Stolen Vow Forgotten Heart

My heels clicked against the marble floor, the train of my gold dress trailing behind me. The shutter clicks, clinking glasses, fake laughter made my stomach churn.

My eyes searched for my so-called fiance but he was at a distant tablet, talking to some people, I guess were business associates.

Staring at the big diamond ring on my finger, it felt like a shackle.

My breath became shallow. Unfortunately, my parents are too busy greeting guests to understand my predicament.

Honestly, what's the rush to get married? It's not like the company is going bankrupt. Nobody is dying. So why?

One of the best event planners in America indeed handled the decoration for my engagement party.

From the snacks to the wine and then to the designs, every detail was handled with great care and expertise.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let's welcome the newly engaged couple to have a dance." He announced, followed by loud clappings that irritated my ears.

An arm suddenly wrapped around me, and it made my skin crawl.

"Hey, gorgeous, let's give them a show. Shall we?" He whispered, his fingers tucking my hair behind my ear.

His hot breath fanned my neck, which sent chills down my spine. My legs itched to run away, but remained rooted to the ground.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded. He chuckled and grabbed my hand, leading me to the center, and I followed.

All eyes fixed on us, some people cooing.

"Such a perfect couple," a woman dressed in a red velvet dress whispered.

The corners of my lips trembled as I tried to keep my forced smile in place.

The song played, and we moved following the rhythm. Reluctantly, I placed my hands on his shoulders and his hands on my waist. He pulled me closer.

I felt air leave my lungs. We danced for a while. Immediately the music stopped. I removed my hands like I had been burnt, moving away from him.

He moved closer, trying to reduce the distance between us but I took a few steps back, while maintaining my fake smile.

He clenched his fists, his teeth gritted showing how discontent he was by my action. But fortunately, he didn't act on it because just like me, he pretended to be happy.

The cheering died down. I muttered an excuse and slipped away, discreetly, leaving the party... before the mask of pretense cracked.

With every step I took, tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision. My breaths came in ragged gasps.

Entering the house, I paused for a while, as the living room spun for some seconds long.

I clutched onto my head and calmed myself before I removed my shoes and staggered up the stairs. Thankfully, I made it to my room without falling off the stairs.

The moment I got in, I locked the door. Leaning against it, I slid down to the floor and allowed the tears to flow freely.

Mum beamed every second, her smile too wide, and dad went around shaking hands like a proud auctioneer. How could I explain it to them in a way, they'd understand?

Who do I talk to? The burden is too great for me to bear.

Something clicked, and my head snapped toward my vanity table. Hurriedly, I got of the floor, wiping my tears with the back of my hand.

Opening the drawer, I took out my phone. Turning it on, I checked for missed calls or texts from William, but there was nothing.

My shoulders slumped in disappointment. I dialed his number, but it went directly to voicemail.

Repeatedly, I tried but to no avail. Looking at the messages I'd sent him since he left, and not once did he reply.

Since he left, not once had he bothered to reach out. My chest tightened, my fingers clenched the phone.

But I can't be angry at him. I needed him right here and now. To tell me everything would be fine. To tell me to leave everything behind and run away with him.

The last time I checked, he took a month's break and he should be back or did he quit? I shook my head. My breath hitched.

There was no way William would disappear from my life like that. What am I supposed to do without him?

With shaky hands, I dialed his number again, and this time, it rang.

"He..hello. William? Are you there?" I stuttered.

Seconds turned into minutes but there was no response. "Can you hear me?" I asked. But there was only silence... then the call ended.

Hundreds of thoughts swirling in my head. Wait, what if he's in trouble?

My breathing hitched. The thought of William being in danger clawed at me like a beast. I couldn't sit still. Nothing else mattered. I had to save him.

Grabbing my soap, I washed my face and quickly changed into something casual. An all black outfit. Yes, it's exactly what you're thinking. I'm ditching my engagement party.

Luckily, I made it to the back of the house without anyone noticing me. I placed my leg on the ladder when someone clapped behind me.

I froze. My eyes closed, and my hold on the ladder tightened. I can't get caught now.

"Where do you think you're going, young lady?" My mom's voice boomed. Her tone was laced with anger.

Shit.

I got down and faced her with my head hung low. Mom is very reasonable. If I explain things to her, she'll understand.

"Mom, I think William is in danger. Let me go, please." I whispered.

"Go back upstairs and get dressed," she commanded and turned to walk away. I quickly held her hand.

"Mom, please" I pleaded. Tears welled up in my eyes.

"Lucy Freya Jones," she seethed. "You have people gathered here for you and you want to go save someone? How irresponsible!" She hissed, snatching her hand away from my hold.

