Sarah Whitmore, 19 years old.
I am walking down the aisle. My heart is pounding against my chest as I am walking towards Jared Collins, the love of my life. He is looking devilishly handsome in his Navy blue tuxedo, and his hair is swept back like the prince charming.
Alright, so it's not actually my wedding day. And technically, I'm just sitting on my bed, lost in my own wild thoughts. But let me tell you, I've been obsessing over Jared since the third grade, and in my imagination, our wedding day is constantly playing out. I know, I know, call me a hopeless romantic or a certified weirdo, but hey, this is who I am - a dedicated dreamer!
"Jared," I whisper his name like a prayer. I imagined the way he would look at me on our wedding day, his warm brown eyes filling with pride and adoration, his strong hands holding mine with devotion and..."
"SARAH!"
My eyes snap open as my father's loud voice breaks the spell.
Dammit, I was just about to get to the good part!
"Sarah," my father's booming voice gets closer as he enters my room without even bothering to knock.
His tall, imposing figure fills the doorway, his tailored suit exuding authority and power. Thomas Whitmore is a man who demands respect and obedience, and I had always known better than to defy him.
"Daddy," I acknowledge, trying to hide the tremor in my voice. He is never one for idle conversation or heartfelt moments, so his presence in my bedroom can only spell trouble. "Is something wrong?"
"I need to talk to you, Sarah. I see you are still in bed," he says with a hint of irritation.
I almost roll my eyes, but I know better not to do that.
"Sarah, I have made a decision that will ensure the safety and prosperity of our family." His words are measured and deliberate, leaving no room for doubt. "You are to be married to Vincent Sterling."
Vincent who now?
"What?" I ask dumbly.
The name rolls off his tongue like a weight, heavy with significance and unknown meaning. "Vincent Sterling," he repeats, each syllable slow and deliberate, as if trying to imprint it in my mind.
My heart races as I try to make sense of the words. Who is this Vincent Sterling? And why am I suddenly being told that I am marrying him?
The air in the room takes on a suffocating quality, pressing down on me as I struggle to process the news. This cannot be happening. Not when I love Jared. But now, it seems my fate has been decided without my consent.
"What do you mean I'm marrying Vincent?" I nearly shout. "I don't even know who that is!"
"He is your husband, that's all you need to know," he says curtly.
"I am not marrying a stranger!" I cry out.
My father's face tightens with impatience. I've never spoken back to hum before, but this is about my life--my future. I don't want to marry just anyone. I open my mouth, "So please..."
My words are interrupted by a hard slap to my face.
I stare at my father who narrows his eyes at me," As a woman, you should know when to speak and when to shut your mouth. How could you not know who Vincent is? He's been making headlines all over the news." His tone grows sharper as he continues, "He's a powerful multibillionaire, owner of several successful companies in the city. And he has agreed to marry you."
My heart sinks at the thought of being married off like a business transaction to a stranger. And what does he mean Vincent is too good for me? I am his daughter!
Tears burn behind my eyes, but I fight them back. I refuse to break even though my father is treating me like business transaction.
"I can't marry some random guy," I choke out, desperation clawing at my chest. "I love Jared. You can't force me into a marriage with someone else."
"Your feelings for Jared are irrelevant," he declares coldly, his eyes never leaving mine. "This marriage is not about love. It is about securing our family's future. Vincent Sterling is a powerful man, and an alliance with him will ensure our protection and prosperity."
"But Jared and I..."
"Enough about Jared!" my father shouts, his tone unyielding. "You know what is at stake here. My company has been struggling, and Vincent can offer us the funds we need. You should be so lucky that he even agreed to this!"
So this is all about money.
"Why can't he marry someone else in the family?" I know I am being silly, and Dad won't budge. But I have to try everything to get out of this mess.
My father groans in frustration. "You are an only child."
"So, more reason not to marry me off like this!" I shriek. "I am your only daughter!"
My world crumbles around me as my father's words echo in my head. I stare at him, my eyes wide with shock, as if he had just struck me across the face.
