BOUND BY BETRAYAL

Chapter Six

I looked at my father, my gaze pleading for him to take back his word and stop this marriage from happening. He wasn't even looking at us, and I knew one thing... I just need to face the reality, he has made up his mind. 

Inhaling sharply, I stared back at the man in front of me with so much anger and pain. "I... do," the word trembled out of my lips. It takes immense strength to make such a decision in the face of adversity.

"Do you, Damien Albrecht, accept Ashley……."

"We are done," Damien barked out, shutting the priest who quivered in fear, having him swallow the rest of his words. 

He gave me a long disgusted look, not bothered to hide his remark. I shrank back a bit under his fierce look, "I think that we're done here, I have to go home with my wife," he snorted, but despite the calmness of his voice, I was able to detect the danger in them.

"I, therefore, declare you two husband and wife," the priest proclaimed, sealing our union. 

The priest had barely a few words to say but he instantly swallowed the whole words that were on the tip of his tongue the moment Damien flashed him a sharp glare. Poor man, as much as I felt bad for him but I feel more bad for myself knowing that this is what I am going to experience for years to come. 

Damien walked down from the altar dismissively putting an end to the ceremony, the whole place was oddly quiet, who dares to utter a word? 

He walked and stopped a few steps away beside my father, who had his head lowered. I saw him place his hand on top of my father's shoulder and lean to whisper something in his ear. It was clear that the words weren't pleasant, based on how my father suddenly trembled. A deadly smirk made its way to Damien's lips as he gave my father's shoulder a slight squeeze before walking away. It's really a chilling moment that reveals the power dynamic at play.

His men quickly stood up and went after him and I was left standing alone at the altar. Bathed in shame and embarrassment, I slowly lifted my gaze to stare at the man I had cursed so much pain. He had his head lowered and his fists clenched by his side.

 The voices murmuring were all coated in fear, and the paparazzi fearfully picked up their cameras from the ground where they had left them earlier, continuing their relentless recording. It's evident that this marriage lacks love, and you can sense it without anyone having to tell you. It's a difficult situation to be in, everyone deserves a relationship filled with love and happiness but I guess……. Not me!

I decided to step forward, and in that instant, I saw Olivia move toward my father and sat down beside him, taking his hand in her two palms. It was a touching moment as my father, who had been tongue-tied since the beginning of the ceremony, started having a conversation with her. 

I stood there, focused on their conversation, and it was clear from my father's body language that he was grieving. I couldn't ignore the harsh glances that Olivia kept shooting my way, accompanied by that silly smirk on her lips. I knew that whatever they were discussing had everything to do with what just happened here, right now, not after she saw me getting married to the world-famous billionaire, Damien Albrecht. 

I glanced behind me and noticed the priest watching me, observing my internal struggle of whether to move forward or stay frozen in place. He gave me a sympathetic look and then stepped forward, gently squeezing my shoulder to offer reassurance before walking away. 

Everywhere is getting empty, there is little or nobody still remaining in the hall, and the murmuring is slowly fading off as people find their way out. 

As I looked at my father, I decided to step forward and say a word to him, but before I could, a man beside me abruptly interrupted.

"Excuse me, miss, we have to leave," I turned to see the intruder and was instantly greeted by a huge gruff-looking man, dressed in black clothes. The pistol in his hand gave me a chill down my body, I don't need to be reminded who he is………. I already knew. 

I opened my mouth to talk but no word was coming out, my eyes ran down to the 500 S&W Magnum in his hand. My heart started pondering heavily as I saw his index finger gently tap on the trigger. I looked up to meet his gaze, his cold eyes sending me a quick message that I needed to compile and leave with him.

My face was suddenly filled with panic and anxiety like I did pass out anytime soon. I fearfully pulled my gaze away from him and noticed that the eyes of the other people remaining in the hall were now on me well except my father……. Fuck! 

"F....... Father….." I called in a grief-stricken voice, I waited for him to react or say a word not minding the gruff cold-blooded creature in front of me. I need to hear my father's voice again, he has been all I have ever had since my mother's demise. 

I decided to take a step forward but more like he read my mind, he instantly stood up. Turned his back, and walked away without even trying to cast a last glance on me. I felt a mix of confusion and disappointment as he walked away without a single glance. 

I felt the hard hit on my chest, the lack of interest he now has in me. I know that I wronged him but at least I wanted him to say a word to me even if it was scolding me.

I could feel the weight of remorse and regret as I stood there, my clothes clenched tightly in my fists. Tears streamed down my face, uncontrollably and voluntarily. The paparazzi seized the opportunity, capturing every moment. It's a difficult and vulnerable position to be in.

Every single moment of my life was captioned and I felt more worthless, it is no news that we are going to make the headline again tonight. I can see the dovey lovey couples by the corner……. Olivia and Mason, and the look of disgust on their faces.

"Miss I am sure that you wouldn't want to keep the boss waiting……" 

My mind, once a jumbled mess, snapped back to attention at the man's terrifying voice. The fear gripped me tight.

I gulped hard and nodded at him, swallowing the huge lump past my throat. He stepped aside and gestured for me to start going. I nodded again like what seemed like a millionth time and started walking. I can see the flashes of camera light sparks on the walls showing that they are taking account of every moment. 

My insides were trembling, and my legs felt numb. Glancing back, I saw the man right behind me, his expression icy and menacing. His presence exuded a chilling and dangerous aura.

I quickly turned my attention forward and took a step back as a red Lamborghini suddenly pulled up in front of me, causing me to pause in my tracks.

I waited for the car to move away or for the driver to roll down the tinted glass and say something if there was any reason why he stopped the car in front of me because he was obstructing my way but before I could react I heard the same man's cold terrifying voice from behind. 

"The car is here, you can enter inside," Feeling a surge of fear, I hesitated as the man's voice instructed me to enter the car.

My heart sank as I gazed at the stunning luxury car before me. Reality hit me hard - this wasn't a nightmare. I had brought my family to their lowest point, agreeing to marry the leader of a mafia gang in exchange for my father's company.

My fatal fate has just begun…….. The beginning of my tragic destiny!