Chapter 1

EVA POINT OF VIEW

My hands tremble as I stand before the mirror, looking at my reflection, I hardly recognize myself. Fearful, wide eyes stare back at me, and the lace of the wedding dress were suffocating me and itching against my skin. The weight of this decision that I never made were like a heavy load placed on my shoulders it was pressing down on me like a miserable person. Yes, i was miserable because this isn't the life that i wanted for myself.

Outside my room, everyone was busy, they were busy preparing for my wedding, sunlight gleaming on the lawns, guests entering the grand ballroom, but here, my world has shattered..

"You will do this for the family, Eva." My father's cold, sharp voice replayed in my mind. He spoke with such ease, as if my life was merely a pawn in his game. My stepmother and step sister Sara watched in silence, their eyes shining with satisfaction, as if this was the moment they'd been waiting for.

" Sara should be wearing this dress," I mutter, barely audible. But I know why she isn’t. The choice wasn’t mine or even Maximilian’s. It was his grandfather wish, his grandfather was a man with wealth and power who chose me because he of the qualities which he said he had seen in me..

The door creaks open behind me, and I stiffen. I don’t need to turn, I already know who it is.

" Ready?" Sara voice, sweet yet venomous voice, breaks the silence. Her smile is too perfect, the kind that would fool anyone who didn’t know her as I did. She steps into the room, her heels clicking on the floor, each step a reminder that she is the one Maximilian truly wants and love.

My stomach churns. Sara is the golden child, the one everyone adored. She is the woman Maximilian loves, the one he wanted. Not me.

Yet here I am, moments away from a future tied to a man who loathes me.

"Don't worry, sis," Sara says with mock concern, her hand resting on my shoulder. "Max will come around. He will see who really belongs with him." Her fingers dig slightly into my skin, a silent warning.

I say nothing. Words wouldn’t help me now, and any response would just fuel her evil plans against.. I lift my chin, steadying my breath as I walked out of the room with her.

*** *** *** *** **

We arrived at the bustling wedding hall which buzzing with whispers and musical instruments. The moment I walked in every eye follows me as I walk down the aisle, each step dragging me further into a prison I can’t escape. My heart hammers with every step, I put on a brave front not revealing my weakness or pain.

Maximilian stood at the altar, his expression was rigid, his jaw was clenched as he glared at me. His dark eyes, which was once soft and full of warmth for Sara, was now filled with cold anger when they meet mine. His balls his fist as though resisting the urge to walk away.

I feel the weight of his glare. He hates me. I can see it in his eyes, feel it in his stance. But I can't retreat. I just can't.

When I finally reach his side, he didn't take my hand. Instead, he recites his vows, each word hoarse and grouchy, as if he is being forced to say it.

" Do you, Maximilian Graves, take this woman Eva Brown to be your lawfully wedded wife?" the officiant asks.

Max hesitates, the silence stretching was unbearable. His nostrils flare, and for a split second, I think he might refuse. But then he speaks, his voice laced with disdain.

" I do."

The iciness in his tone sent shivers down my spine. My throat tightens, but I force the words from my mouth. "I do."

The ceremony concludes, and the people in the claps their hands in excitement. Max didn't wait for me, he didn't even glance my way. He walked ahead, his back rigid, leaving me alone at the altar, his indifference a sharp blow. My heart sinks, but I stand firm.

The worst moment of my life has just began and i hope to survive it.

*** ** ** *** ***

That night after the wedding, I sit in the big, empty bedroom that’s supposed to be ours. My dress were around me, a deep reminder of everything I’ve lost. The light coming from the moon seeps through the curtains, casting silver lines across the room. But its soft glow does nothing to warm my heart which was broken and in pain.

A knock at the door disrupt the silence that i was enjoying and my body went cold as i already knew who it was.

Max walks in, his expression hard, unreadable. His eyes flicks toward me for a short moment, he glared at me as he discards his jacket, his movements was sharp and dangerous. The tension between us fills the room like a thick fog, chocking me.

" Max," I whisper, my voice trembling with the weight of all the questions I can’t ask. "Why… why are you doing this?"

He pauses, finally looking at me, his gaze dangerous and sharp. "Don’t play innocent, Eva," he snarls, taking a step toward me. "You knew exactly what you were doing when you manipulated my grandfather into choosing you."

His accusation hits me like a punch to the gut, but I swallow the pain, forcing my voice to remain steady. "I never wanted this," I murmur, my hands clutching the fabric of my dress. "I never asked for any of it."

He scoffs, the sound bitter and harsh. "Save your lies." His voice lowers, dangerous now. "You are just like your Late Mother. Liar. Manipulator."

I felt a sharp pain in my heart at the words, but I refuse to let him see how deeply they hurt. He steps closer, his presence overwhelming, and suddenly he grabs my arm roughly, his grip was firm like iron.

" You have gotten what you had always what you wanted, Eva," he says, his voice barely above a whisper. "But don’t expect me to be kind."

He releases me with as he shove, It was as though touching me disgusts him. Without uttering another word, he storms out of the room, the door slamming shut behind him. I stand there, shaking, staring at the red marks on my arm.

I trace the bruise forming on my arm, The bruise ache not just on my skin, but deep inside. How did I end up here? How did I end up marrying Max?

I was once a girl who believed in love, am a girl who had always believed in finding her prince charming and having her happy ending. I had hoped of having a bright and happy future. But now, I’m trapped in a life I never wanted, I am trapped because of my father’s greed and Sara's schemes.

Tears flowed freely from my eyes, but I blink them away. No. I won’t cry. Not now. Not ever. Tears won’t help me survive this hell.

I turn toward the window, gazing at the big, empty night outside. Somewhere out there, people are living their lives lives filled with laughter, with love. But not me. I’m trapped in this hell hole of a marriage alone.

I take one last look at the bruises on my arm, then curl up on the edge of the bed. Cold, alone and broken.