Chapter 03

ASTRID'S P.O.V.

I tugged at the bodice of my wedding dress as the soft material clung to my body. Everything about this dress felt suffocating, but there was absolutely nothing I could do about it, moreover I was forced into a marriage that made absolutely no sense.

Why was I the one marrying Jace? Ingrid had always been their favorite child and I don't give a damn about this family's affections let alone a prestigious marriage.

The door flew open, and I looked into the mirror to see Ingrid leaning casually against the door looking at me with a smile on her face. Talk about the devil.

“You look… radiant,” She mumbled, and my face remained emotionless as I ignored her “…Funny, isn’t it?” Ingrid continued, tracing a finger along the edge of the vanity. “This should’ve been my wedding. But Jace…” She paused, her smile widening. “He’s no fool. He realized his little empire is crumbling, and he needs someone with substance. You, the workhorse of Valerian Interiors, are the perfect candidate. Meanwhile, Anton’s becoming a billionaire. Quite the trade, wouldn’t you say?”

“What are you talking about?” confusion sets in as I turned to look at her and she chuckled

"Oh, didn’t you know? Jace’s business is on the verge of collapse. It’s all hush-hush, of course, but I have my ways. And Anton? He’s thriving. I suppose I’ll have the last laugh after all.” my hand curled into a fist.

"You’re despicable.”

“Am I? Or am I just playing the game better than you? Enjoy your chains, sister. You’ve always been the disposable one.” The door suddenly shut and she was out. My heart felt heavy as I kept looking at the door.

Was Ingrid telling the truth? Had my parents orchestrated this marriage to offload me onto a man with failing fortunes? But didn't he buy my company?

Her heart sank further and in made my way out while hearing my parent's voices echoing in the wall

“Finally,” mother said, her voice tinged with relief. “We’ll be rid of her. She’s always been a thorn in our side.”

“Jace Lysander can deal with her now. We’ve done our duty.” Father chuckled and my stomach twisted.

Their words sliced through my heart like a dagger and I forced myself to breathe. If they wanted to get rid of me so quickly then so be it.

I stood at the garden that was filled with people from both family and my father extended his hand for mine and I glared at him

"I don’t need you to walk me down,” I mumbled and some guest gasp hearing my words

My father's face flushed in humiliation, but I ignored him and walked down with my head held high completely ignoring the whispers before reaching for Jace's hand without looking at him and the pastor began but Jace cut him off

“Skip to the vows and the kiss,” Jace said, his tone commanding and I glared at him as the pastor hesitated

“You may kiss the bride,” the pastor announced.

Jace blushed his lips against mine as I remained still and as the place erupted in applause he pulled away completely fooling them. How lovely to know I'm not the only one hating every bit of this.

I spared no one the time to speak to me as I got into the car with Jace. There was no need to talk to backstabbers, and now I am stuck with an infuriating husband for the rest of my days.

“You really know how to make an impression,” Jace finally said, his tone amused.

“Don’t talk to me.”

“Funny, I thought we were married.”

“Married in name only,” I snapped. “Don’t think for a second that I’ll play the obedient wife.”

“Good. Obedience would bore me.” He smiled and I rolled my eyes.

Hours passed by and I was now looking at the ceiling of his bedroom and alone in a mansion of a damn house. What kind of husband leaves his wife to dazzle around the house on their wedding night?

A single tear rolled down my cheek as my frustration reached its peak, I can't believe I loved that family.

I'm slowly drifting off to sleep, but I was woken by a soft patting on my cheek and I opened my eyes to find Jace and the sun up in the sky. Didn't I just sleep off?

“Get up,” he said, his voice soft but firm.

“Don’t touch me.” I slapped his hand away.

“Feisty already. I like it.”

“What do you want?”

“I wanted to let you know you’ll keep your position as COO of Valerian Interiors,” A sense of relief washed over me knowing I didn't have to deal with him all day. "Of course, you’ll still answer to me.”

“How refreshing to know” I mumbled dryly

“Oh, and pack your bags,” Jace said, his tone light. “We’re going to Italy for a week.”

“Italy?” my eyes widened as my heart flutters

“Your dream country, isn’t it?” he said, leaning closer. “Consider it a honeymoon.”

“I’m not going anywhere with you,” I frown at the idea of this bastard ruining my Italy dream, but how did he know that information, though?

His smirk sudden faded and his eyes darkened

"You don’t have a choice, Astrid. This is your life now. Adjust to it.” My heart raced but not from fear.

His god-damn proximity, the fire in his eyes as his spoke, the heat radiating from his body that was inches away from mine and I hated that my body was reacting this way, especially with him

“Are you going to kiss me or lecture me?” I whispered, and his lips curved in a dangerous smile as he leaned in closer.

Goodness if this man wasn't already my… The door burst open causing my body to go sniff and my eyes met with Ingrid's which made me frown deeply.

“You have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into, Astrid,” Ingrid snarled, her voice dripping with venom

My heart's pounding reach my ear as I looked at Jace's face and for the first time the confident mask he wore around shattered, and his expression darkened with something I could place a finger on

“What are you doing here?” Jace growled and Ingrid smiled.

“Oh, I thought you’d tell her, dear husband.”

Husband?