Chapter 5 Five

Amaya

"Amaya… don’t do this," Bernard choked out. His eyes were wide with panic. "Wait… why are you trying to marry my brother? Is this some sort of a joke?"

The shock of seeing him froze me completely. 

I stared at Bernard. My entire world shattered right then and there. The white bouquet slipped from my numb fingers and hit the carpeted floor. Hot tears spilled down my cheeks a second later.

I hated the raw pain in his voice. I hated the confusion. He looked totally lost. He looked like a man trapped in a living nightmare and was desperate to wake up.

My father rushed over from the pews and nudged me sharply in the ribs. Then he grabbed the fallen flowers, shoving them back into my trembling hands.

"Focus, Amaya. Don’t make Don Bavarish angry," he whispered harshly. His hot, frantic breath brushed against my ear.

I looked at Benjamin’s blank face. It was completely emotionless. Then I shifted my gaze back to Bernard. My heart melted into pure grief. 

I gave the love of my life one last long look. I wanted him to see the agony in my soul. I wanted him to know I had no choice.

“I’m so sorry, my love,” I mouthed silently across the distance.

"Don’t tell me you're sorry! Just don’t fucking do it!" Bernard roared. His voice cracked with emotion. His desperation grew worse with every passing second.

Suddenly, a deep, heavy cough cut through the air. We all turned toward the sound. Don Bavarish was now standing at the front pew. His expression was completely cold. The powerful patriarch gave a curt nod to the side.

Within seconds, three large guards appeared. 

They wore black suits. They grabbed Bernard's arms and ruthlessly dragged him toward the chapel exit. Bernard screamed and thrashed against their tight grip. He kicked and fought. However, they were simply too strong for him. 

The heavy wooden doors slammed shut with a loud bang. The wood cut off his cries instantly and church fell into an uneasy, suffocating silence.

"You can continue the ceremony now that the distraction has been removed," Don Bavarish told the priest. His deep voice carried no emotion at all. It was like nothing had happened.

The priest swallowed hard. His hands were shaking slightly. He turned back to me and repeated the wedding vow.

It took me a long moment to find my voice. The guests stared at me heavily. That single second felt like an eternity. "Y-yes. I do."

Those were the hardest words I had ever spoken. They were the worst words of my life.

The priest quickly finished the ceremony.  

He announced the kiss, but I stood completely still. I was as rigid as a stone statue. 

Benjamin took charge instead. He stepped closer then wrapped a strong hand around my waist. He pressed his firm, eager lips against mine.  

During the photos, I forced a fake smile. My cheeks ached from the effort.

Before I knew it, they ushered us out of the church. We headed toward the reception hall. I honestly hadn't expected the party to happen. Not after the explosive scene Bernard had caused. I thought the Don would call it off. He usually hated a mess.

But the Bavarish name was too prestigious in this city. Canceling the party meant admitting a public scandal. They had to pretend everything was perfect.

The reception hall was breathtakingly luxurious. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling. I could see the immense wealth everywhere. It showed even through the thick fog of my misery. It looked exactly like a fairytale ballroom.

But I wasn't a princess. I was a prisoner in a golden cage.

During our first official dance, Benjamin pulled me tightly against his chest. His hand was a firm weight on my lower back. He lowered his lips right to my ear. His breath sent a cold chill down my spine. "Don’t think I’ve forgotten how you embarrassed me at the altar. I will punish you for it later tonight."

"Excuse me?" I gasped out. I tried to yank my hands away from his iron grip.

His fingers only tightened. "What are you trying to do now?" he demanded. A deep frown marred his handsome face. "Are you trying to cause another scene? Your damn boyfriend already humiliated us in front of everyone."

"Let go of me, or..." I began. My voice shook with pure rage.

"Or what, Amaya? What will you do?" he challenged. He glared down at me with cold, mocking eyes. "You are married to me now. You belong in my house. You will do exactly as I say from this moment on."

Right then, a familiar melody filled the reception hall. The speakers played the soft, sweet chords. The sound hit me like a physical wave to the chest. It was our song. It was the exact track Bernard and I used to play on repeat in his room. 

A devastating flood of happy memories rushed back to me and mocked my current reality.

Suddenly, the last of my strength completely vanished. The room spun around me. My knees turned to jelly under the weight of my wedding gown. 

Right there in the center of the glittering ballroom, hundreds of wealthy strangers stared at me. I collapsed onto the shiny floor.