I bit my lower lip, "mom" I said breathless

She turned to look at me, "I won't repeat myself anymore, Lucy. You will go back to your room, get glammed up. I didn't raise a lady who climbs up a fence like a tout" she hissed.

"The wedding with Grey is important, and I won't let you mess it up."

"How?" I asked, confused as hell.

"No more questions, Lucy.

With my makeup on and fully dressed, I headed to meet Grey but his eyes were filled with disdain.

I stood beside him. What I didn't expect was for him to pull me roughly when no one was watching.

"Listen, I don't care about what you're up to, but I won't let you disgrace me. So I advise you to behave," he gritted.

I ignored him and when a man approached us. He flashed me a sly smile, and kisses my forehead. Then he walked off with the man, like he didn't just threaten me.

His ability to charm everyone is one thing that amazed me. Even an ice cold person would melt at his smile and jokes.

I gulped my drink, but it did nothing to relief me of the suffocation. I need a way out of this marriage.

I felt a presence behind me. Then it hit me... William's cologne. I turned immediately, and he was right in front of me.

I blinked rapidly, but my eyes were not deceiving me. "William?" I whispered.

Huh? How..how? I thought he was in danger.

His eyes held mine in an intense gaze that sent shivers down my spine, but this time in a good way.

He turned me around, so I was backing him, "hello doll. You couldn't stop calling, huh?" his low voice melted me.

Oh, gosh. I've missed him and... this. "What would you have me do?"

"Nothing. Do nothing," he groaned. I wanted to rant more but kept quiet.

Instinctively, I breathed in relief for two reasons. William is safe, and he is here.

After I made sure her room was secured, I left and returned to my chambers. I sat on the bed, my head buried in my palm.

The images of them smiling made my blood boil. I let out a groan, the veins in my neck pulsated.

I gritted my teeth, my nose flared. Immediately, I grabbed the glassware on the lampstand and smashed it on the floor.

Why? Why do they have to be happy after ruining my life?.

Breaking the ware wasn't enough to let out the pent up frustration and anger. I stripped and walked into the bathroom, barefooted.

I immersed my whole body in the bathtub, filled with cold water. I don't know how many minutes I stayed like that, but I visibly calmed down.

Not because the water helped, but because I consoled myself with the plans I have laid out for them.

For seventeen years, I had endured hardship. Lost my family and identity. Insomnia was my companion because the price of peace was too expensive.

He ruined me. Maybe he had forgotten, but I didn't. My late parents won't forgive me if I dare to forget.

I heard the door of my room open, disrupting my thoughts, so I quickly got out of the water, cleaned my body, and got clad in something casual.

I entered the room, and Lucy sat on my bed, staring into space, lost in thought.

Lucy has been the only reason I'm able to maintain my sanity. She's my remedy and nemesis.

"I thought you were asleep?" I asked as I sat on the chair opposite her. She didn't say a word, but the chaos was pretty obvious in her eyes.

"What happened here?" She asked in a cracked voice, changing the topic. I tilted my head as I tried to understand what she meant.

She shrugged, "I mean, there are pieces of glass lying carelessly on the floor and from what I know about you, the only time you smash things is when you're pissed"

I furrowed my eyebrow, while keeping a straight face. Such a smart ass.

"It's late. Why are you here, doll?" I inquired, folding my arms against my chest.

"... couldn't sleep," she replied, as she continued to gawk at me.

"What's troubling you, doll?"

She turned to look at me. Tears pooled in her eyes. Slowly, she strode toward me and collected the towel, "let me help you"

I watched her struggle to reach my hair. I rolled my eyes. Swooping her off her feet, I placed her on the chair.

"Thank you," she whispered and ruffled my hair with the towel.

"You were gone a month and not once did you bother to reach out and when I initiated to care, you were already unavailable. That's cruel, William"

"Why did you continue to call and leave messages? You should have known I didn't want to be disturbed," I groaned. Not ready for her whining...

A dry chuckle erupted from her throat, "so I was.. nevermind. I apologize for disturbing your peaceful time. I was worried because I thought you were in danger"

There was silence for a while before she ruined everything. "Where have you been this past month and what have you been up to?"

My breathing hitched with shoulders stiffened. My hands clenched.

"None of your business. I don't meddle in your business, so don't poke your nose in mine," I snapped and moved away. Tucking my hands in my pocket.

Why is she nosey? Getting involved in my business will only ruin her. My world is dark, cold and dangerous.

"I am so.. sorry William. Please don't be mad at me," she pleaded and hiccupped. "It was just that I missed you so much," she rasped.

There was no need to look at her. She was crying already. I closed my eyes and steadied my breath. Lucy doesn't like it when I'm mean to her and I hate it too, but I can't help it.

