Solana’s pov

“Does anyone have objections to this union?.."

If it was anything that interested me, it was reality shows, the kind where they all got married too often. I liked the perfection, the expensive flowers and grand cakes….

They were what I wanted during my wedding.

They were what i wanted today

I didn't want to ruin it because I knew it'd come, I knew I'd be in a dress and vow loyalty to the only man meant for me and i wanted it to be perfect but here i was, holding onto the bouquet too tightly, my pulse quickened at every small breath i took and i found it hard to steady my breath……

but along with the tension, my heart fluttered as I gazed into Raymond's eyes, my fingers clasped around his like it was supposed to calm my nerves

This was it, the moment I had dreamed of since I was a girl, marrying the man of my dreams, the only one who taught me what true love really was and even though it was bound to happen my excitement surpassed the nervous jitters i got from everything happening

“You're beautiful" he whispered and I blushed slightly.

I grew up knowing Raymond was going to be my husband, we had known each other for forever but even now, I was happy like we fell in love yesterday.

The church was filled with Silver lights and the scent of fresh roses was heavy in the air. Guests looked at us with warm smiles, their eyes full of admiration for both of us,

But then again who wouldn't be? It was an anticipated wedding one where everyone was happy it happened, everyone…. including me.

My white gown flowed like silk, my veil brushing against my back as I stood beside the man I spent my whole life loving.

The man I was happy to vow eternity to.

Watching as Raymond’s smiled at me, i smiled back at him for the hundredth time before catching what was said

"I ask again" the priest's voice rang out, "if anyone has objections to this, speak now or forever hold your peace."

Though the question seemed absurd judging by the look on everyone's faces

I almost laughed. ‘As if anything could ruin this moment’ i pondered to myself

Except..

Gunfire,

The first deafening shot rang out, exploding in the air like lightning had struck the church,

Then another. And another.

I was disoriented, confused and stiff.

Screams filled the church, guests scrambling for cover as the sharp scent of gunpowder replaced the sweet aroma of rose flowers.

"Get down, Solana!" Raymond’s voice cut through the chaos, his arms wrapping around me as he pulled my body down behind the pews. My breath hitched, heart hammering against my ribcage as i clutched his hand tightly,

I saw the gunmen, their guns and the way they shot at anyone who came in their way

I could also make out a hard to miss tall masked figure in black emerging between the panicked guests.

a man in a tailored tux with his gun raised, a signet ring on one of his fingers used to clutch the trigger and his steps seeming intentional, the crowd parted for him to make his way like it was some grand entrance. His gaze locked onto me which made my heart skip a beat like I had caught the attention of something dangerous.

I stared into his icily blue eyes regardless and they looked oddly familiar, i watched him stride towards where we were

‘no,no, no” my inner voice screamed, i could try to nudge Raymond even though my mind was the only sensory alive but i barely had time to react before

BANG.

Another deafening shot that caught me off guard along with a sharp gasp escaping from my lips as warmth splattered across my cheek, I could barely process what had happened but just immediately….

Raymond’s grip slackened. His body jerked and then slipped lower to the ground.

I turned my head behind me and I froze, My wide eyes dropped to his chest.

Red. there was so much red and my once white dress was tainted scarlet red

“Ray?” my voice trembled, barely in a whisper.

The world blurred and so did the noise from chaos as my fingers reached for him, shaking him, urging him to respond,

My voice choked me as i searched for words to say, searched for what could possibly bring him to open his eyes once again but just then another hand suddenly grabbed mine and it was strong and unwilling to let go

“No!” I screamed, as I was snatched from Raymond’s side and thrown over his shoulder, the latter's ring burned my thighs as they wrapped around them through my gown.

Raymond’s blood staining my fingers and his eyes meeting mine, i could inhale the musky scent that came from the tux of my stranger, it was expensive and intoxicating but the thought of that only lingered on my mind for a few seconds

“Raymond! No, please! Help! Someone—”

I sobbed at the horrifying thought of leaving my husband for dead but the grip around me only tightened causing a sharp pain under my skin.

I fought, thrashed and kicked but I was carried so easily out of the church, it seemed as if none of it mattered and none of what i did would save me

“Let me go!" I tried to scream " please let me go… i added”

Looking past his shoulders I caught a glimpse of my husband on the floor again.

“Don't stare, makes it less painful" i hear how masculine his thick voice was as they whispered to me, I could start screaming again

But my vision spun as I was thrown into the backseat of a black car. A cloth pressed against my nose as i proved relentless but even as i fought the urge the toxic scent of chemicals filled my lungs and the last thing i could make out was his words

“You belong to me now" he whispered softly in my ears

Then, darkness.