Violet's world just changed and she's not the only one. After caught fleeing on the day of her arranged marriage, Violet must now live with her future husband, Leo Whitlock. As Violet deals with her parent's death, Leo is pressured to convince her to marry him. They soon find themselves seeking comfort in each other's company, but their family secret's might block out any warmth. Love will bloom, weeds will perish and a cold day might end them all.
Lihat lebih banyakThe white of the wedding dress glistened in the warm sunlight as I stared at my hollow reflection. Aunt Bella is humming as she rearranges my hair, occasionally saying words to convince me this was a wonderful day, not that I believed her in the slightest.
As she places the final wave into the bun, there is a knock at the door.
“Ms. Bennet, it's almost time,” the wedding organizer speaks with oblivious enthusiasm. I nod to signal my understanding and step closer to the nearby window.
My body is completely numb as I recall not even three days ago, before my life was ripped to pieces.
The airport in Columbus, Ohio is as clustered as ever with frantic humans running from one flight to another.
“Violet, are you sure you're alright with us leaving early? Your father and I can call out sick,” my mother sincerely asks, a gentle tone in her voice.
I smile as she strokes my dark hair, knowing full well I wouldn't ask them to lie for me.
“Yeah and if that doesn't work we can just retire early,” father jokes as he rests an arm over my mother's shoulder. I shake my head and embrace them both in a warm hug.
After wiggling out from their stronger grip, an announcement for boarding is heard across the rows of seats. My mother raises her brows in a questioning motion and I laugh.
“I'll be fine. Just go and I'll see you when you get back,” I reassure her. I quickly gave her another hug for good measure, her embrace making me feel as safe as possible.
After exchanging words of love, I watch them approach the gate and turn to leave the noisy building.
“Violet!” I hear my mother call from behind. When I spin around, she is standing at the gate with her hands in a heart shape, my father waving beside her.
I smile and wave back, my hands mimicking the heart shape in return.
“Vee,” I hear my aunt say, shaking me back to cruel reality. “I'm going to go find my seat now. Remember to smile and get rid of that miserable look,” she commands while leaving the room.
The silence that follows weighs down on me as I take another look in the mirror. My eyes are dull and no amount of makeup would cover up the pain that lingers in my expression.
After my parents passed, I was informed of the contents of their will and what they left for me. It wasn't money or possessions, but a marriage. My aunt was more than happy to drag me all the way from Columbus to Miami overnight for my union with some random man.
“Why did you want this for me, mother?” I ponder in my mind, glancing down at my left hand.
A sudden wave of unrestrained anger swells inside me and I'm furious, not just at the world that took them away from me, but at myself for not being stronger.
Tossing off the painful high heels and grabbing a pair of flats, I carefully crack open the bedroom door.
I sigh in relief after finding the hallway empty. The only sounds coming from the echoes of talkative guests in the distance. Taking extra care as to not make a sound, I scurry down the stone staircase and bolt towards the back door.
The house is massive and at this moment that was my biggest advantage. After ducking behind a rather prickly bush to avoid the caterers, I raced towards the side pathway I had noted earlier, the bunched up dress in my hands.
As the intimidating structure of a house grows more distant, I dare to become optimistic about my chances for escape. That is until I turn the next corner and slam into a firm form.
Losing balance, I tumble to the ground, my neatly done bun releasing all the restrained strands.
“Well, that was graceful,” a deep voice chuckles above me. I glare up to see a young gentleman in a suit extending his hand. His body structure is wide and well built, his short brown hair neatly styled to complement his attire.
Pushing myself off the rough stone path, the man gives a smirk as I brush off the dress. “Are you alright?” he inquires after analyzing my attire, an unanswered question hanging in the air.
“I'm fine. Thank you,” I curtly reply, feeling rather defensive for no particular reason. Before either of us could say another word, alarmed voices were heard approaching and I felt a spike of adrenaline.
Noticing my change in expression, the dark haired man motioned to the bush behind him.
“Hurry up,” he whispers, the only sign of urgency showing through his wavering eyes.
