(Violet's POV) Walking down the gravel path of the gardens was almost nostalgic as I took my sweet time in approaching the pond area. Suspicious Leo had vanished shortly after our loving exchange with no hint as to where.All the mansion staff seemed to be in on some big secret as they giggled upon every passing and quickly shooed me out the house at sunset. Being curious was an understatement as I wasn’t sure what to expect from this unpredictable man. The leaves rustled as my shoulder brushed a low hanging branch upon passing under the arch of the corner garden. The dark of the night was almost unnoticeable as the entire area was lit up by various lanterns and glowing string lights.Tables covered in absolutely delectable pastries were scattered about the open scratches of grass as the large tree was coated in dangling stars. Amongst the elaborate decor was a dahsing looking Leo dressed in a white tuxedo. In his large hands was the unreasonably heavy book that was now wrapped in a
(Third Person POV)The gentle warmth of the sunlight danced across the pale complexion of Violet’s dress. The white silk of the gown morphed into lace around her arms and neck. Her dark wavy hair, now cut shoulder length, was adorned with small purple flowers speckled throughout and meticulously secured. “Ms. Bennet, it’s time,” an older looking woman informs Violet from the doorway. She turns to nod towards the lady before glancing back out the window, her eyes looking towards the sky.A chuckle escapes her as deja vu sets in before being quickly ejected from her mind. Their wedding venue was located at a beautiful hotel near a quiet beach with plenty of space for an outdoor party. Leo had insisted that Violet choose where she wanted and he would make sure everything was perfect.A small smirk crosses her face before swiftly shifting into a genuine smile of contentment. Violet clutches her bouquet as she slowly proceeds towards a pair of large double doors.With the start of the mu
The white of the wedding dress glistened in the warm sunlight as I stared at my hollow reflection. Aunt Bella is humming as she rearranges my hair, occasionally saying words to convince me this was a wonderful day, not that I believed her in the slightest. As she places the final wave into the bun, there is a knock at the door. “Ms. Bennet, it's almost time,” the wedding organizer speaks with oblivious enthusiasm. I nod to signal my understanding and step closer to the nearby window. My body is completely numb as I recall not even three days ago, before my life was ripped to pieces. The airport in Columbus, Ohio is as clustered as ever with frantic humans running from one flight to another. “Violet, are you sure you're alright with us leaving early? Your father and I can call out sick,” my mother sincerely asks, a gentle tone in her voice. I smile as she strokes my dark hair, knowing full well I wouldn't ask them to lie for me. “Yeah and if that doesn't work we can just
(Leo's POV) I watch as Violet is dragged away by her domineering aunt. As the events of the day replay in my mind, and the image of her tear stained face lingers, a stern looking man walks toward me. “Father, I can explain,” I start to say before he holds up a hand and squints, his expression blank. Disappointment is evident in his eyes and I brace for the onslaught of criticism he has lined up for me. “You know better than this, Leo,” he begins with a cold edge as he continues with the usual lectures. “The company's image is what makes us move forward. If news got out that your bride tried to flee, we would be a laughing stock. I'm only allowing this union because her father was an executive director and you need their trust. Don't let anything like this happen again.” “Yes, father. I will personally see to it that Ms. Bennet goes through with the wedding,” I respond with a distant monotone. “You better. I didn't raise you to be a failure,” he spouts before wobbling back to t
(Violet's POV) The kitchen floor is cold as I lay there, staring at the black phone screen. The phone call rendered me immobile, the shock of the news hitting me like a semi truck. Cold and alone, I knew that the warmth of the house would never return, just like them. “Violet!” my mother's voice replies in my mind endlessly. I scream to make it stop, the quiet, my name, everything. As the darkness grows lighter, I gasp when a dull pain throbs in my head. Opening my eyes, I find myself tangled in the sheets and on the floor. “Another nightmare. How lovely,” I bitterly think to myself. Pushing off the floor, I hobble over to the dresser to get ready. “He just has to leave at seven, huh?” I grumply think as I lay out a few outfits on the oversized bed. I slept until it was almost time to leave, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to never deal with him again. After settling on a plain shirt and jeans combo, I stumbled down the stairs towards the kitchen for a much needed cup o
(Leo's POV) The day dragged on after Violet left, the residue of the eventful morning lingering throughout my workspace. Shoving the remainder of the paperwork in with the laptop, I get ready for what awaits back home. A small part of me wouldn't be surprised if Violet took off given how poorly I just treated her. After all, our relationship was built on a rocky foundation to begin with. I make my way to the second floor, I spare a glance at Violet's room before entering my own. Flipping the light switch, I nearly have a heart attack when I see Violet seated on the bed. “What the hell are you doing in here?!” I demand, trying to regain my composure. It takes a lot to maintain a cool exterior around basically everybody. “I'm just waiting to confirm something. So, how was work?” she innocently inquired, her gaze seemingly more confident than before. My mind is too rattled by her sudden appearance to properly warn me about the trap that was set for me. “Fine. Are you bothe
(Violet's POV) “I feel strange,” I state at the top of the stairs. The royal blue dress the maids squeezed me into compressing my rib cage until it was hard to move. Leo doesn't say a word, but instead stares with a strange expression. I grip the handrail as I descend the curved structure, stopping a few steps before the floor. “You look beautiful,” he comments while extending a hand. I feel the heat rush to my cheeks as I quickly grab it and clear my throat. “You look nice too,” I replied and it was true. He wore a classic tuxedo with a bow tie and his hair slicked back. If there was ever a time when he looked the part of CEO, it was now. The party was held in the penthouse of a presumably high ranking man in the business world. Leo had told me a bit about it, but I was more nervous about the guests than the host. “No need to be nervous,” Leo comments beside me in the car. I scoff as he smiles with that same false expression. “There's no need to pretend either,” I shoot b
(Leo's POV) I watch in slow motion as Violet's skin drains of all color and her feeble body drops to the ground, incapacitated by some invisible force. As panic overrides my once abundant anger, I find myself rushing to her side. “Violet!” I shout while pulling her loose body into my arms. Adrenaline burns my blood as waves of startled thoughts race through my frantic mind. “Help! Somebody call for help!” I cry, heaving her strangely light form off the ground. Violet doesn't stir as I carry her down the stairs and towards an awaiting car. “What in the world is going on?!” I hear Violet's Aunt question on the way out, but I don't spare her a moment. After gently placing Violet in the backseat, I climb in next to her and the vehicle bolts for the nearest hospital. “Please, wake up,” I mumble between strained breaths. Her fair complexion remains unnaturally white and I brush back the fallen locks from her face. As we pull up to the front doors, the area is quickly filled with