"Come here," I ordered, and a second later, she was hugging me from behind. Her arms tightly wrapped around me like I would disappear anytime.

We remained like that for a while, as she sniffled. My hands caressing her's.

"I'm sorry for raising my voice at you," I mumbled. Instead of accepting my apology, she smacked me on my back.

"What is troubling you?" I asked in a serious tone.

"I don't want to get married to Grey"

"But you knew the marriage would happen someday."

I felt her nod, "but I don't want to spend my life with him. I don't even love him"

If she doesn't want him, so why force her? I gritted my teeth. "That means anyone but him?"

She stayed silent for a while before answering, "no"

I furrowed my brow, confused. "What do you mean?"

She broke the hug and stood before me. Her eyes, tired and bloodshot.

"You know I want to marry for love. I have someone that I deeply care about." She stared at me like she was expecting me to say something.

"Then tell your parents. They are not narrow-minded." I shrugged.

"I can't. Mum said Grey is the perfect man for me and that the marriage between us is important," she whimpered.

"And the guy?"

She averted her gaze away from me. Her breath quickened. "I don't know if he knows how I feel about him, or maybe he's pretending not to know." Her voice breaking.

"Then I guess he's an asshole," I scoffed. I walked away and grabbed a bottle of whiskey and poured myself a drink.

"He's not" she retorted.

I laughed at her naivety. "A guy would definitely know if a girl is into him. Well, I can help you out by convincing him." He took a sip.

"You can't," she huffed and plunged on the bed.

"Why not?"

"Because you are that man, William!" she confessed. Her words hung in the air. My breath hitched, but I remained silent and felt every layer of protection break.

"Can't you see that I've always loved you? For years I kept it in, hoping you would notice, but maybe you did but ignored. I fucking love you, Mr. William Cannon," she yelled, tears rolling down her face.

Her words hit me. Why now, Lucy? I knew she liked me and I intentionally ignored it. I have something more important to do than love.

I gulped the drink and groaned as it burned my throat, before slamming the glass on the table. "Stop it Lucy" I yelled. My heart pounding in my chest.

She shook her head, and held my hand, "no. I know you feel something for me too. Let's run away. Just the two of us," she cried.

"For years, you treated me like I was the most priceless gem on earth. Tell me, how was I supposed not to fall for you? I'm human, you know" she threw her hands in the air.

"You said you'd help me. Why are you suddenly okay with all this?"

"Stop calling his name in front of me," I commanded and snatched my hand away from her hold and she fell on the floor.

"I can't help you. If your parents want you to marry him, then go ahead. I don't bloody care"

"You don't mean that... right?" She stood up and faced me. "Tell me to my face that you don't feel the same, that you don't care and I promise to leave you alone." her breath came out ragged.

I looked at her with a cold eyes, "I don't have romantic feelings for you, neither do I care"

A pained smile plastered on her face. "So, I've been delusional all along?" She nodded. "I'll accept my fate. I hate you but I hate myself more for choosing you" she spat. Her voice quiet but firm.

Fuck!

The moment she was out of sight, I punched the wall repeatedly until my knuckles became bloody.

I didn't expect Lucy's betroth to be the son of my worst enemy - Cullen Dipson. They think they've won. But I'm not done. Not yet.

It's been a week since my last encounter with William and since I came back to my house.

Living with my parents and having to pretend like everything was fine was damn hard.

I couldn't do it, so I left. Only a coward would run, and I don't mind being that coward.

The notes I wrote to him now lay torn on the floor, like my heart. Despite his rejection, I couldn't bring myself to hate him. Honestly, I want to.

He raised my hopes high, treated me like his princess, called me his doll, only to break me more than anyone else had.

I shouldn't have fallen in love with him. He knew I liked him, yet he pretended. I didn't believe it was impossible between us.

Not once did I see the age gap, nor the status as a problem. Was it really impossible for two people of opposite gender to spend so much together and not feel a thing?

Alone, I sat in the garden. Twirling the glass of wine in my hand. Tears pooled in my eyes as I stared at the sky. My vision blurred.

I thought too highly of William's concern. I thought he cared so much about running away with me to escape the wedding.

The night William turned me down, I had accepted my fate to carry on with the wedding. Why run away alone and be miserable?

Tomorrow is the D-Day, and it's unavoidable. My chest tightened. I bit my lower lip so hard the metallic taste of blood filled my mouth.

My phone buzzed, and I looked at the screen with tired eyes. The caller was mum. I groaned, looking away.

What does she want? Have they not done enough harm to me? I already agreed with their plan. The least they can do is let me hold on to the trace of sanity and peace I have left.

