Chapter 3 A Bond They Never Wanted

Donald took a step forward, placing his hands on her shoulders, trying to calm her down. "It's not going to happen, Megan. You know that. My heart belongs to you. It always has. Anna is just... a formality. A way to keep my family's legacy intact. This marriage, it's for my father. For his will. Nothing more."

Megan's expression softened, but there was still a flicker of doubt in her eyes. "I don't trust her. She's a stranger, Donald. And she's going to be in your life for a whole year. I don't like it."

Donald's jaw tightened as he looked at her, a flash of frustration crossing his face. "You don't have to trust her. It's not about her, Megan. It's about me fulfilling my father's wishes. And once that year is over, it's you and me. We'll be together. I promise."

He took a deep breath, his tone softer now. "Just... wait for me. This is temporary. Everything will be fine."

Megan nodded slowly, her mind still clouded with uncertainty. She forced a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I'll wait. But the idea of you being with her, even if it's just for a year, doesn't sit well with me."

Donald stepped closer, his hand resting gently on her arm. "I'll never let anything change between us. Not for Anna. Not for anyone."

Megan gave a brief smile. "Promise?"

He leaned closer and gave her a warm kiss on her forehead. "I promise."

The day of the wedding finally came. The ceremony was held at a private estate, far from the lavish grandeur one would expect of a family like Caldwell's. Only a few close family members were present, seated in an elegant but subdued arrangement beneath a white canopy. The air was thick with tension, not the warmth and joy that should have accompanied a wedding.

Anna stood before the officiant, her hands clasped tightly in front of her, the weight of the moment pressing against her chest. She wore a simple ivory gown, modest yet graceful, with delicate lace sleeves. But the dress, no matter how beautiful, could not disguise the emptiness she felt inside. She stole a glance at Donald, standing beside her in a sharp black suit, his expression unreadable.

She barely knew him. And yet, in just a few moments, they would be husband and wife.

Donald clenched his jaw as he stared straight ahead. This wasn't the life he had envisioned. He had always imagined his wedding to be grand, surrounded by loved ones, laughter filling the air. Instead, he was bound by his father's will, forced into a union with a woman he barely acknowledged.

The officiant's voice broke through the silence.

"Do you, Donald Caldwell take Anna North to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"

Donald hesitated for just a fraction of a second before responding.

"I do."

His voice was steady, but it carried no emotion.

Anna swallowed hard as the officiant turned to her.

"Do you, Anna North, take Donald Caldwell to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"

Her fingers trembled slightly. This was it. There was no turning back.

"I do," she whispered, barely hearing her own voice over the pounding of her heart.

Rings were exchanged, cold metal sliding onto their fingers-symbols of a bond neither of them wanted.

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife."

There was a beat of silence. Then, the officiant added, "You may now kiss the bride."

Donald hesitated again. He turned to Anna, and for the briefest moment, their eyes met. There was no warmth in his gaze, no affection-just the silent acknowledgment of a deal sealed. He leaned in, his lips brushing lightly against her cheek instead of her lips, a formality more than a gesture of love.

A few quiet claps followed, but the atmosphere remained heavy and somber. Anna felt like she had just signed away her freedom.

As they moved inside for the legal formalities, Anna's parents watched with relief, while Donald's mother kept her distance, her displeasure hidden behind a cool expression.

The contract was placed before them.

"Sign here," the lawyer instructed, sliding the document across the table.

Anna took the pen, her fingers tightening around it as she stared at the paper. Her name was already printed beside Donald's.

With a deep breath, she signed.

Donald followed suit, his signature bold and final.

It was done.

They were married.

Yet, as Anna stole another glance at the man who was now her husband, she had never felt more alone.

The grand entrance of their new home appeared before Anna as she stepped inside. It was a vast, modern house, with perfect white marble floors, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and sleek, expensive furniture. It was perfect in every way.

Donald walked ahead without a word, his long strides carrying him toward the grand staircase. He didn't wait for her, didn't turn to see if she was following. He simply moved like a man going about business. Because that's what this was, a business deal.

Anna swallowed, gripping the small suitcase she had packed. This wasn't how she had imagined stepping into marriage. Not that she had ever dreamt of a fairy tale wedding, but even the coldest expectations she had couldn't compare to this.

Halfway up the stairs, Donald suddenly stopped. He exhaled, as if debating whether to say something, then finally turned to face her.

"There are a few things you should understand," he said, his voice devoid of warmth. "This marriage-it's a contract. Nothing more. You don't ask questions, you don't act like my wife, and you definitely don't expect anything from me."

Anna stiffened at his words, gripping the handle of her suitcase tighter.

Donald's gaze was sharp, unwavering. "We live separate lives. You have your space, and I have mine," he added.

She nodded slowly, her throat dry. "I understand."

His lips pressed into a thin line. "Good."

Then he turned, taking the last few steps up. But before disappearing down the hall, he added without looking back, "And one more thing, You'll be in the guest room," Donald said over his shoulder as he reached the top of the stairs. "Second door on the left," he gestures.

Guest room?