Prologue

Beatrice

The morning sun gilded the stone paths leading to the imposing church. As my heart beats rapidly, I approach the church entrance. I grip the arm of my dear father, concerned that the groom may not be waiting for me at the altar.

Three long years had passed since the last time I saw Edward Maddock. And now, here I am, ready to seal our fate in a marriage that, despite being formalized by a contract, carries the promise of a life together.

With each step towards the church, my pulse quickens, my heart pounding like a drum announcing the unknown. The soft music fills the air, accompanying the rhythmic beat of my chest. And then, I see him.

Edward stands next to the priest, imposing in his dark tailcoat, the epitome of elegance and masculinity that always impressed me. His dark hair is meticulously combed, his forehead slightly furrowed as he gazes ahead. I hold my breath, feeling a lump in my throat at the sight of him there, waiting for me.

Relief washes over me as I realize my fears have not materialized. Edward is waiting for me. A genuine smile plays on my lips as I walk down the church aisle and face Edward, hoping his eyes will smile back at me.

Finally, as I reach the altar, my gaze meets Edward's firmly, and my smile fades as I notice the expression on his face. His eyes, once filled with promises, now display a hardness that makes me hesitate. He watches me intensely, his gaze penetrating the depths of my soul. The familiarity of his features contrasts with the emotional distance he seems to create at this moment.

As I approach, a sense of joy mixes with growing uncertainty. The gentle touch of our fingers meeting at the altar sends an electric shock through my body, but the intensity of Edward's gaze is like a cold that makes me question everything that brought us here. The man who has always been the great love of my life is before me, yet something in his eyes makes me wonder if accepting a marriage by contract might have been the biggest mistake I've ever made.

The celebrant's words, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined together, let no man separate," echoed powerfully, making me shiver. I look at Edward, searching in his eyes for the same flame that existed when we were young, growing up together in Kent. However, all I find is a cold, emotionless gaze. I wait for what feels like an eternity, but the kiss I expected to receive at this moment does not happen.

The applause echoes, and Edward holds my hand as we exit the church. We walk slowly, forming a group with the guests awaiting us outside. Flower petals fall like rain, and laughter and hugs fill the air. Our family and friends are radiant with joy at our union.

From this point on, everything unfolds like a movie, where I am just a spectator, observing closely but not truly feeling a part of it. At the wedding reception, toasts, a brief speech by our father, who is visibly happy to fulfill an old dream: the union of his daughter with the son of his best friend and lifelong business partner. Dances also fill the night.

"Do you want to leave?" Edward asks, maintaining his usual courtesy.

"Yes," I responded with a sigh of satisfaction. "I believe no one will mind if we depart now."

He says nothing more, only holding my hand and guiding us to the table where our parents are, to bid farewell properly. No discreetly escaping from our wedding celebration.

"You haven't told me where we're going for our honeymoon," I comment with a smile when we're already inside the car. "I haven't even had a chance to pack because I have no idea about your plans."

I didn't intend to sound critical, but Edward's expression makes it clear that's how he interpreted my words.

"I haven't informed you of our trip's destination because there won't be a honeymoon — at least, not for now," he responds without looking at me. "We need to address the delicate financial situation of your father's company first. Once everything is sorted out, and the company is back on track, then we can travel."

I was breathless upon hearing his direct refusal.

"No honeymoon?" I couldn't hide my surprise.

"As you know, our marriage was motivated by the precarious financial situation your father's company is facing. I need to resolve these issues first. When everything is sorted out, and the company is back to where it was before, then we can travel."

There are a thousand questions I would like to ask, but the presence of the driver in the front seat prompts me to save them for a more appropriate moment. I don't want to discuss something so intimate in that manner. Edward had already mentioned that we would spend our first night as a married couple at his home in London, which brings me some relief. Perhaps, in the privacy of our new home, the atmosphere between us can return to what it was before.

I realized I was mistaken when he mentioned he would be in the library if I needed him. Edward took off his blazer and vest, leaving only his dress shirt and pants, right upon entering the luxurious mansion, something understandable as it was his home. I still needed to adjust to the place.

"Are you going to work today?" The question escaped my lips before I could stop it.

"I'll be brief," he replied, walking down the corridor. "That way, you can feel more comfortable getting ready."

When he mentioned "getting ready," my heart raced, and a spontaneous smile lit up my face. Of course, he was just being considerate, giving me a moment of privacy to change out of my wedding dress into something more suitable for our wedding night.

My bags and personal belongings were already in the house, something I had organized myself before the wedding. Edward arrived in England just the day before. I congratulated myself on my efficiency because if it had depended on him, nothing would have been planned. He did not get involved in any decision regarding our marriage.

These thoughts swirled in my mind as I put on the delicate lingerie I had chosen for our first night as a married couple. My first time with a man. I had always dreamed of this moment, the one where I would completely surrender to the man I loved. The man I was about to give myself to, Edward.

Hours later, with swollen eyes from crying so much and exhausted from waiting for my husband, I finally fell asleep. The weight of all the expectations I had created weighed on my shoulders. These were shattered by Edward, and I found myself facing an uncertain future, trying to find my place amid this new reality.