The buzzing continued for a while and it annoyed the shit out of me. I rolled my eyes and took the phone.

I sighed heavily and cleared my throat before clicking the answer icon, but I remained silent. Well, I didn't have the chance to, because Mrs. Jones blasted my eardrums with questions.

"Where did you throw your phone? I've been worried, I was thinking of coming to your house already," she rasped.

What? Come here? Hell no. Thankfully, I picked up.

"I went shopping but forgot my phone at home," I replied in a low voice.

"Baby, are you okay? You don't sound good," she asked worriedly.

"Yes, mum. I'm okay, just tired from the shopping. It was stressful," I groaned.

"Okay, have you gotten everything..." Her voice faded as I dropped the phone on the side table.

I wasn't in the mood for any rants. After a while, I ended the call. Immediately I did, a terrible migraine hit me.

Groaning, I stood up and headed inside to sleep, at least with the aid of sleeping pills. The moment my head hit the pillow, a peaceful darkness overwhelmed me.

...Next day...

A nightmare jolted me out of sleep, sweat dripping down her face. I prayed that the world should end or time should remain still. My cousins and other strange faces trooped in and out of my room.

Some were busy working on my face, hair and other arranged my dress.

Congratulations came in turns and I nodded, smiling like a cheerful bride that I'm definitely not.

"Gosh, Lucy... Your wedding news is trending all over American," Julian, my cousin, gasped.

"And it has been tagged, the celebrity wedding of the year. You're so lucky, Lucy," Gillian, the twin of Julian, chipped in.

"They both deserve each other." Mum walked in and approached me, "my daughter is getting married, this has always been my wish," she cooed. Her eyes tearing up.

"Don't ruin your makeup mum," I chuckled.

She sniffled and nodded, "I can't help it".

Soon, they engaged in conversations and again I spaced out. My thoughts were centred on one man. The one who doesn't want me.

My gut urged me to call him and he might just change his mind, "give me a moment" I whispered to the makeup artist and she nodded.

Silently, I walked into my bathroom and locked the door. With shaky hands, I dialed his number. It rang for a while, but he didn't answer.

Refusing to give up, I continued to try, but I guess he really doesn't want to have anything to do with me. Since he's rigid, it's high time I stood on business too.

I blinked back the tears that were threatening to fall. Never again. I refuse to ever cry for William.

Speaking about Grey, maybe I'm judging him too early. He might not be as bad as I think. My parents approve of him. As time goes on, I might grow to love him.

That right. I'll embrace this marriage with an open heart.

'Go fuck yourself, William Cannon.'

I opened the door and told the artists to continue with their work. Even though I'm not happy, my mum is. At least someone is happy about the union.

Soon, everyone exited the room, leaving me alone. The room was too quiet, like the world knew something was about to go wrong.

I stood before the mirror. Everything was perfect... my hair, makeup, jewelry, wedding gown. Except mental health.

Reluctantly, my lips stretched into a small smile. Maybe forcing it would help me fit in better.

An hour later, I stood aside the hall, ready to walk down the aisle. I clutched onto my bouquet, my heart racing as I paced back and forth.

Ten minutes. Ten minutes before I said 'I do' to a man that I don't love. Sealing my fate to him.

Soon my dad joined me. "Are you ready baby?" Dad asked and I nodded and flashed him a smile. Linking my arm in his.

"Alright. Let's get my baby girl married," he smirked.

The song started playing. Slow and rhythmic. The wedding march began. And with that, the end of everything, dreamed of.

Right ahead stood Grey, looking bored. Like he'd rather be somewhere else than here.

My palms became sweaty. All eyes were turned to me, and my knees wobbled and then my eyes landed on him. My breath caught.

William sat at the far end. He was clad in a black suit. His eyes locked on someone else... the woman sitting close to my soon-to-be father-in-law. Not me. Never me.

"I love you, William," I said but he didn't flinch.

Yeah, that's right. Get over it, Lucy. He doesn't want you.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and maintained the not so genuine smile. The march ended, and I stood before Grey, ready to exchange vows.

We both said our vows. Each word sounded heavy as it rolled off my tongue, too bitter to swallow too. While Grey said his, like he was sealing a business deal.

Taking my finger, he slid the ring on my finger and the guests clapped and I wore his on him.

It was sealed. I felt like a bird in veil, who has been clipped of it's wings.

"You may now kiss the bride," the officiator announced and Grey pulled me closer and captured my lips in his.

I felt numb as his tongue fought for dominance while I didn't do anything. I felt choked and disgusted.

I broke off the kiss and everyone stood up, cheering and clapping, while my charming smile remained intact.

I smiled so hard that my cheeks hurt. I've mastered the art of pretense so well.