𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟖

Marriage can alter a person, for better or worse, but it undeniably brings about change. Our lives have taken a different path now, and when I say "our," I mean Adrik's and mine. I won't remain silent and submissive. I'm determined to make his life difficult.

With Jeremy by my side, I make my way to the altar, fighting to hold back my tears. There are only a handful of people here, and the entire setting seems to be dominated by the colour black. The stares of those present suggest that I've committed some grave mistake, primarily because of my unconventional black wedding dress. Ignoring their judgmental glances, I approach Adrik, whose eyes reveal simmering anger.

He stands at the altar, dressed in a sharp and impeccably tailored black suit. The dark fabric hugs his muscular frame, accentuating the powerful presence he exudes. His shirt is a crisp white, and a simple black tie completes the ensemble. His jet-black hair is neatly styled, and his steel-grey eyes seem even more intense against the backdrop of his dark attire. Every detail of his outfit is meticulously chosen, radiating an aura of authority and control.

He leans in closer, his voice a low, chilling murmur as he speaks directly into my ear, "Luna, you'll come to regret this.", making a shiver roll down my spine.

The priest begins his speech, but Adrik abruptly interrupts him, commanding, "Skip it."

The priest proceeds with the formal questions. "Do you, Adrik Volkov, accept Grace Amber as your life partner, your wife?"

Adrik's response is swift, his eyes locked onto mine with a kind of intensity that sends shivers down my spine. "I do," he says, his voice strong and unwavering.

Then, the question turns to me, and I know I'm expected to say, 'I do.' But it feels so wrong like I'm being coerced into this marriage against my will. I want to scream 'No,' but the word sticks in my throat, just like it did that dreadful night. No, no, no, no...

I feel Adrik's grip on my wrist tightening, his expression darkening.

"I-I do," I finally manage to choke out, my voice trembling and tears welling up in my eyes.

With those words, I seal my fate, and a wave of despair washes over me. This is a marriage I never wanted, a life I never imagined, and the thought of it fills me with a deep sense of regret and helplessness.

The priest's words hang heavy in the air, and for a moment, time seems to stand still. Adrik's piercing gaze remains fixed on me as we stand at the altar, bound by a choice I never truly made.

"I pronounce you now, as husband and wife," the priest declares, his voice solemn and final. "You may now kiss your wife."

The room falls into a hushed silence as all eyes turn to us. I can feel Adrik's warm breath on my lips as he leans in, his grey eyes still locked onto mine. My heart races, and I can't help but think that this kiss is not the beginning of a fairy tale, but rather the start of an uncertain and tumultuous journey into the unknown.

Adrik swiftly lifts my veil, exposing my face to him. His intense grey eyes lock onto mine, searching for any sign of resistance. Finding none, he leans in forcefully, pressing his lips firmly against mine. The world fades away as his demanding kiss consumes me, leaving me with a mixture of conflicting emotions. There's a possessiveness in the way he pulls me closer to him, making me feel like I'm trapped in this union.

Adrik finally releases me from the passionate kiss, and whispers, " You are mine now, Mrs. Volkov. Mine. No one can save you from me." I gasp for air as he takes a step back. The intensity of the moment leaves me breathless, and I can feel the weight of our forced union settle over me like a heavy shroud.

Adrik and I turn to face the small gathering of guests who are watching us with a mix of curiosity and unease. Adrik's expression is unreadable, but there's a glint of triumph in his eyes that sends shivers down my spine.

Adrik leads me down the aisle, our fingers intertwined in a tight grip. As we approach the pakhan, Adrik nods respectfully.

"Pakhan," Adrik greets him.

The pakhan looks at Adrik, disappointment evident in his eyes. "Adrik, well, this was unexpected, especially from you."

Adrik nods, his expression unreadable. "This was unexpected, indeed."

The pakhan gestures for us to proceed, and Adrik guides me toward two people in their mid-forties, both of them exuding an aura of strength and rugged handsomeness.

"Adrik, congratulations. Well, I wouldn't say the same to you, Grace. You've married a monster," the brown-eyed man says.

"Dimitri, didn't you say a lot?" Adrik smirks, moving forward. "Remind me where your precious wife is? Oh, yeah, she left you."

I exchange a tight smile with the petite girl named Mara Morozov as she introduces herself, and approaches us. Her ebony hair is tied in a ponytail, and she wears a tight body-con sling dress, looking stunning.

"Hi," I greet her, as she does.

"Congratulations," she smiles and then joins a blonde-haired guy. Adrik and I follow.

"Hi, I'm Nemesis. Congratulations," he says, offering a warm smile.

"Yeah, okay," Adrik replies, growing visibly irritated as he pulls me with him toward Jeremy and Lev.

"Lev, you should probably go. Your fiancée is flirting with Nemesis," Adrik says, causing Lev to quickly leave.

"Congratulations," Jeremy says, his happiness apparent.

"Drop the act. We're leaving," Adrik commands, his grip firm as he pulls me toward his car.

"Adrik, leave my hand," I insist, tugging away from him and removing my veil.

"Why?" he questions.

"Because you have no right to touch me," I retort, raising my voice.

"Lower your voice, and I have every right to touch you. I'm your husband. I will touch you whenever the fuck I want as you are mine, Fucking mine," Adrik declares, pulling me into his SUV.

"Where to, boss?" Luca inquires.

"Penthouse," Adrik says, pressing a button to draw the curtains between our seats and Luca's.

" What the fuck are you wearing?" Adrik demands his grip on my wrist like a vice.

"Let go of me, you're hurting me," I protest, speaking through clenched teeth.

"It's just the beginning. Wait and see how much more I can hurt you, Luna," he replies with a sinister tone.

"What does Luna mean?" I ask.

"None of your business," he retorts, finally releasing me to search his pockets.

"Here, your phone. Don't do anything foolish," he mutters, handing me my phone before becoming engrossed in his own.