“Fine,” I retorted while quickly settling behind the dense shrub. Soon after, a group of bodyguards emerged onto the path. They scattered into different directions with one walking right towards us.
“Care to explain what’s going on?” my mysterious new acquaintance questioned upon the man's arrival.
“Sir, Ms. Bennet has gone missing. We are searching for her now,” the bodyguard responded respectively. I quickly came to the conclusion that the mysterious man must be a high ranking bodyguard.
“Very well. Continue your search,” he ordered with a cool tone. After the other had left, I slowly rose from my hiding spot.
“Trying to run away are you?” he playfully comments, amusement evident in his voice. The young gentleman turned to me and raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, I am,” I fully admit with no shame, earning a hard laugh in return from the handsome man. His laughter was genuine and despite his stern look, he came off as rather laidback. This fact was the only reason I proceeded forward and asked, “Do you know the way out of here?”
The strange man finished laughing, took a small but immense step forward and looked me straight on. His strikingly blue eyes seemed to swirl as the sun lowered in the sky and I found myself growing warm in the cheeks.
“Alright,” he finally spoke after a moment of contemplation. “Follow me,” he added while walking towards the lot of parked cars.
Realizing there was no turning back now, I picked up the pace and walked behind him. He confidently strolls over to a large black vehicle and unlocks the drivers side door, turning to look at me.
His face still wears a slight smirk as he extends his hand out with the keys, waiting for me to take them. A light blush resurfaces as I shift my gaze away and mumble under my breath.
“I don't know how to drive,” I quietly said, realizing that I didn't really think this through. As no response is heard from my new acquaintance, I gaze back to see his face contorted. I frown before noticing his body slightly shaking before he bursts out in amazed laughter.
“You're really something else, Ms. Bennet,” he breathes between laughing fits. I can't help but smile a little at his reaction.
“Here, I'll drive. There's a beach not too far off the estate,” he states before placing himself in the driver's seat.
Not waiting to be found and forced back, I jump into the passenger side and watch as Mr. Mystery drives us towards the front gates.
As the vast expanse of private property rolled by, I took a deep breath in an attempt to calm my shaking hands.
The air was cool and contained a hint of citrus. I glanced around for some kind of air freshener, only to realize that the pleasant scent was emanating from him.
“What's your name?” I inquire, casually trying to distract my attention from his pleasing scent. He gives me a very strange side eye before answering with a shrug.
“Hey,” I start, mildly irritated. “Would you rather I keep calling you Mystery the whole time?”
“Is that what you’ve been calling me? I’m flattered by your gracious title, Ms. Bennet,” he mocks. I huff at his refusal to cooperate and quietly give up, deciding to stay silent till we reached the sand.
As the endless horizon comes into view, Mystery parks the car and waits for me to exit. The salty air hits me and I find my feet pulling me to sit down on the coarse earth, tears finding their way back to my face.
“You really didn't want to marry him that much, huh? Do you hate him or something?” Mystery asks whilst taking a seat beside me. His voice sounds pained and his expression is no longer playful.
“I don't hate him. In fact, I don't know him. This whole marriage wasn't even my idea nor did I have any say to begin with,” I speak comfortably.
I find myself more relaxed than before and begin releasing information that has no business being said to someone I just met.
“My parents are gone, my aunt brought me here and now I am told to marry a stranger. Also, I don't even know what he looks like. This entire situation is so messed up!” I shout towards the sea, my frustration easing with every word.
Mystery smiles as he stares at me with an expression I can’t quite identify. I stare back briefly before flopping back on the sand with a loud thud. Mystery chuckles before laying beside me, his blue eyes meeting mine once more.
“I didn't have any say in it either,” he softly whispers next to me. I furrow my brows and frown at his words, confused by the implications.
Before I can interrogate him on the bizarre statement, loud engines are heard parking behind us. Jumping up from the sand, I feel my heart drop as Aunt Bella stomps over with a murderous look.
“You think this was funny?! Running off like a little brat! You're lucky Mr. Whitlock and his son are so forgiving,” she screeches at me.
