Wedcuffed

Chapter 10

Sarah P.O.V

Taking slow steps toward the stage, I felt my heart pounding harder with each step. As I reached the stage, Lauren immediately turned towards me. "Ahh! Here comes my beautiful daughter-in-law," she said warmly, pulling me into a hug. "All the best, dear," she whispered in my ear, sensing my nervousness.

"Ladies and gentlemen, today my son is beginning a new phase of his life with the beautiful heiress of Amario Enterprises, Sarah Darrell," Mr. Parker announced. I stood next to Adrian, both of us wearing forced smiles.

"My son, Adrian, has worked very hard for the company over the past few years, and I hope that marrying Sarah will lead to even more success for them both."

The rings were soon brought out, and we exchanged them. Adrian slipped the ring onto my finger with a forceful touch, making it clear he wanted to leave as soon as possible. After we exchanged rings, the crowd erupted into applause and cheers.

"I have one more important announcement. Since I will be leaving for London soon with my dear wife, I want you all to know that this beautiful couple will be married by the end of this month," Mr. Parker said, his smile wide.

After the announcement, everyone was encouraged to enjoy the party. I noticed Adrian stiffen at the mention of the marriage but he didn't say anything. I saw Grandpa and Grandma talking to my father, who was present but hadn't made any effort to meet his daughter.

As I was contemplating whether to join them or not, someone suddenly grabbed my arm roughly and dragged me into a spare room.

I was pushed onto a cushion in the corner of the room. Adrian closed the door but kept his eyes fixed on me.

"What do you want, Adrian?" I asked, standing up.

"I want you to understand something, and I need you to get it through your thick skull: I will never accept you as my wife. You can never have a place in my heart or in my life. I know you're just a gold digger who wants money, but I didn't realize you would agree to marry someone just for financial gain.

I am marrying you only for the sake of my dad and the company. Don't expect anything else from me or this marriage. The only woman who will ever have a place in my heart is Jessica," he hissed angrily.

I stared directly into his eyes as he spoke. Once he was done, I chuckled at his words. He was exactly as I had expected.

"Well, Adrian, I am marrying you because I want to save Amario Enterprises. I don't expect anything from you either. Also, I don't need to be a gold digger—I'm the heiress of Amario Enterprises. Even if I didn't hold this position, I am perfectly capable of earning for myself. Maybe it's your Jessica who needs the support," I replied, maintaining eye contact. I wanted him to know he couldn't accuse me of something that wasn't true.

"And next time you want to discuss something important, you can ask me politely to step aside instead of dragging me," I added, giving him a contemptuous smile.

Without waiting for his response, I opened the door and headed straight to my car. On my way, I texted Grandma, saying I wasn't feeling well and was going home.

I had had enough drama for one day.

Adrian's POV

That bitch actually had the nerve to talk back to me, although some of her points about being the heiress and having money were valid.

Still, because of her, my perfect plans with Jessica were ruined.

Remembering Jessica, I quickly left the room and searched for her at the party, but she was nowhere to be found. I texted her asking about her whereabouts, but she didn't reply, and after some time, her number was switched off. I sensed something was wrong.

Jessica never turned off her phone—never.

Unfortunately, I had to wait until the guests left. After nearly two hours, when almost half of the guests were gone, I made an excuse about having an important meeting the next day, said goodbye to my parents, and went straight to Jessica's house.

I tried calling and texting her while driving, but there was no response. When I arrived at her apartment, I knocked on the door twice with no reply. Eventually, I used the spare keys I had to open the door.

The house was dark as if no one was home. I called her name twice but got no response. I checked her bedroom, but it was empty. I took out my phone and tried calling her again.

Suddenly, I noticed an envelope on the bed. I picked it up and saw my name written on it. I opened it and began reading.

Dear Adrian,

I'm sorry, Adrian. I can't take this anymore. I can't bear to see you marry Sarah, and it would be selfish of me to ask you not to do so. I know my decision will hurt you, but this is what's best for us. I'm leaving all of this behind, Adrian; this is the only way we can both be happy. If you ever loved me, please don't come looking for me or try to find me.

Have a happy life, Adrian.

--Jessica

No, no, no, she can't leave me. I stood up and looked around her room. Her belongings were missing: her wardrobe was empty, and her vanity and desk were cleared.

I sat there holding the letter, trying to process what had happened. I had lost the most precious thing—my love. I had lost Jessica.

This was all Sarah's fault. If she hadn't signed those papers so hastily, I might have had other options. I could have come up with a different plan or even persuaded Dad not to force me into this.

"I will make sure you regret marrying me, Sarah. I will make you regret ever coming back here. I will make your life a living hell so that you will beg for death, but you still won't get it," I hissed.

Let the game begin, Sarah Darrell.

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xoxo

4o mini