"Sarah," my father says firmly, his tone taking no argument. "This is not up for discussion. This is what must be done."
I open my mouth to protest, but no words come out. Instead, I swallow hard, feeling the lump in my throat grow larger, threatening to choke me. My heart races like a wild horse and I fight back tears.
I clench my fists tightly, digging my nails into my palms as I fight the urge to break down in front of him. "How can you do this to me?"
Ugh...I feel like I am stuck in a terrible romance novel.
"Sarah, I am doing this for us - for our family," he replies, his voice unwavering. "You are my daughter, and I have made this decision in your best interest."
My best interest, my ass. He only cares about money and saving his company. No wonder his wives keep leaving him.
"Daddy, I am asking you one last time," I say, my voice steady despite the turmoil raging within me. "Please reconsider this arrangement. Give me a chance to choose my own person, to find happiness in my own way. Maybe there's another way we can pay off your debts. I will sell my rare collection of voodoo dolls if you want!"
"Enough," he commands, his voice cold as steel. "I have made my decision, and you will abide by it." With that, he walks out the door without looking back.
And in that moment, I knew that my life would never be the same again.
Sarah"Show me your ugliest wedding dress, please!" I announce cheerfully.The store clerk gives me a puzzling look while my friend shoves me playfully. "What are you saying, Sarah? Why would you want an ugly dress for your wedding?" my friend Natalie laughs.I let out a dramatic sigh, "Natalie, dear, do you really think I'll be walking down the aisle in a designer gown when I don't even know who my groom is? I am not exactly marrying my dream guy. I am being shipped off like cargo to some strange man who could be my father's age for all I know. So why waste time searching for the perfect dress when I'll never get my fairytale ending?""Why don't you try to talk to him about it again?" Natalie asks."Because my father threatened to disown me if I refused, and I have nowhere else to go," I say, feeling hopeless.Natalie's expression softens, and she puts a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Sarah, there has to be another way. You can't let your father dictate your entire life like this."
SarahIt turns out the store is fresh out of ugly dresses, so I settle for a beautiful wedding gown with delicate lace and intricate beadwork. The dress is a vision of elegance, featuring a sweetheart neckline that accentuates my figure and a flowing A-line skirt that trails gracefully behind me.It's so beautiful it makes me sick to my stomach.Natalie's eyes widen with surprise and delight when I come out to show off. "Sarah, you look absolutely breathtaking!"I don't share the same enthusiasm as her. "I guess since I am going to be the sacrificial lamb, I might as well become one in a dress like this," I say grimly.Natalie snorts. "Come on, Sarah, it's not that bad. At least the man you are marrying is a total stud."I glare at her. "A stud who just marched in and assaulted my lips and walked away without a second look. I think I am marrying a psychopath, Natalie."Natalie looks thoughtful. "He does kind of give me the Patrick Bateman vibe."Oh, dear lord, I am so screwed!"Ahem"
SarahToday is my wedding day.It's supposed to be the day that should be the happiest day of my life. My wedding day is the day I've been dreaming about since I was a little girl.Yes, the flowers are perfect, the cake is divine, and my dress fits like a glove. Everything I dreamed of has become true. But the only problem is that I am getting the wrong groom.Thanks to my loving father."Stop frowning so much honey, you will crease your makeup," my aunt Linda comments as she fusses over my veil.I roll my eyes. "Well, maybe a few creases will make it more authentic. You know, the 'teary-eyed bride' look."Aunt Linda chuckles, realizing the irony of the situation. "You always did have a way with words, dear. Maybe you can use that humor to get through today."I manage a small smile. "Maybe I should start practicing my stand-up routine now. It might be the only way to survive this.""I don't know why you got your panties in a twist about this. I saw the young man you are betrothed to.
