I was trapped.
Not just inside Bryant’s mansion but inside a life I never wanted. Days blurred into weeks, my world reduced to the four walls of my gilded prison. Guards surrounded me at all times, their eyes cold and emotionless. No one spoke unless necessary, and I was never allowed to be alone.
There was no phone, no internet, no way to reach the outside world. I was a prisoner in a silk cage.
Instead of fighting, I was forced to learn how to be the perfect wife. Every morning, a well-known etiquette coach arrived, drilling into me the proper way to sit, speak, smile, and obey. I had no choice but to endure it—Bryant made it clear that any resistance would only hurt the people I loved.
And then, the wedding day arrived.
I woke up feeling numb. My body moved on its own, letting the makeup artists and stylists do their work. They painted my lips red, curled my hair into perfect waves, and slipped me into the gown—the same one Bryant had sent me in a box, mocking my fate.
The dress was beautiful. White lace, delicate embroidery, and a flowing train fit for royalty. But it felt like a funeral shroud.
I was about to marry a monster.
I sat stiffly in the car, hands clenched into fists as we drove to the church. Guards sat on either side of me, their presence suffocating. I stared out the tinted windows, watching the world move outside. The world I no longer belonged to.
Then, just before we reached the church, a man approached me. He moved swiftly, slipping into the car before the guards could react.
He didn’t say much.
Just held up a photo.
My breath caught in my throat.
It was my family.
Tied up. Eyes wide with terror.
"If you try to run, if you do anything stupid," the man whispered, "Bryant won’t hesitate to kill them."
My stomach dropped. I wanted to scream, to fight, to tear this dress off and disappear. But I couldn’t.
I couldn’t risk their lives.
So I walked down the aisle, silent and obedient.
The church was packed with powerful people—investors, politicians, business moguls. Men who controlled the world with their wealth and influence. They all watched as I took slow, measured steps toward my captor.
Bryant stood at the altar, looking as handsome and arrogant as ever in his tailored suit. His dark eyes gleamed with victory.
I felt like I was walking toward my execution.
The ceremony was a blur. I barely heard the priest’s words. My body was ice-cold, my hands trembling in Bryant’s grip. And then—
"You may now kiss the bride."
My lips were claimed by a man I despised. His grip was firm, possessive, as he sealed my fate in front of everyone.
The applause rang in my ears. I forced a smile, pretending to be the devoted wife. Pretending so Bryant wouldn’t hurt my family.
And then, just when I thought I had survived the worst, my world shattered again.
"Congrats, Mrs. Harlow."
The voice was light, happy—familiar.
I turned, and there she was.
Mae.
My sister.
Smiling. Glowing. As if nothing had happened.
I felt my chest tighten. My pulse pounded in my ears.
Mae wasn’t a hostage. She wasn’t broken, terrified, or suffering.
She was celebrating.
She threw her arms around me, hugging me tightly. Her touch burned my skin like acid.
"You did it," she whispered excitedly. "I’m so happy for you."
I froze.
Happy?
Mae was happy?
I pulled back, searching her face for answers. Was she brainwashed? Threatened?
But no. There was no fear in her eyes. Only joy.
And then it hit me.
She was part of this.
The kidnapping. The manipulation. The betrayal.
Mae had been working with Bryant all along.
My stomach twisted, nausea rising in my throat. My own sister. The one person I thought I could trust.
I wanted to scream. To shake her. To ask her why.
But I couldn’t.
Not here. Not in front of everyone.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and forced out a whisper.
"Mae… what did you do?"
She only smiled wider, leaning in to fix my veil.
"Relax," she murmured. "Everything worked out, right?"
For the first time—the late realization hit me. I am right.
I couldn’t breathe.
Bryant’s arm slid around my waist, pulling me close. His grip was iron. A silent warning.
I was his.
"H-How did you do this?"
She just stood in front of me with a full smile plastering on her face. “Can't you just be thankful? I saved your life from being worst?"
Worst? There was nothing worse other than this.
