Inescapable bond

❗How would you feel if your husband invited his mistress over on your honeymoon?❗

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The grand hall doors swung open, revealing the most beautiful bride of the year standing at the entrance with her father. Her expression was blurred by the piercing rays of the sun. She hesitated, her eyes scanning the surroundings. Today was supposed to be the happiest day of her life—if only the marriage was for love, and not some damn business arrangement.

"Compose yourself, Eureka," her father whispered, tightening his grip on her trembling hand. "You know what will happen if you mess things up. We will be doomed forever." His tone was laced with both anger and fear. This marriage was their last hope, and if Eureka messed up, only God could define their fate.

"Let’s keep going. Don’t get the crowd suspicious," he added, pulling Eureka along, though her steps faltered.

She had dreaded this day for weeks, ever since her father announced her marriage to Raymond Blackwood, a man she barely knew. Her heart pounded loudly in her chest, tears welling in her eyes. It felt like just yesterday she was a graduate, ready to build her career in the fashion industry. Now, she was about to be handed to a stranger—a man she did not love.

As they walked down the aisle, different thoughts reeled in her mind. What kind of man was Raymond? What should she expect from him after this union?

She had begged for another way, cried, screamed, even packed her bags to leave. But guilt rooted her in place. Her family needed her. Her parents had sacrificed too much for her to turn her back on them now.

Before she could process her thoughts, her hand was slid into a large, cold palm, sending chills down her spine. She looked up to meet the piercing eyes of Raymond, staring down at her with a look of disgust and resentment. He didn’t want this marriage either.

Yet, here he stood, the picture of composure—his tuxedo tailored to perfection, his hair swept back like a man ready for the cameras. For Raymond, this was just another deal, another contract he was forced to sign.

Without a word, Raymond turned to face the priest, pulling his hand away from hers. To him, standing next to her felt like a punishment he couldn’t wait to escape.

The priest began to speak, his voice echoing through the hall, but the words were a blur. All Eureka could hear was the deafening roar of her own thoughts.

"Do you accept Raymond Blackwood as your lawfully wedded husband?"

She hesitated, her eyes locking with Raymond’s as whispers echoed around the hall. She could feel her parents’ tension even from where she stood. But this wasn’t love; this wasn’t a partnership. It was just an arrangement—a business transaction where her freedom was the price.

But what choice did she have?

"I do," she whispered, her voice trembling but audible enough for the room to hear.

When Raymond was asked the same question, he answered without hesitation. He couldn’t wait to be done with this and reclaim his life.

His father had forced this marriage, threatening him with his inheritance. He had no choice but to accept, betraying the love of his life and hating Eureka for it.

Eureka flinched as the priest declared them husband and wife. When Raymond turned to her, the kiss was quick—a formality meant only for the crowd. His lips barely brushed hers before he stepped back, already looking past her toward something she couldn’t decipher. She was tempted to follow his gaze but remained still, careful not to make a mistake, as her parents had instructed.

Minutes later, they walked down the hall, hand in hand, but Raymond’s grip tightened around her wrist with each step. When she glanced at him, his eyes seemed fixed on something she couldn’t comprehend, a look of pain in them. The crowd erupted in cheers, fists pumping in the air as confetti rained down around them. They were oblivious to the tension between the newlyweds.

"What’s wrong?" she dared to ask, earning a venomous glare from Raymond.

Raymond leaned in, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered, "Don’t get used to this, Mrs. Blackwood. This is just a business arrangement."

His voice was sharp and cold, tinged with a menacing hatred that cut through her already fragile heart. She swallowed hard, fighting back tears caused by his words.

"I won’t dispute that fact, Raymond. Don’t think too much," she retorted, forcing a sarcastic smile onto her face. She didn’t want to show her weakness—not now, not in front of a thousand pairs of eyes. "And stop with the Blackwood title. It sucks."

He pulled his hand away abruptly, his eyes darting away from hers. "Now you know your place," he said, his words dripping with malice. "Excuse me," he added, avoiding her gaze as he scanned the crowd. It felt as though he was searching for something—or someone. Without another word, he walked away toward the dressing room, leaving Eureka stunned.

"Where is he going?" her mother asked, startling her. "What did you say to him? Did you upset him? What have you done, Eureka?" Her voice was tinged with fear, a fear Eureka couldn’t fully understand. How had their once-bubbly family turned into this despair? When had her loving parents become so desperate, willing to sell her off to save a failing company?

"We’re married already, Mom. There’s nothing to worry about anymore," she said, though she didn’t believe her own words. There was a lot to worry about—maybe not for her parents, but for her, her life, her freedom.

"Go to him now and apologize if you offended him," her mother commanded, her voice tight but low.

"Must I do that now?" Eureka cried in frustration, though deep inside, curiosity gnawed at her. What had distracted Raymond? Her mother’s glare was enough to send her hurrying after him.

Her steps were swift but calculated as she walked down the corridor leading to the dressing room. Her hands trembled, her body quivering. Maybe she shouldn’t do this. But hushed tones from the dressing room reignited her curiosity, compelling her forward.

She opened the door slightly, her heart leaping to her throat. A painful gasp escaped her lips, and she struggled to compose herself, leaning against the wall for support.