Sylvia
It was like a dream come true for me. My life was finally going the way I wanted.Everything was falling into place for me and I was married to a man that would change my life.I had been struggling to pay my bills for three months.I had incurred debts that tightened around my neck every day. But now, I was finally free from all of that.I no longer worked two jobs in Miami, scraping ice from the window of the broken-down car I jump-started every night.I was no longer yelled at by my bosses and co-workers.I’d just become a baroness, with the world at my manicured fingertips. I could afford the things I desired and I would become powerful.My husband’s name was Arnold Lincoln, a great baron in the country and a billionaire.He was wealthy and I didn’t have to lift my finger to work for the rest of my life.I cast a glance across the vast gilded ballroom of my new husband’s castle in northern California.I watched my husband as he interacted with his business partners. He looked dashing in his tuxedo.He was sipping champagne while he engaged in a deep conversation with a group of young women.I was now his wife. I should have been overjoyed that he picked me and our wedding had taken place.But as I stared across the room at Arnold, I realized I couldn’t breathe.“Very fancy wedding, Baroness,” my father remarked before his face knotted in a deep frown “But, Sylvia, why is your husband with all of those women? Doesn’t he realize it’s his wedding?” he asked. The frown never left his face even for a second.Almost immediately, my mother smacked him across the ribs.“Let him be. They are probably business partners that attended the wedding,” she grumbled.With a warm smile, she turned to me then said “Baby, you look stunning!”I returned the smile but before I could respond, my father spoke up. He looked at me accusingly up and down before he said “I hope he doesn’t ignore you this way! Now that you’re married to him, I hope he takes good care of you.”My mother rubbed my full cheeks as she countered words, saying “You don’t expect him to stick by her side all the time. He is quite a busy man and our daughter loves him that way. Can you believe she is wearing a real diamond?”From the way my mother’s eyes glittered, I knew she cared about the wedding because of the money and title. Nothing else mattered to her, not even my happiness or my mental health.I did not laugh as I normally would have done when teased by my large, loving family.I also did not tell them that I hated the way Arnold treated me and also that I hated the way I felt about the wedding.I knew my father would overreact and my mother would accuse me of being insane.I had no choice but to put up a big smile and appreciate the dream wedding I got.To be honest, I just couldn’t relax around Arnold, despite the fact that we were now couples or perhaps because of his constant assurances that I was perfect in every way.Could I marry a man I didn’t love?Several times, I told myself that it was just wedding day nerves. Even though I had said my vows before the crowd that graced our wedding, I was getting uneasy by each passing minute.Was it because I hadn’t eaten since the day before?Or was it because my dress was too tight and my breast was nearly spilling out of it?Whatever it was, I was getting a bad feeling that I couldn’t shake away.With a full white dress and a diamond tiara sparkling above my long lace veil, I should have felt like the perfect Cinderella bride.But instead of feeling that way, I felt small and out of place in the castle.Sadly, my mother was a bloodhound when it came to money and extravagant weddings.She had invited all of her friends and made sure they were aware that my husband was a baron.There was no way anything could go wrong with the wedding.No way.I trembled as I placed my glass of wine on the tray of a waiter who was passing by.“I’m going outside to get some fresh air.” I said after a while“We’ll accompany you.” My mother offered, hoping some reporters would capture her photos.“No. Please give me a minute. Alone…” I stressed before I turned and fled the ballroom as swiftly as I could.I dashed through the castle’s empty corridors and out into the cold winter night.I leaned heavily against the giant door once I was outside and before I exhaled deeply.I closed my eyes then took a deep breath, which ended up burning my lungs in the cold February air.I was happy to be alone and free with my thoughts.I am now married.I expected to feel different about it.I expected to feel so much joy but I only felt relieved that my life had gotten better.For a pretty long time now, I have been mocked by my family members who were all married and extravagantly rich.“You’re too lazy,” they’d say, or “Who are you waiting for, Sylvia? You’ll grow old waiting for the right man.”I knew most of them didn’t marry for love but I was willing to give love a chance in my life.Unfortunately for me then, it was taking so long to find someone.Several times, I had cried alone in my lonely single apartment but despite this, I had maintained my faith.I was adamant about not settling for less.I was willing to wait indefinitely for true love and I believed the wait was worth it.I had met Arnold when he entered the Miami diner where I worked the morning shift.He had come into my life when I was struggling with bills and I was losing hope.He was a wealthy, attractive aristocrat who had attended Oxford and had his own ancestral castle in Northern California.I was intrigued by his personality but it was not enough to marry him.Even though I gave him an attitude which was enough to chase him away from me, he pursued me with dedication from the moment we met. I was shocked that such a man would want me.Men had previously tried to date me but I had never been interested. I had always put them off with my attitude because I didn't love them.Arnold on the other hand had come at the time I was desperate.I had tried everything possible to make money so I could pay off my bills but I couldn’t. All roads seem blocked.I wasn't anticipating marriage but he proposed marriage a week before our wedding.