in front of a large compound which seemed to be about 300 to 500 meters.

As he drove in deeper into the compound, I gasped in awe at the sight of the garden. It was filled with flowers from my favorite books, each of their colors whispering sweet words into my ears. Apart from my intense love for books, I also love nature and the smell of flowers.

I like basking in the sunlight with the flowers around me, their sweet scent wafting into my nostrils. My gaze traveled around the house, shocked by the magnificence of the whole place. There was also a large pool a few feets away from the garden, the pure water glistening under the sunlight.

The old man pulled up next to a few other luxurious cars which sent my eyes in a daze. I alighted from the car and took in a deep breath, checking out the compound for the hundredth time.

"My name is Bernard, the butler of the Wills household. Please follow me." The old man said, leading me into the house. I balled my hands into fists and walked further, my heart pounding loudly in my ears. The large doors were pushed open, and for sometime, I had to wonder if I was in a fairy tale or someone's home. I never thought the wills household would be this magnificent, like the castle of a princely beast.

"Are you the bride?"

I raised my head, meeting the most beautiful set of eyes. Blue like the ocean, shining like diamonds in the starry night. Her golden blonde hair cascaded down her waist, and a few strands framed her heart shaped face. Her lips were painted with a sharp red colour, giving her a seductive and charming look. I wet my lips and flashed her a smile, "I..."

"You don't have to speak." she chuckled, her tone carrying a hint of mockery, "In this ridiculous wedding gown of yours, I should have known you're the wretched bride of the Wayne family."

I averted my eyes, my gaze fixed my wedding gown which had slight stains on it. I placed my hands over the small stain as heat crept up my cheeks, but it only seemed to add to my embarrassment.

My lips trembled as tears stinged my eyes. I felt the urge to run into darkness and cry, but I refused to be weak on the very first day of my torture. If I don't survive the first day, how would I live through the rest?