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
ANNAThe Maldives is more beautiful than I ever imagined. The turquoise waters stretch out endlessly before me, the sun casting a golden glow over everything it touches. It should be the perfect honeymoon destination, the kind of place where dreams come true. But as I step off the plane and into the warm, humid air, I can't help but feel a tightness in my chest a reminder that this isn't the fairytale I'd once envisioned.Damien and I barely speak as we're escorted to the resort. The staff is incredibly welcoming, their smiles wide and genuine, but I can't bring myself to return them. Instead, I nod politely, clutching my handbag as if it's the only thing grounding me in this reality. We're shown to our rooms, separate rooms.My room is stunning, with large windows that offer a breathtaking view of the ocean. There's a king-sized bed in the centre, draped with crisp white linens, and a bouquet of fresh flowers on the bedside table. It's everything I could have wanted, yet all I can th
ANNAAs I wander along the pristine beach, the sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue over the tranquil waters of the Maldives. The beauty here is undeniable, but it feels almost wasted on me. The weight of everything—this hollow marriage, Damien's betrayal—makes it hard to appreciate the paradise I’m in. I walk slowly, letting the cool sand slip between my toes, trying to lose myself in the sound of the waves.I should be happy here. I should be enjoying every moment of this supposed honeymoon. But instead, I feel more alone than I ever have before. My thoughts drift back to the conversation I had with Damien last night, the coldness in his eyes when he told me he had met someone else. A “distraction,” he called it.I sigh, trying to push the thoughts away, but they cling to me like the humidity in the air. I know I should go back to the hotel, maybe take a bath, and try to relax. But the idea of returning to that empty room, knowing Damien is in the next roo
DAMIENI wake up to the sound of waves crashing against the shore, a rhythmic reminder of the paradise we’re supposed to enjoy. My eyes flutter open, and for a moment, I’m disoriented. The room is filled with light, the curtains billowing softly in the breeze. I sit up, feeling the weight of the previous night’s decisions settle heavily on my chest. The bed is empty beside me, as it has been for the past few nights.Anna is in another room, likely asleep or already out for a walk. She’s been doing that a lot—taking long walks alone, lost in her thoughts. I can’t say I blame her. This honeymoon has been anything but ideal, and it’s mostly my fault. But regret isn’t something I dwell on. It’s just not in my nature.I push the sheets aside and swing my legs over the edge of the bed, rubbing my hands over my face. My phone buzzes on the nightstand, and I pick it up, half expecting another message from Amanda. Amanda: Hey handsome, Awake? I can’t seem to forget how you fucked me. You’re r