“Let’s get married this week,” he pleaded. “I will make sure you lack nothing in your life.” I could remember just like it happened the previous day.His words that day were enough motivation to make me say yes.I was tired of waiting for love and I needed huge financial help.If I had refused him on the grounds of finding true love, I was certain I was going to live with regrets for the rest of my life.Without thinking about the prospects of the future, I threw away my hope for true love then agreed to marry him.We had the fairy-tale wedding that I had always dreamed about.We agreed that we would make love for the first time after the wedding.Was that why I felt a sinking feeling inside as if my soul was breaking?I was tense about something.I guess sleeping with him had to be the source of my bad feeling.I assured myself repeatedly that I had nothing to be afraid of.Absolutely nothing!The fact that I promised Arnold to be committed to him for the rest of my life made my skin feel cold in a way that had nothing to do with the ice and frost.Why was my body shaking as if I was about to flee after marrying the man that saved me from my problems?What was the matter with me?Even though I don't love him now, I could learn to love him. It was not too late.Moreover, a lot of people had done it. I was not going to be the first nor was I going to be the last.I wanted more solitude so I pushed the castle’s door then crossed the hallway before entering the silent garden.I grabbed my white tulle dress that was trailing behind me as I made my way into the cool garden.Beauty could not be compared with what was before me. There were a lot of ornamental flowers, trees and shrubs.The Gardener must be an expert at his work. The plants were neatly trimmed and had the same space in between them.The scenario and environment was soothing and the cool air cascaded my skin. I had already made the garden my favorite spot in the castle.My gown was scattering powdery flakes that glistened like diamonds in the moonlight.The night was clear and dark.When I looked up, I nearly gasped when I saw the violent red light that crossed the sky.My mother always believed it was a bad omen to see a red star.The feeling of fear and uneasiness pierced my soul. The more I tried to stop it, the more I became terrified.I was shivering and sweating despite the cool breeze.“Please, please,” I prayed softly, “allow me to have a happy marriage. May today end in a very good way.” I cried with my eyes shut and palms placed together.When I opened my eyes, the star had vanished, leaving only a dark, empty sky in their place.I smiled because I trusted the universe to answer my prayers.“So…you’re the bride,” a deep voice said behind me.My hair stood erect at the unexpected voice. I never knew I had a company up until that moment.But who was he?I asked myself as my heart slammed against my chest.My heart beat increased when I heard the rustling of feet behind me. I was scared stiff. I wonder why I haven't passed out yet. With my hand by my side, I raised my gown. My legs were shaking, it was just a matter of minutes before it gave way. Slowly, I spun around with my dress sweeping across the garden. I didn't look at the owner of the voice immediately. It took a while before I raised my face. A man as dark as the shadow stood before me with his hand by his side. The night was dark so I couldn't see his face but I knew his eyes were fixed on me. I noticed he was standing beside three SUVS. His long black hair and coat shone in the moonlight as he stood beside a tree that was covered in frost. The more I stared at him, the more the bad feeling I felt in my heart increased. Goosebumps crept up on my skin and I felt completely uncomfortable. Even in the darkness, I could still feel his eyes piercing mine with intensity and I blinked rapidly. Although I was nervous, I was
I squirmed because of the pain I felt but the man was unperturbed. I understand he was strong but it was unwise of him to think the same about me. I was a weakling! I looked towards the castle but there was no sign of life heading from there. The party was still going on despite my absence. I felt upset at the discovery. For crying out loud, I was the bride and the most important person in the wedding. I wonder what my parents and my family are doing right now. I thought about Arnold too. I guess he had been so carried away speaking with his business associates that he forgot all about me. I wished I allowed my mom to come along when she asked earlier. If I did, I was sure I wouldn't be in this mess. The cool night breeze had become icy. It lifted my veil above my head then swirled it around both of us in the dark frozen night. I could feel the power and hostility emanating from his strong body. And for a brief moment, I was lost in a nightmare of ice, fire, and desire. But
