Chapter 4

MARRIED.

JOAN.

Standing alone in the bridal room, no friends, no family, all alone and staring at my reflection, I can't help but remember when it was my life took a drastic turn.

I should have ran.

When he showed up at the funeral home and said he was taking me home.

I should have screamed and ran.

If I had done that, I would not be here, about to get married to a stranger.

Two months.

They had me licked in that room for two months before I finally caved.

On the first night, my phone and laptop were seized and then Mira told me that they had informed my workplace that I wouldn't be returning.

Effectively cutting me off from anyone who could have helped.

I had tried to hold on, to hang in for just a little longer but for what?

No one was coming to save me.

No one cared enough.

I was truly alone in this world.

And if I wanted to get free of them, then I needed to leave the room first and marriage was the only way to do that.

And so, here I am.

A few moments away from getting married.

I wonder, will that window fit me?

I am just in the process of sticking my keg out when I hear a knock sound and see Marcus, my groom walking into the room.

He stops in surprise as he takes in my position at the window and with a slow-growing smirk on his face, says.

“I don't think that gown would let you pass through.”

He is right, I note as I look down on the gown.

It is a beautiful ball gown, one similar to that of Cinderella. It has a full and flowing skirt that elegantly falls to the floor and is decorated with layers of delicate tulle, making me look like an ethereal bride.

The bodice of the gown is well-fitted and beautifully laced with intricate lace, and twinkling crystals while the sweetheart neckline draws attention to my neck and collarbone, and at the waist of the gown is a dramatic train that trails behind me.

It is one of the most expensive dresses I have ever owned.

Say what you want but there is no way they will be embarrassed with a tacky wedding gown.

I sigh as I pull my leg back and face him fully, eyebrow arched in question.

He takes a long lingering look at me before nodding.

“You look good enough to eat.”

What a gentleman.

“Why are you here?”

“We have a few minutes before the ceremony, I thought it would be a good chance to get to know my wife-to-be. I mean, I would have done that earlier but I was told you went to close a deal in Barbados.”

“Yeah right,” I mutter as I roll my eyes.

“I take it that is a lie,” he remarks.

“You would be correct.”

“hmm. Not surprising. What is surprising is that you finally gave in. I thought you would hold out longer.”

“I held out for two months, in one meal per day. And that is if you could call what they fed me a meal. “

“And so you planned on escaping today?”

“Yes.”

“What if I told you I have a better proposition for you? One that would eventually bring your family to their knees and begging for mercy.”

“I would say you should continue. Speaking, that is.”

“I want their company. I want everything Logan has and one of the simple ways to do that is to have a blood relation on my side. Like you.”

“Yeah, maybe but I am an illegitimate daughter…”

“A recognized one. You still count.”

“Why?”

“Why do you want to destroy them?”

“Because they destroyed us first.”

“How?”

“You are a wee that my family is supposedly bankrupt, yes?”

“Supposedly?”

“Logan had a black deal with one of my father's rivals and managed to lure him into their trap, hence the liquidation of most of our credit. What he doesn't know is that I have a separate company, an entity completely removed from its chessboard. Like a lion, prowling behind an overfed hyena.”

“So, this is a revenge marriage. Does your family know?”

“Of course. They are all on board with it. The only issue was Mira. I can't stand that girl,” he says as he runs his hand through his hair like be was admiring himself in front of a mirror. “But thankfully, her bloated sense of importance took care of that.”

“And you don't mind me?”

“You hate them. I saw it in the caustic way you watched them that day, in the way you had no qualms about embarrassing them. And that is why, I think we would work well together.”

“So you are not poor?” I ask to clarify.

“No, I am actually, obscenely rich.” He said,

“Much more than Logan.”

“He is a small fry.”

“Fine then. I will help you on one condition. That while you are taking your revenge by taking everything from them, you will help me torment them. You take their wealth, while I press on the wound. You will use your power, money, and connections to bring untold suffering in all three of them.”

“Damn. You are vicious. I like it. We have a deal “ He says as he gets to his feet and extends his hand for a handshake.

As I take it, I can't help but take note of his features. He is handsome.

Tall, shoulder-length black hair, blue eyes, and with a small scar on his jaw.

“You should know, I just came out of a bad breakup, “ I tell him as he heads to the door.

“Oh, I know. George. Cheated on you with Mira. Your sister is a slut.”

Finally, someone who agrees.

But, wait…

“How did you know that?” I demand.

“You are about to be my wife. I need to know everything about you,” he says with a cheeky smile and then leaves.

I stare in mild disbelief at the door before a slow smile creeps over my face.

This… couldn't have happened better if u had planned it myself.

Of course, there were still some things I needed to clarify with him but right now, he has given me hope.

Hope that maybe I can get my pound of flesh.

The Vales, we're evil people. Cruel, selfish, and greedy.

And today, I will no longer be one of them, completely removed from their power.

It is beautiful.

And now, as I walk down the aisle, with fake smiles and vicious whispers thrown my way, I am not bothered.

I know something that they don't know and the power that comes with it is glorious.

Marcus and I exchange vows and as he leans down to his Lee, he whispers.

“Careful, kitten, your fangs are showing.” He whispered gently.

I laugh at his words, a true joyful thing and I can see the flash of surprise on both Vivian and Mira’s faces.

Good.

Be surprised.

As they come up for a family portrait, I lean slightly over to them and whisper.

“I should thank you, you have given me such a wonderful gift.” I beamed, knowing if the smile could be seen, it would scare them off.

“What-”

“Shh, look at the camera and smile.”

I promise you will never smile like that again.

Trust me