Ava stood alone in the bride's restroom, surrounded by the opulent grandeur of Bayshore Hotel's seven-star ambiance. The soft glow of crystal chandeliers cast a warm light on her pristine white wedding gown, accentuating the delicate lace and intricate embroidery that adorned it. Her gaze met its reflection in the mirror, and for a fleeting moment, she was taken aback by her own ethereal beauty.
Her eyes, like two shimmering pools of ice, betrayed no emotion, but her mind was a maelstrom of thoughts and feelings. Was she truly ready to surrender herself to a stranger, a man six years her senior, with a reputation that commanded respect and inspired fear? The thought sent a shiver down her spine, and her fingers instinctively tightened around the delicate silver locket that hung around her neck.
Ava's laughter was a low, husky sound, devoid of humor. Her life had always been a canvas of bleakness, and this marriage seemed like the final brushstroke. She felt like a pawn in a game of chess, a mere sacrifice to secure her family's future.
The door swung open, and her father, Edward Ross, strode in, his expression a mask of impatience. "It's time, Ava. Let's go." His voice was a low growl, a warning that she dare not defy him. Ava's gaze lingered on her reflection for a moment before she turned to follow her father.
The corridors seemed to stretch on forever, the silence between them oppressive. Edward's words were a steady drumbeat in her mind: "Marrying into the Thompson family is a privilege, Ava. Many women would kill for this opportunity." Ava felt a surge of resentment towards her father, towards the world that seemed to be conspiring against her.
As they approached the ceremonial hall, the sound of soft music and muted chatter enveloped them. Ava's heart sank, her senses recoiling from the spectacle before her. The archway, adorned with white roses, seemed to loom over her like a specter. The red carpet, a river of blood, stretched out before her, leading her to the altar.
Ethan Thompson, her groom, stood tall and imposing, his chiseled features exuding an aura of power and sophistication. Ava's gaze met his, and for an instant, she felt like a small, fragile bird trapped in the talons of a ruthless predator. His eyes seemed to bore into her soul, as if searching for something hidden deep within her.
The ceremony was a blur of words and gestures, Ava's responses automatic, her mind numb. But as Ethan's fingers closed around hers, a jolt of electricity ran through her body. She recoiled, her heart racing, as he slid the platinum ring onto her finger.
Their eyes met, and for a fleeting moment, Ava saw something there, a glimmer of amusement, of curiosity. It was a spark that ignited a fire within her, a flame that flickered with a mix of fear and fascination. Ethan's smile seemed to grow wider, his eyes glinting with a knowing light, as if he could see right through her.
As they exchanged their vows, Ava couldn't shake off the feeling that she was walking into a trap, one from which there was no escape. The smile on Ethan's face seemed to grow wider, his eyes glinting with a knowing light, as if he could see right through her. And when he whispered, "I promise to cherish you," Ava felt a shiver run down her spine. She knew, in that moment, that she was doomed.
As the ceremony came to a close, Ava felt a sense of detachment, as if she was observing herself from outside her body. She saw herself smiling, laughing, and exchanging vows with Ethan, but it all felt like a distant dream. The reality was too painful to confront.
The reception was a whirlwind of colors, music, and laughter. Ava's senses were overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the event. She felt like a tiny boat adrift in a stormy sea, helpless to control her destiny. Ethan's hand was a steady presence on her arm, guiding her through the crowds of well-wishers.
As the night wore on, Ava began to feel a creeping sense of unease. She couldn't shake off the feeling that she was trapped in a gilded cage, with no escape in sight. Ethan"s smile seemed to grow wider, his eyes glinting with a knowing light, as if he could see right through her.
And when the clock struck midnight, Ava knew that her fate was sealed. She was now Mrs. Ethan, bound to him by the ties of marriage. The thought sent a shiver down her spine, and she couldn't help but wonder what the future held for her.