Xavier I had not expected her to be so beautiful. I had not expected her eyes to pierce into my soul but they did. I looked down at the petite blonde beneath me, her slender wrists shackled in my hands, as the SUV drove down the road through the snowy night. I had instinctively covered her with my body, pressing her into the soft leather of the backseat the moment she tried to flee. I could hear her soft pleading pants and sweet scent of fresh linen and tea roses on her skin. Her every gasp lifted her full breasts higher above the tightly corseted satin dress to the point where I thought the fabric couldn’t hold her any longer. My muscles tensed, and I forced myself to turn away. I wasn’t supposed to be interested in Sylvia Browne. Yes, I despised her greatly. But use her to get the things I wanted? Certainly, that was exactly what I was going to do. So, how could I explain this sudden surge of desire? How could I explain the way she captivated me? There was absolutely no
Sylvia I went numb with shock as he pulled me from the SUV then led me across the dark tarmac to the waiting plane. I had lost my willpower to do anything so I did not resist. I allowed him to pull me like I was his puppet. His revelation of Arnold having a wife broke me. I was trying hard not to believe his words but at the same time I wanted to believe. But why? Was it because I didn't love him? What if he was just trying to tarnish Arnold's image so he could have me to himself? Several thoughts ran through my weak mind as he continued to pull me. “But he can’t have a wife,” I said aloud. I didn't mean to but I had already said it. I looked up at him with bewildered confusion in my eyes. He was wearing a neutral expression so it was hard for me to detect if he was trying to pull my legs or he meant his words. “I’m Arnold’s wife! You’re lying just to kidnap me.” I spat at him “The wedding was fake,” he said coldly. “The vows were fake. The minister was fake. And most of a
If looks could kill, Xavier was certain to be six feet below the ground because of the intensity of my stares. I was still trying to wrap my head around the words he had been saying. “I don’t believe you. You’re lying about everything.” I said “Keep on telling yourself that, princess. Deep down, you know I am telling the truth but your greedy heart won’t let you admit it.” he replied with a calm voice which irked me “If any of this were true, if he were as bad as you say, why wouldn’t his wife just divorce him?” I asked. “Why would she let him treat her cruelly by marrying another wife? Why would she let him use her money to plan a wedding for another woman?” Xavier looked away. His expression became hard as he clenched his jaw. “She can’t.” came the short reply for my numerous questions. “Why?” I asked. I needed to know more. Narrowing his eyes, he looked at me. “They were in an accident. She’s in a coma. Not that you would care. She has been in a coma for months now. Arnold i
Xavier “You are a liar!” Young Laila had gripped the gilded arms of her chair as she stared at me in her family’s mansion with views of the Golden Gate Bridge. She had returned home from boarding school after her father’s death to support her fragile mother, who had collapsed at his funeral. “No!” Laila had jumped to her feet at my news. Her hands flew to her ears as she backed away. “You’re a liar! Get out of my house! Never come back!” she yelled at me I blinked. Liar; this was the same accusation but from different women. I stared now at the young blonde who stood before me in the cabin of my private jet. Sylvia Browne was magnificent. A little too thin, perhaps, but it was hard to notice that when her full breasts swelled up against the bodice with every angry breath she took. Her waist was tiny, the perfect span for a man’s hands. Her honey-blonde hair fell back in waves as she tossed her head, her chin had now completely collapsed, exposing her swan-like throat. Her
His lips were hard and hot against hers, overwhelming Sylvia’s senses in a ruthless assault. She stiffened pressing her hands instinctively against his chest. He thought it was a go ahead for him since he didn't resist so he leaned her back then deepened the kiss, forcibly pressing her lips apart. As he plundered her mouth with his tongue, she felt a shock of sudden pleasure so sharp and raw that she gasped. She haven't encountered this before so it was a whole new experience for her. As his lips moved against hers, forcing her to respond, she was swept beneath the waves of sensation. He held her tightly and she felt the world swirl and twist around them making her get lost in a spinning current of desire she had never experienced before. She tasted the sweetness of his breath, the taste of Scotch on his tongue. She felt the roughness of his jaw against her skin, the heat of him against her body. Overpowered by her captor’s strength and the intensity of his commanding embrace,
Curled up in the chair, she imagined progressively more painful punishments for her kidnapper. It was in this state that the invisible hand of sleep drew her into the enjoyable dreams. She was practically enjoying her dreams when she felt a hand shaking her roughly. At first she thought it was a dream but when the shake became consistent, her eyes flew open. Disoriented, she sat up as she rubbed her sleepy eyes. She hasn't had enough sleep and she wouldn't mind returning to the comfort of the comfy bed. When she became conscious, she saw Xavier standing beside the bed. She looked at him before taking her eyes from his direction. Looking through the little window, she saw the plane had landed. Outside, the night was still dark but she was able to see a small, desolate airstrip by the sea. There were no flashing lights, no policemen too. None of the things she imagined would happen happened. She was still alone with Xavier and no help was coming. She even doubted if a miracle