Chapter 4 A step into the unknown

Victoria's POV

Hatred and disgust.

That was all I saw in Richard's eyes as he sat in the corner of the room, his stare fixed on me like I was a nuisance he'd been forced to tolerate.

"You'll need to change into this, Victoria," Mum called, snapping me out of my daze.

Wordlessly, I took the garment and went to my room.

The wedding gown fit snugly at the bust, the sweetheart neckline revealing just enough skin to draw breath without shame. A satin bow cinched beneath my chest, hugging my waist with a punishing elegance. The skirt flowed around my hips like liquid silk. It was beautiful... painful. Unwanted. Yet, somehow, it made me feel-gorgeous.

I stood before the mirror, fingertips ghosting over the glass as if it could answer the cry inside me.

Brenda, come back. Save me from this nightmare.

My reflection stared back, silent. Brave. Alone.

How will I ever face Nelson?

I exhaled, smoothing my palms over the dress. When I turned, only Mum and Aunt Teraza were there. Richard was gone.

"It's for the best," I whispered to myself, forcing the lie past my lips.

"You look so beautiful," Mum said, her voice breaking the moment's stillness.

I gave her a small, strained smile. "Yeah. Thanks, Mum."

Aunt Teraza opened the door. "Shall we?"

I nodded and followed, descending the staircase with hesitant grace, each step a reluctant drumbeat toward my fate.

Outside, a long black Mercedes waited at the curb. A man about my father's age stepped out, his smile wide and practiced.

"Congratulations, ma'am, from the Villa," he said politely.

"Thank you," Aunt Teraza replied curtly, noting our expressions didn't welcome small talk.

I slid into the back seat with Mum beside me while Teraza took the front. The engine purred to life, and the world began to blur past.

I stared out the window, watching the blue sky fade into the soft gold of an approaching sunset. The sun dipped low, casting shadows across my skin like whispers of judgment. I hadn't stopped thinking about Nelson-not since I changed into the dress.

Nelson deserves to know.

A gentle touch pulled me from my thoughts. Mum.

I smiled faintly, barely a twitch of my lips. "Mum, I'll be fine."

She smiled and squeezed my hand as the city sped by-strangers walking, laughing, rushing. Some oblivious. Some burdened. All free.

The car slowed in front of a quiet, stone church.

Its stained glass windows shimmered in the morning light, casting jewel-toned shadows across the walls. The silence was thick, reverent. Almost holy.

"Aunt Teresa, go on ahead," I said softly.

Aunt Teraza nodded and exited, followed by the driver.

"You too, Mum," I said. My voice was firm. I needed a moment. Just one.

Her grip on my hand tightened, reluctant to let go.

"I'm not Brenda. I just need to breathe before stepping out."

"You can wait at a distance," I added. "When I'm ready, I'll come."

She obeyed, stepping away but lingering nearby.

I pulled out my phone, hands shaking. Please, Nelson. Pick up.

I dialed again.

And again.

The car door slammed.

I flinched.

"You trying to reach your lover?" a deep voice snapped.

I spun around. Richard.

He slid in beside me without ceremony, as if he belonged there.

"I told your mum to go inside since I'm here," he said coldly, lounging in the seat like he wasn't the villain in my story.

"You're unbelievable," I snapped. "That's none of your business."

He ignored me. "Give me your phone."

I blinked. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me. No distractions." His voice was low, smug.

"You can't be serious."

He reached out, snapping his fingers impatiently.

"No!" I shouted, shifting to the side, hiding the phone behind me.

He lunged-and suddenly, we were pressed against each other.

For one breathless second, our bodies touched.

His chest against mine. One leg wedged between mine. His hand brushing against my waist.

I froze.

His scent was intoxicating-rich, sharp, expensive. The kind of fragrance that spoke without speaking.

His deep blue eyes locked onto mine. Those lashes. That jawline. The fullness of his lips.

How can someone look like this?

"Why are you so damn difficult?" he asked, his voice oddly calm despite the fire between us.

But my grip had loosened. He snatched the phone from my hand before I could stop him.

"No!" I cried. "You have no right!"

"I have full authority over you," he said, his face inches from mine.

His voice was low, cold.

"Behave yourself."

I opened my mouth, but the words wouldn't come. I just stared into his eyes, hollowed by fear and fury.

He leaned back, pocketing my phone.

"When you're done sulking, come out. I'll be waiting." Then he opened the door and left to the church way, slamming it behind him.

I sat frozen.

He was beautiful-but dangerous. All this man had was a pretty face and a heart like ice.

This isn't what I wanted. This isn't love. This isn't life.

Moments later, I opened the door again.

Looking at my father from a distance, I approached him slowly as his distancing smile calms me down.

"Sweetheart, it's time," Dad said gently, reaching for my hand.

I stood, my fingers slipping into his.

And just like that, I stepped forward-toward the altar, the vows, and the lie I would have to live.