Seeming to finally notice Mystery's presence, Bella suddenly shifts into a smile and begins apologizing.
“I'm so sorry for her problematic behavior, Mr. Leo,” she states while gripping my arm. I freeze as the truth hits me and I see him glance with a guilty look. “Let's go, Vee,” Aunt Bella orders as she yanks me towards the car.
I hear him shout for me in the distance, but I can't help wanting to throw up at the deception. He was the Leo I was supposed to marry. Why is this happening to me?
(Third Person POV)The gentle warmth of the sunlight danced across the pale complexion of Violet’s dress. The white silk of the gown morphed into lace around her arms and neck. Her dark wavy hair, now cut shoulder length, was adorned with small purple flowers speckled throughout and meticulously secured. “Ms. Bennet, it’s time,” an older looking woman informs Violet from the doorway. She turns to nod towards the lady before glancing back out the window, her eyes looking towards the sky.A chuckle escapes her as deja vu sets in before being quickly ejected from her mind. Their wedding venue was located at a beautiful hotel near a quiet beach with plenty of space for an outdoor party. Leo had insisted that Violet choose where she wanted and he would make sure everything was perfect.A small smirk crosses her face before swiftly shifting into a genuine smile of contentment. Violet clutches her bouquet as she slowly proceeds towards a pair of large double doors.With the start of the mu
(Violet's POV) Walking down the gravel path of the gardens was almost nostalgic as I took my sweet time in approaching the pond area. Suspicious Leo had vanished shortly after our loving exchange with no hint as to where.All the mansion staff seemed to be in on some big secret as they giggled upon every passing and quickly shooed me out the house at sunset. Being curious was an understatement as I wasn’t sure what to expect from this unpredictable man. The leaves rustled as my shoulder brushed a low hanging branch upon passing under the arch of the corner garden. The dark of the night was almost unnoticeable as the entire area was lit up by various lanterns and glowing string lights.Tables covered in absolutely delectable pastries were scattered about the open scratches of grass as the large tree was coated in dangling stars. Amongst the elaborate decor was a dahsing looking Leo dressed in a white tuxedo. In his large hands was the unreasonably heavy book that was now wrapped in a
(Violet's POV)As the weeks rolled by and the storm finally passed, I found the strange world I had entered becoming one of healing. It took Leo absolutely no time to smoke out all the rats that had been accomplices in his father’s crimes. Whitlock Enterprises was swiftly turned around and shifted its focus from international profit to financial support and charity. Though there were many sleepless nights for the both of us, we eventually dreamt without seeing the pain of our past.However, Leo has been acting rather strangely as of late. He leaves earlier than normal for work and arrives later than usual. When I inquire about it, he assures me there is just a lot to arrange. As for me, my nightmares have stopped and the memories of my parents are no longer gut wrenching to recall. I will always miss them, but I know they would want me to be happy regardless. “Hey, love?” I hear Leo call from the library. I quickly jog over to the doorway, a piece of toast still warm in my hand.“Y
(Leo's POV)The room is barren and cold as I wait in the metal chair. Small slivers of sunlight sneak their way onto the table as I wait for the guards to return. The creak of the door signals their arrival, along with the shuffle of worn shoes.Taking a seat across from me, my father remains silent and stone faced. I take a deep breath and ready myself for any means of manipulation that he might attempt.“I’m glad you came,” he states, a tired air hanging off every word. I pause and glare across at his wrinkled pale face.“Don’t get ahead of yourself, father. The only reason I’m here is for an answer,” I grumble with unrestrained disdain. He leans back in his chair and sighs, no longer able to lecture me about anything.“And what question might that be?” father asks. We sat there a moment, the words caught in my throat.“Did mom know?” I finally inquired.“No, I made sure she never suspected anything. Though it did put a strain on us both, regardless,” he recalls. His once constant p
