Chapter 0004

Ximena's POV

Refraining from any musings on the ongoing events, I finally uttered the words "I do." As much as I would like to escape this situation, I have come to terms with my fate. It is best for everyone if I accept the inevitable. After all, I have willingly signed my life over to this marriage. Yes, you heard correctly. My cunning, so-called mother-in-law manipulated me into signing an agreement stating that I must marry her son if I want to receive the promised money. There is no way out of this predicament.

Blah blah blah. The familiar phrase, "You may now kiss the bride," resounded in the room. But wait a minute, who is supposed to be kissing whom? My gaze shifted to Hudson, his expressionless face now twisted into a look of disgust. Do I disgust him? Well, newsflash, baby boy, you annoy me too. And kissing you will certainly not be on my to-do list. At least I didn't agree to that in the contract.

I could hear murmurs among the guests, most likely my Aunt Sadie, fuming with anger. I could feel the expectation from everyone, eagerly anticipating our first kiss. And I could see that Hudson shares the same feeling as me - no kissing. But wait, what is he trying to do now? He leaned forward, and I stared at him as if he were about to commit a crime. Before his lips could make contact with mine, I quickly stepped on his foot, causing him to retreat. You have no idea who you're messing with, Hudson Miles Lucas. Maybe the guests were oblivious to the awkward exchange that just took place, as they erupted into cheers and applause.

***

As we sat at the tiring night reception, Hudson and I each found our own comfortable space on the chair. I couldn't help but wonder why the incompetent wedding planner couldn't just set up two separate chairs. Without a word, Hudson stood up to take a phone call. It felt as if I had just been released from a year-long prison sentence, as I took a deep breath and relaxed.

"Hello, there," a lady suddenly appeared in front of me. Who is this now? Her fake smile and familiar eyes gave it away - she's a member of the Miles Lucas family.

"Hello?" I replied, mustering up a polite wave.

"We haven't been introduced yet. My name is Eleanor Miles Lucas, Hudson's younger sister," she stated with a smile. That same artificial smile seems to run in their family.

"Nice to meet you, Eleanor."

I really tried to convey a sense of politeness, but it was that hard.

“What a pity that you were chosen. Wishing you a happy married life, Ximena,” she uttered and departed. This family is quite eccentric. I can only hope that I am not entering the den of lunatics.

“We must be on our way,” Hudson's voice snapped me out of my gaze fixed on Eleanor's retreating form. “Shall we?” he inquired, extending his hand towards mine. In his dreams, I presume.

My stomach fluttered. I never yearned for this moment. What fate awaits me? Who are the monsters awaiting are the monsters awaiting my arrival into the Miles house? God, please intervene. I stood up.

“Sure,” I uttered, walking ahead of him, ignoring his hand. I can handle this. No harm will come to me. I won't let them defeat me.

A few moments later, the Mercedes-Benz that conveyed us arrived at a mansion. No, not a mansion, a villa. Men clad in black suits roamed about, armed with guns. What have I gotten myself into? We stepped out of the car, facing the villa. I glanced at Hudson. His expressionless face remained unmoved.

“Come on, I have matters to attend to,” he grasped my hand and pulled me along, paying no heed to the fact that I was wearing a floor-length wedding gown.

We entered the parlor. Servants bustled about, attending to various tasks. They bowed down to Hudson before vanishing out of sight. Unseen glares pierced right through me. The chill that seeped into my skin was spine-chilling. The stench of terror lingered in the air. Everything made my head spin. But did that deter the cold-hearted man whose grip was crushing my bones? No, it did not. Hudson dragged me to the upper level.

Before we could enter a room, I withdrew my hand from his. He glared at me. “I refuse to enter your room. I deserve a room of my own,” I declared.

His eyebrow raised and he tilted his head slightly. The sight nearly swept me off my feet. “Listen here, Lady. I do not have time for such drama, do you understand? You will obey and remain as quiet as a mute," he stated sternly.

"Listen here, Mister. I don't have time for this too. I am not stepping foot in your room. Do you understand?" I retorted, chin raised defiantly.

He stood in silence for a long minute. "This is nonsense," he muttered. "I didn't choose this, Lady. My mother wants us to share a room and you will obey her orders. Now go inside!" he demanded.

If it weren't for his mother, I would never have agreed to enter his room. I barged in, almost slamming the door in his face. He wasted no time and quickly dashed off to another room, probably the bathroom. I sat down on the chair in front of the vanity table. This is a nightmare. How am I supposed to survive this? Everyone here is as cold and mean as agents sent from the North Pole. I started to take off my jewelry.

A few minutes later, I sensed his presence in the room and my heart jumped to my throat. The realization struck me and my eyes widened, my stomach churning. This is my wedding night and we are supposed to consummate the marriage. That is never going to happen. I refuse to let this cold man touch me. I ignored him and stood up, trying to undo the straps of my wedding dress and free myself from this binding garment.

"Ugh, just finish already," I grunted as the straps refused to loosen. Whoever made this dress must have had issues with their hands. I pushed my hair aside and glared at my reflection in the mirror. The dress was still snug around my body. I took a deep breath. What am I going to do? And why isn't my stone-cold husband helping me out? Does he want me to beg? In his dreams. I started rummaging through his jewelry box, looking for something sharp. I found it, a pair of scissors. I smiled to myself and raised the scissors to start altering the wedding dress.

"And what do you think you're doing?" in the blink of an eye, Hudson was behind me. My heart nearly jumped out of my chest as I shuddered. "You can't destroy something as expensive as your wedding dress. Always remember that," he stated, raising his hand to assist with the straps. I flinched as his touch sent shivers down my spine and caused my cheeks to flush with heat.

"Blushing, Ximena? I thought you hated him," I scolded myself, grateful for the inner voice that spoke up.

"Don't touch me!" I exclaimed, stepping away. "I don't know what you're planning, Mr. Hudson Miles Lucas, but let me warn you - if you lay a finger on me tonight, I'll burn you alive. Don't mess with me," I warned while pointing a threatening finger at him.

"Suit yourself," he responded coldly, returning to his work at the desk.

"You're so damn irritating," I muttered to myself, storming off to the closet. I rummaged through his clothes, eventually finding a large t-shirt to wear. I hoped whoever had my suitcase would bring it before I woke up. I headed to the bathroom.

When I returned to the bedroom a few minutes later, my husband hadn't budged from his position. I smirked and walked over to him, holding up my shredded wedding dress. His glares only fueled my satisfaction as I threw it into the waste bin next to him. I climbed into bed, putting a pillow between us.

***

I groaned as the sunlight shone directly into my face. The birds outside were chirping loudly, irritating me. I tried to roll over and go back to sleep.

"Daddy?" I heard a voice as the door closed. Daddy? Did the kid get lost or am I dreaming?

"Daddy?" the voice was closer and I reluctantly opened my eyes to scold the intruder.

"What's wrong with..." I trailed off, seeing a young girl, about seventeen years old, staring down at me. Blonde hair. Amber eyes.