Chapter 1 Prologue

Prologue

Lara's gaze remained fixated on Lucas ever since the wedding ceremony. Even as they moved to the grand reception hall, her eyes lingered on him, absorbing every detail-the sharp lines of his face, the way his dark hair fell perfectly in place, the cold, unreadable expression he always wore.

The reality of being married to him felt surreal, like a dream she never thought would come true.

She had spent years loving him from afar, dreaming of this moment. And now, here she was-his wife. The words sent a flutter through her heart, a warmth spreading in her chest.

A teasing chuckle broke her daze.

"If you keep staring like that, Lucas might just melt under your gaze," Ali, her best friend, quipped, nudging her playfully.

Lara's cheeks burned as she quickly looked away, flustered. "Stop teasing me," she muttered, pouting.

Ali laughed, shaking her head. "Well, I can't really blame you. You're literally married to the man of your dreams. You must be over the moon.".

A soft smile crept onto Lara's lips as she stole another glance at Lucas. He stood among his friends, his presence effortlessly commanding attention. Even in a room full of people, he was the only one she could see. With his sharp jawline, piercing eyes, and composed demeanor, he was strikingly perfect. And now, he's mine.

Ali rolled her eyes at Lara's obvious admiration. "God, stop smiling like a love-sick puppy."

Lara shot her a playful glare, biting her lip to contain her giddy expression. "I can't help it! Just look at him, Ali. That handsome man. He's my husband. My husband."

Ali snorted. "You're so dramatic. You're lucky I actually like you, or I'd throw my drink at you."

Lara pouted. "Stop raining on my parade."

Ali smirked but then nudged her shoulder. "Oh? Looks like Prince Charming just glanced this way."

Lara's breath hitched as she turned to Lucas. Sure enough, his sharp gaze was on her. But the moment their eyes met, he swiftly looked away, returning his attention to his friends. They seemed to be teasing him, but he remained unreadable, with a blank expression and a stiff posture.

Ali scoffed. "Wow. Not even a smile? Are you sure he's your husband? He looks more like a man forced into a prison sentence."

Lara forced a chuckle, masking the sting in her chest. "Lucas isn't the expressive type. Cut him some slack."

Ali folded her arms, unconvinced. "Still, he could at least pretend to be happy. It's his wedding day too, you know."

Lara bit her lip, but instead of dwelling on Ali's words, she chose to brush them off. Tonight was supposed to be a celebration, not a moment to question things she already knew the answers to.

Ali sighed, sensing the shift in Lara's mood. "Fine, fine. I'll stop ruining your fairytale. Let's just enjoy the night. Especially you, since it's your wedding day. And-" with a mischievous grin, she added, "-you have a honeymoon to look forward to. You'll thank me for my gift later."

Lara narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Why would I be thankful?"

Ali smirked. "It's a secret. You'll find out when you open my gift tomorrow."

Lara groaned. "I swear, if it's another one of your troublesome gifts-"

"You'll love it," Ali cut in with a wink. "Now, come on. Enjoy the night! It's your wedding day, after all."

Despite her earlier thoughts, Lara nodded. She allowed Ali to drag her toward the drinks, reluctantly accepting a glass of something light. She wasn't one to drink much, and tonight, she had no intention of getting drunk. She wanted to stay clear-headed. She still planned to talk to Lucas later. She didn't want to face him while slurring her words.

But just as she was about to search for him, she noticed something.

Lucas was leaving.

A frown creased her brows as she watched him exit the reception hall. Without a second thought, she placed her drink down.

"I'll be back," she told Ali.

"Where are you going?"

"Bathroom," Lara lied, already walking away.

The moment she stepped outside, the cool night air hit her skin. She spotted Lucas heading toward the underground parking lot.

Picking up her pace, she followed him, and when she was close enough, she called out hesitantly, "Lucas."

He paused, his broad shoulders stiffening before he slowly turned to face her. His expression was blank, cold.

Her chest tightened.

She had been so caught up in the celebration that she momentarily forgot, nothing had changed between them. He was still the same Lucas, the man who had never looked at her the way she looked at him.

"What do you want?" His voice was sharp, almost impatient.

Lara hesitated, suddenly feeling small under his icy stare. She swallowed, trying to steady herself. "I just... I was wondering where you were going. The celebration isn't over yet. Our parents might look for you."

His jaw tightened, irritation flashing across his face. "That's none of your business."

Lara flinched at his harsh tone, but she quickly masked it. She wouldn't let this affect her. Not tonight.

"It is my business now," she said, her voice softer now. "We're married,"

Lucas let out a low, humorless chuckle, his expression twisting in contempt. "Unbelievable. How shameless can you be?" His eyes burned with something far worse than indifference-hatred.

A pang of pain struck her chest. She had known. She had always known how much he resented this marriage. She had prepared herself for it, but no amount of preparation could shield her from the pain of his rejection.

"I know you didn't want this," she said softly, her fingers twisting together nervously. "But can we at least try to be civil? For the sake of our families?"

Lucas's expression darkened. "Civil?" He stepped closer, his presence suffocating. "Don't act innocent, Lara. You wanted this marriage. And now that you got what you wanted, you expect me to play along?" His voice dripped with venom. "Spare me the act."

Lara's lips parted, but no words came out.

Because he was right.

She had wanted this.

She had followed her parents' wishes, clinging to the hope that if she just stayed by his side, if she loved him enough, he would eventually see her. She never meant to hurt him. She never wanted to ruin his life.

But her happiness had become his misery.

Her throat tightened. "I-"

"Save it," he cut her off sharply. "I'm sick of hearing your apologies when we both know they aren't sincere. You're nothing but a selfish, cunning bitch."

Lara flinched as if he had struck her. The words pierced through her, stealing the air from her lungs.

Her lips trembled. "I never wanted to hurt you, Lucas. I-"

"Spare me your excuses." His voice was filled with venom. "You forced this marriage on me, so don't act like a victim now."

Tears pricked her eyes, blurring her vision. Maybe it was the alcohol, maybe it was the overwhelming emotions, but she couldn't stop the tears that spilled down her cheeks.

Lucas's expression twisted in disgust. "Stop crying." His voice was cold, but his anger was unmistakable. "Do you think that'll change anything? Do you think crying will make me pity you? That it'll make me forgive you?" He scoffed. "Listen carefully, Lara."

He stepped even closer, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper.

"I will make you regret marrying me. If you think I'll sit back and let you have your way, think again. Two can play this game." His eyes burned into hers. "And I'll make sure that by the end of this fucking charade, you'll be the one crawling to me, begging for an annulment."

And with that, he turned his back on her and walked away without a single glance back.

Lara stood frozen in the empty parking lot, her tears streaming down freely, her wedding dress feeling heavier than ever.

This was supposed to be the happiest day of her life.

Instead, it became the day she realized-

Her love was nothing but a cruel burden to the man she had given her heart to.