SarahThe presidential honeymoon suite at the hotel is unlike anything I have ever seen before. As soon as I walked through the door, I let out a low whistle of amazement.The room is spacious, with high ceilings and large windows. The walls are painted a soft cream color, and the furniture is all made of rich, dark wood."What a beautiful room!" I chirp.Vincent doesn't even crack a smile. He looks less than impressed, as if we had just walked into Motel 6.The bed is the centerpiece of the room, a king-size four-poster with a thick, plush mattress and silky sheets. I can't help but think that this is something straight out of a romance novel.I look at the rose petals scattered all over the room and a giant jacuzzi tub that looks inviting. I gulp. Is he going to expect me to get in it later?I slowly walk over to the bed and sit down, my heart thumping in my chest. I hear Vincent walking over to me, and I want to get up and hurl my body out the window. I can't bear the thought of gi
Sarah"I am going to grab a quick shower. And when I come back, I expect you to be ready," he says gruffly and walks away.I watch as Vincent leaves the room, his presence lingering in the air like a poisonous cloud. The moment he's gone, I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.I know I shouldn't feel relieved in any shape or form since he will come back and demand to do the nasty with me. I have nowhere to run from here.I glance at the clock on the nightstand and realize that time is ticking away. I hear the shower go off and an unwanted thought crosses my mind.I wonder how he looks naked and wet...Seriously, Sarah? Why would you think about that? I scold myself, shaking off my inappropriate curiosity. It's a defense mechanism, I tell myself, a way to distract from the harsh reality of the situation. That man is going to come back and destroy my virginity and take away my dignity so I shouldn't be lusting over him.I quickly busied myself with straightening the already
SarahI slap my palm against his muscular chest before he enters me. "Please wait," I plead meekly."Wait? What for? Are you trying to stall again? His deep blue eyes glare at me suspiciously."While you...um...enter me, I want you to kiss me again like you did in that store," I say in an almost pleading voice."What?" He looks at me like I am speaking a foreign language."I'd never been kissed like that before, and it was...nice," I say. If he kisses me, at least I can pretend to feel like he likes me.Sad, I know.Vincent's eyebrows furrow as he considers my request, his dark eyes flickering with a mix of confusion and something else I can't quite decode. After a moment's hesitation, he lets out a deep sigh and leans closer, his warm breath ghosting over my lips."Fine," he mutters, his voice gruff with annoyance. "But don't get any ideas, princess. It's just a damn kiss."My heart skips a beat as he closes the distance between us, his lips pressing against mine. The touch is nothin
SarahVincent's eyes widen in surprise as my words hang in the air. A stunned silence follows, broken only by the sound of our labored breaths.Then, unexpectedly, Vincent bursts into laughter. His deep, rumbling chuckles fill the room and echo off the walls. It's the laugh I loved earlier.I watch as his laughter subsides, replaced once again by that cold, detached mask he wears so effortlessly. His eyes meet mine, and there is a flicker of something unreadable in them. I can't quite place it—perhaps confusion or curiosity—but it is quickly hidden beneath his usual stoicism."You are something else," he finally says, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. "Slaughtered a chicken with my penis, huh? That's a new one.""Aren't you going to ask me if I am okay?" I point out."Why would I do that?" he asks."Because you just took my virginity, jerk," I remind him. "And it hurt. Like a lot.""Ah, well. Are you expecting me to apologize? Not gonna happen, princess." His eyes narrow at me
Vincent Sterling, 35 years old..My perfectly smooth brow crinkles in frustration, and my jaw tenses as I fight to suppress the irritation that boils within me toward my new wife. Ever since I met her, she seems to always know how to push my buttons. Right now, here she is, rolling around in sheets like a weirdo.My frustration deepens as I watch her seemingly carefree antics. "What the hell are you doing?""These sheets are so soft! I want to be wrapped in them like a burrito. What's the thread count on these bad boys?" she asks."What is wrong with her?" I mutter, my tone a mix of disbelief and annoyance.She giggles, seemingly amused at my reaction. "Come on, Hubby, it's so cozy! Join me!"I clench my jaw. "Don't call me Hubby.""What am I supposed to call you then? Daddy?" she asks."Vincent, just call me Vincent. Now get up. You are acting like a fool," I order."No. I think I will call you Daddy since you are old enough to be my Sugar Daddy. Also, I think I will take a nap now,"