Chapter two.

Clara sat on the edge of her bed, staring blankly at the wall in front of her. She had managed to escape the wedding preparations for a brief moment, but the guilt of what she was about to do was crushing her.

She had always been taught that marriage was a sacred union between two people who loved each other, but this was not the case for her. She was being forced into a loveless marriage with a man who only wanted to use her to further his ambitions.

She had tried to reason with her parents, but they were blinded by the allure of wealth and power. They saw her marriage to Alexandro as a solution to their financial problems, and they were willing to sacrifice her happiness to achieve it.

Clara knew that she had to make a decision and fast. She couldn't bear the thought of living the rest of her life in a loveless marriage, but she also couldn't bear the thought of bringing shame and disgrace upon her family.

She was so lost in thought that she didn't hear the knock on her door. Mrs. Millianno peeked her head in, her eyes filled with concern.

"Are you alright, my dear?" she asked gently.

Clara looked up, forcing a smile on her face. "Yes, I'm fine. Just a little tired."

Mrs. Millianno didn't seem convinced, but she didn't press the matter. "Well, we need to get you ready for your wedding. Your hair and makeup team will be here soon."

Clara's heart sank at the thought of the impending wedding. She didn't want to do it, but she felt like she had no other choice.

As the makeup artist worked her magic, Clara sat in silence, lost in her thoughts. She thought about her future with Alexandro, and it filled her with dread. She didn't know how she was going to go through with it.

The dress was fitted, the makeup was flawless, and her hair was styled to perfection. But Clara felt like a prisoner in her own body. She couldn't escape the weight of her decision, and it was suffocating her.

As they made their way to the ceremony, Clara felt like she was walking to her execution. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was making a terrible mistake.

The ceremony was a blur, and before she knew it, she was standing next to Alexandro, exchanging vows. She couldn't bring herself to look into his eyes, and she felt like she was going to be sick.

As the reception began, Clara tried to put on a brave face and mingle with the guests, but she couldn't shake the feeling of despair. She felt trapped, and she didn't know how to get out of it.

It wasn't until later in the evening, as she stood on the balcony overlooking the city, that she felt a glimmer of hope. A man approached her, his eyes kind and sympathetic.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

Clara looked up, surprised by his concern. "I'm fine," she replied, forcing a smile.

He didn't seem convinced, and he took a step closer. "You don't have to pretend with me. I can see that something is troubling you."

Clara felt a wave of emotion wash over her, and before she knew it, she was pouring her heart out to a stranger. She told him everything, about the forced marriage, the pressure from her family, and her fear of the future.

He listened patiently, his eyes never leaving hers. When she was finished, he took her hand and looked into her eyes.

"You don't have to do this," he said softly. "You have the power to.

..........

She left to join Alexandro in his car while his body guide piloted her in.

Clara's heart was pounding as she waited for Alexandro's response. She had never been confrontational, but something about him made her feel defensive and angry.

He looked at her, his eyes cold and calculating. "Let's get one thing straight, Clara," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "I didn't marry you for love or companionship. I married you because I needed a wife, someone to provide me with heirs and to maintain my public image. You're nothing more than a business transaction to me."

Clara felt a pang of pain shoot through her chest at his words. She knew this marriage wasn't based on love, but to hear him say it out loud was still a blow.

Alexandro continued, his voice softer now. "But that doesn't mean we can't make the best of it. I promise to provide for you and to take care of you, as long as you fulfill your duties as my wife."

Clara's eyes narrowed as she listened to his words. "And what duties would those be?" she asked, her voice tinged with bitterness.

Alexandro leaned in closer to her, his breath hot on her face. "To provide me with heirs, of course," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "And to maintain my image in public. To be the perfect wife, always by my side and always supporting me."

Clara felt a wave of disgust wash over her. This was not the life she had imagined for herself. But she also knew that she had no choice but to go along with it.

They arrived at Alexandro's mansion, a sprawling estate that took Amelia's breath away. As they walked inside, she couldn't help but feel intimidated by the grandeur and opulence of it all.

Alexandro led her to their bedroom, a luxurious suite that was bigger than her entire apartment. He sat down on the bed, motioning for her to join him.

"I know this is all overwhelming for you," he said, his voice softer now. "But I promise to make it worth your while. I'll give you everything you could ever want, as long as you're loyal to me."

Clara looked at him, her heart heavy with the weight of her new reality. This was her life now, whether she liked it or not. She knew she had to make the best of it, for the sake of her family and her sanity.

She took a deep breath and sat down next to him, trying to ignore the voice inside her head that was screaming for her to run away.

"Okay," she said softly. "I'll do my best to be the perfect wife."

Alexandro smiled at her, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Good," he said. "I'm glad we understand each other."

Clara lay down on the bed next to him, feeling numb and empty. This was not the life she had wanted, but it was the life she had been given. And she would have to find a way to survive in it, no matter what.