(Violet's POV)The next few weeks flew by in a flash of chaotic events. Aunt Bella’s true intentions were broadcasted around the city leading to an endless stream of rumors and theories revolving around Whitlock Enterprises.Mr. Whitlock’s trial for her murder was suppressed by the press to the best of their ability, but was ultimately made completely public and later passed as self-defense.However, it came to light that Daniel had built an empire built on various illegal wrong doings, resulting in a life sentence in prison.During this time, Leo refused to speak about anything regarding his father and completely devoted his attention to readjusting the shards of his company.Being the heir to a crumbling empire, he found himself helping dismantle it rather than salvaging.As for me, it turns out between watching someone die before you and learning that your family was behind your trauma makes it hard to sleep at night.The only solace I find is in the gardens and in Leo’s arms at ni
(Violet's POV)Present DayThe bang of the gun rings in my ears as a high pitch tone drowns everything out. Aunt Bella’s unnaturally still body was crumpled on the floor, the gun she held lay beside her legs.“Violet!” Leo screams beside me. Though the sound was dull, I could hear his ragged breaths as he gently wrapped me in his embrace. Leo kept glancing back towards the door, his expression one of forced composure. Still numb, I glance over his broad shoulder to see an older gentleman leaving the doorway. Lifting me into his arms, Leo carried me through the dusty room and towards the warmth of the early evening. I squint as the glow radiating from the sunset hurts my pupils and the ache in my head radiates towards my chest.Leo sets me down on a nearby stone barrier before hesitantly turning to look back. Mr. Whitlock meets his son’s gaze as they lock eyes, a strange energy passing between them.“Why did you do that?” Leo asks in disbelief. Daniel does not respond, his face blank
(Third Person POV)FlashbackThe sunlight beams down on a young Bella as she nearly skips down the street on her way to surprise her lover. A homemade lunch box in hand and a vacation planned for their pre-wedding honeymoon, Bella hummed happily in pure bliss.However, her joy was cut short upon the suffocating sound of fire trucks and ambulances racing past her on the road. The air ahead was polluted with thick black smoke and a bright orange glow. The lunchbox falls to the ground with a thud as Bella runs with a fear unmatched towards the source of commotion, but her fear was not prepared for what she found.The building was crumbling in a terrifying display of flames and ash, devouring anything within its grasp. Bella’s heart pounded into her ears as she shoved past, desperately searching for that one familiar face.After her search proved futile, a hand grasped her shoulder and she was met with a remorseful face. The officer held his hat in his hand as he lowered his gaze to the
(Leo's POV) The light pierces my eyes as I stand with both hands in the air. The click of heels echoes through the empty warehouse as Bella takes a few steps toward me. “I knew I didn’t like you,” my voice growls. Bella wears a smug grin as she chuckles in response.“A fair observation, if not a little rude,” she comments, a repulsive amount of confidence coating her words.“If it’s money you’re after, this was beyond unnecessary,” I firmly state. My plan was simply to get Violet safely out of here before this lunatic lost it for good. To do that, I would need to buy time and find an opening.“Oh, I’m looking for something much more fulfilling than some paper bills. Not that I would expect some pampered rich boy to understand,” Bella cryptically replies, her words slowly making less sense.“Was it you who ordered me to take the fall for the crash? I don’t understand what you could gain from something like that,” I question further.A cruel laugh erupts from Bella as she cackles to h
(Leo's POV) After a few phone calls and some vague hints as to the contents of the press release, I find myself standing in front of a room full of reporters. The hushed whispers turn to silence as I take my place before the mic and prepare for what is about to come. “As you all know, a few months ago there was a tragic accident involving a plane leaving Columbus airport. The unfortunate incident claimed many lives and left the public baffled by the lack of sufficient information provided,” I speak, the words previously planned out carefully. “I am here to say that Whitlock Enterprises is completely responsible for all actions leading to the plane’s malfunction mid-flight,” I confidently state. The room erupts into chaos as each reporter rushes forward with questions and accusations. “Further details will be published soon. That is all,” I respond, nodding my head before security escorts me out the bustling room. After escaping to the quiet of the adjacent hallway, I lean back
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