DAMIEN“Shit,” I mutter to myself, dread creeping in. This is not how things were supposed to go.I stare at the message, the words blurring as my pulse quickens. “We need to talk.” That’s never good—my mind races, deciphering what Anna could know. The image in the text flashes through my mind again—me, that girl at the bar, too close, her hand on my arm, my laugh too careless. How the hell did Anna find out?I swallow hard, pacing the length of my living room, the phone clutched in my hand like it’s a lifeline. My gut twists with a sickening realization: this could ruin everything. Everything we’ve planned, for—is gone in an instant because of one stupid, meaningless night. I need to fix this, and fast.But how? My fingers hover over the screen, unsure of how to respond. A million thoughts rush through my head. I could deny it, say it was nothing, that the picture is misleading. But Anna won’t believe me. Admitting I messed up when I agreed to her condition, especially so close to t
ANNAI wake up with a heavy feeling in my chest, the weight of yesterday’s conversation with Damien still pressing down on me. I can’t shake the image of that photo, the way he was with her, so casual, so careless. The betrayal stings, but what’s worse is the uncertainty that’s settled in the pit of my stomach. Can I move past this and get married to him? Do I even want to fulfil Mr Williams Donovan’s wish?As I sit up in bed, the morning light filters through the curtains, casting a soft glow around the room. I take a deep breath, trying to clear my mind. Today is supposed to be the final day of wedding preparations, but instead, it feels like everything is hanging by a thread. My phone buzzes on the nightstand, and I glance at it, half-expecting another message from Damien. But it’s just a reminder about our meeting with the wedding planner. A knot forms in my stomach as I think about facing Damien today. Part of me wants to cancel the meeting altogether, to avoid the confrontation
DAMIENThe moment I hit the "Post" button, it's like releasing a dam. I watch as the announcement about our wedding goes live, sending ripples across the internet. My phone immediately lights up with notifications—texts, emails, social media alerts—each one more overwhelming than the last.The invitation card that I chose for the post has our names nicely designed on it. Within seconds, the first wave of headlines starts to flood in, and I know the world is watching. I glance at my phone as the screen buzzes continuously, new alerts flashing faster than I can read them. Each headline feels like a punch, some more annoying than others:“Billionaire Damien Donovan Announces Wedding to Anna Smith—Is This the Event of the Year?”“Power Couple Alert: Damien Donovan and Anna Smith Set to Tie the Knot—But Will It Last?” “Damien Donovan and Anna Smith Wedding Announcement Breaks the Internet—What’s Next for the Business Mogul?”“Love or Obligation? Inside the Wedding of the Year”“Can Anna
ANNAI stare at my reflection in the mirror, barely recognizing the woman looking back at me. My eyes, once bright and full of hope, now seem clouded, weighed down by everything that’s happened. The decision to go through with the wedding feels like a chain wrapped around my chest, tightening with each passing day.I smooth down the fabric of my dress, a soft, pale blue that’s meant to evoke serenity but only serves to highlight the turmoil churning inside me. I take a deep breath, trying to centre myself. Today is the day I check out my wedding dress with Lola and the final wedding planning meeting with Damien and Mrs Scott. The wedding is in two days and at this point, there’s no backing out. I can’t help but think of the headlines, and the relentless media frenzy that’s followed us ever since we announced the wedding. Every news alert, and every social media post, feels like a fresh wound. I never imagined it would be this way judged by strangers who don’t even know me.I reach fo
ANNA My heart pounds in my chest, echoing the chaos that surrounds me. Today is the day—the day my life changes forever. The day I fulfil Mr Williams Donovan's last wish by marrying Damien. The day I step into the spotlight, not just as a bride, but as a public figure. A symbol of something larger than myself.I stand still as the stylist finishes the last touches on my hair, pinning the delicate veil into place. The gown feels heavy on my shoulders, not just in weight but in significance. It’s a masterpiece—ivory lace, intricate beading, a train that flows like water. It’s everything a girl could dream of, and yet I feel like I’m suffocating under its weight.Lola steps into the room, her eyes bright with excitement. “Anna, you look stunning,” she says, her voice filled with genuine awe. She’s dressed in a soft blush bridesmaid dress, her hair styled in loose waves. She’s the perfect vision of calm, the rock I’ve leaned on throughout this entire ordeal.“Thanks, Lola,” I reply, tryi
DAMIENThe light filtering through the curtains feels almost too bright, a sharp contrast to the dim haze that has settled over my thoughts since the wedding. I’m sitting in my study, my tie loosened around my neck, the remnants of the previous night still lingering in my mind. The wedding. The chaos. The attention. It’s all been... a lot.The soft hum of my phone vibrating on the desk breaks through my thoughts. I glance at the screen, noting Evans’ name flashing across it. I let out a sigh before picking it up and bringing the phone to my ear.“Evans,” I say, my voice tinged with a weariness I can’t quite shake.“Damien!” Evans’ voice booms through the speaker, full of energy, like always. “Man, I’ve been trying to get ahold of you all morning! How are you feeling, Mr. Married Man?”I manage a chuckle, though it feels forced. “Feeling... married, I guess.”Evans laughs, the sound hearty and genuine. “Come on, don’t be so serious. Yesterday was a blast! The wedding was incredible. Br
ANNAThe morning light filters through the large windows, casting a soft glow over the polished floors of the mansion. It's my first time in Damien's home—our home now. The grandeur of it all is almost overwhelming. The high ceilings, the intricate moulding, the expansive rooms... everything about this house screams wealth, power, and status. It’s a far cry from the cozy apartment I once shared with my parents.Miss Rosie, Damien’s nanny, is standing patiently by the door. She’s dressed in a neat uniform, her expression warm and welcoming. She’s been working for the Donovan’s together with my father for years, and it shows in the way she moves through the house with such ease like she’s part of its very foundation.“Mrs. Donovan,” she begins, her voice gentle, “would you like me to show you around the house? I can help you get acquainted with everything you need to know.”I force a smile, nodding. “Yes, thank you, Miss Rosie. That would be great. But please call me Anna.”She smiles
DAMIEN Maldives is paradise. The kind of place that you see in travel magazines and wonder if it could be real. White sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze—it’s everything you’d expect and more. My late father outdid himself with his last wish as every plan of his is going on well. Who would have thought I, Damien Donovan would ever be travelling to the Maldives with my wife for our honeymoon?Anna is beside me, her face a mix of awe and anxiety. It’s her first time travelling, and I know this trip should be something special for her. But the tension between us is thick, almost suffocating. Ever since the wedding, we’ve been playing our roles, going through the motions, but there’s a wall between us—one that I’m not sure how to break down, or if I even want to.As we arrive at the resort, the staff greets us with warm smiles and cold towels. They show us to our rooms—separate, of course. Anna and I exchange a glance, but neither of us says anythi