Chapter 1. REPLACEMENT BRIDE

 

(Freya’s Pov)

I sighed heavily. As I was  declared the bride of Ash Knight. The man who was suddenly married to me because my younger sister refused and ran away from the marriage. Being an illegitimate daughter, I was always used as a replacement for my younger sister. 

I was called nothing but a bad blood, a pet of the house. I would be given orders that I have to follow just like a loyal dog does for his masters.  Just like this replacement was an order from my step mom.

“Today, you have to save our reputation by marrying Ash knight. I hope you understood my order, very well?” My step mom Mary spat her words with hatred. As much she hates me more than she loves her daughter Stella.

With a nod, I agreed to take her place and follow her orders. But deep down the truth is that I had secretly loved him since college days. Back then, he was my sister's boyfriend, so I always hide my feelings.  But today life played a trick on us, and here I am standing as his bride and Mrs.Knight. 

I waited nervously in the elegant decorated room, adorned in a gown of ivory lace, the fabric whispering against my skin as I shifted uncomfortably. 

I took a deep breath and fidgeted my fingers in nervousness.

Grandmother's words echoed in my mind, her simple request she said before leaving me alone in this room.

“Wait here, Freya dear. Ash will come soon. He would surely fall in love with your beauty as I have.”

I gave her a small smile and thanked her. I hoped that he too loves me back. I smiled, as I tried to look perfect for our wedding night. I blushed at the thought of our first night together. I was about to give myself to the man I had loved for so long. 

I have always saved my virginity for my husband and as a gift tonight I will give him.

But as the hours passed and he didn’t show up, my excitement turned into worry. Where was he?

Sitting on the edge of the bed, I tried to calm my racing thoughts. I had waited so long for this moment, yet it was slipping away. I roughly pulled the veil made of tulle from my hair. I threw it in frustration while grumbling.

"Should I stay here all night like a fool?"I grumbled to myself in the five-star hotel room that had been booked specially for my sister and Ash's first night.But damn, it's not going well because I look like a dumped bride. It felt surreal, like a dream turning into a nightmare.

I can only stay here and wait for him to arrive. That is if he still remembers that he is married and has a wife waiting for him. 

“Was this how it was meant to be? Was I just a replacement, left alone on my wedding night?” I muttered as I felt a wave of sadness.

It was almost midnight when I glanced at the wall clock facing the bed. And once again, I sighed. I don't know how many times it's been.

As I was trying to pull down the zipper on my dress, I gasped in shock when I heard the door being opened hurriedly. I reflexively turned back, and I saw Ash, entering in a drunken state.

"Are you drunk?" I immediately covered my nose when I smelled the strong odor of alcohol from his body. I furrowed my brow as he walked towards me with staggering steps.

Where had he been to come back drunk like this? But, I didn't have time to think about it all because, in no time at all, he was already pulling my body. Pushed me against the wall and crushed my lips roughly.

Before I could react, he pulled me into a rough hug, pushing me against the wall and kissing me hard. 

"Ah! What are you doing?"I tried to push him away, but he was too strong.

Freya,” he murmured against my neck, his voice thick with emotion. “I never realized how beautiful you are. Your body... it’s so perfect, so hot.”

His words sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach. Despite his drunken state, his appreciation made my heart swell with joy. He kissed me again, more gently this time, and I felt myself melting into his embrace.

He pulled back slightly, his eyes roaming over my body. “You’re gorgeous, Freya. Every curve, every inch of you... you’re stunning.”

I blushed at his words, feeling a mix of shyness and excitement. Nobody has ever appreciated me and my beauty. It's the first time someone noticed it. 

 “Ash,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “I’ve waited so long for this.”

He smiled, a slow, lazy smile that made my heart race. “So have I,” he said, his voice low and husky. “You have no idea how much I want you right now.”

We moved to the bed, our kisses growing more passionate. My body responded to his every touch, and I felt a wave of desire wash over me. This was the moment I had dreamed of, and it was finally happening.

His hands roamed over my body, exploring every inch. “You’re so soft,” he whispered, his breath hot against my skin. “So perfect.”

I shivered at his touch, feeling a thrill of excitement. “Ash,” I moaned, my body arching towards him. “I want you... so much.”

He chuckled softly, his eyes dark with desire. “I want you too, Freya. More than anything.”

He fell limp beside me, heart pounding in equal measure. Our sweat was dripping like the rain that was pouring down tonight. Before I drifted off to sleep in his warm embrace.

The next morning, I woke up and saw Ash already sitting on the edge of the bed, his back to me. Still shirtless, I sat down next to him.

"Ash, last night...." When I wanted to touch his shoulder, he suddenly stood up and looked at me with a cold face. And my heart broke when I heard what he said. The happiness after what happened to us last night suddenly turned into a nightmare.

"Forget what happened last night," he said.

I paused, confused by what he was talking about.

"It was a mistake because I was drunk. So, forget it."

"What do you mean?" I asked without understanding.

Mistake? Why is it called a mistake?

"Are you playing dumb? I married you because it was my grandmother's last request. I don't love you and never will. Because the only woman I love is Stella."

"W-what?" I blinked in surprise. I was too shocked to even say anything, More ever when he loved my sister when he married me. And to add insult to injury, I felt hurt by his words.

"You should understand your position. You're just a replacement bride and an illegitimate child of the Quinn family. So, don't expect a normal marriage like any other couple. Because the fact is, we don't love each other."

I fell silent. And to my further annoyance, I felt hurt by his rude words.

“Ash, I’ve loved you for so long. Last night... it meant everything to me.”

Tears welled up in my eyes. 

He shook his head, his expression hardening. “Remember always that my heart belongs to Stella. She’s the one I love, not you. I can give you everything you need—money, a home, security—but I can’t give you my love.” 

The pain in my chest was unbearable. “Ash, please...”

This hurt. My chest felt tight as I heard his words that were so cold as if he didn't care about my feelings. The words not only broke my heart into pieces but sliced through me like icy blades, each a cruel reminder of my shattered hopes. 

“Why is everyone using me and dumping me? I thought he would be different from the others, but he's worse than my step family.” I cried, and hugged myself as my dream was shattered just within a day.

The weight of reality crashing down upon me, I wanted to scream, cry, and demand answers from him but my voice caught in my throat. 

All I could manage was a choked sob.