Tempting Sin

Embrace of The Devil

She was still reeling from the shock when a group of people barged into her room to get her ready for her big day. Before she could even think of putting up a fight, the maid stepped forward and warned her, "Think about your grandmother before doing anything." 

Her threat struck down on Nevaeh like thunder. The color drained down her face as she gaped at the maid in sheer horror. The message was conveyed. He had her nanna.

"No," she whispered, unable to believe the extent of her misfortune.

The maid gestured for the artists to take over before marching out of the room. 

"Ma'am," the chief beautician urged her to take a seat. Nivi looked over at them. Their stoic faces and cold eyes deepened her despair. She knew there was nothing she could say to melt their stone heart. Without uttering a word, she made her way to the stool and sat down on it. 

She had never fantasized about her wedding like other girls. Caught up in daily grind, she never got a moment for herself to daydream about marriage and love. All she ever dreamed of was earning enough money to ensure her nanna received the best treatment. But never in her worst nightmare had she thought that she would marry against her will. This was too much. 

She endured all his torment, hoping one day she would be free from his clutches but he even robbed her of her one last hope.

"Done," the hair stylist announced, making her look up into the mirror. She couldn't recognize herself for a moment. Her makeup was on point, her hair was perfectly done, her wedding gown seemed to have materialized right from a dream world. Nothing on her was less than a million. Yet it all felt suffocating like iron shackles.  

A clicking noise echoed, prompting her gaze from the mirror to the head stylist who had just clicked a picture of her. 

"Sir was asking for your picture," the woman explained, smiling. Nivi didn't return her smile. These people knew she was being forced into it and were still acting like there was nothing wrong. Human without humanity. 

She didn't resist as the maid escorted her to the nearest church. Despite the profound ache ravaging her soul, her eyes remained dry. Her demeanor suggested a sense of detachment as if she had separated herself from her own emotions.  

However, when the door of the church opened, and she saw him waiting for her at the altar, the dam of anguish burst free. Tears cascaded down her eyes like a waterfall. Her feet turned to lead, refusing to move ahead.   

She met his charcoal eyes- as soulless as the ashes of a dying fire- and felt her heart sinking deeper into the pit of her stomach. Attired in a custom-made black suit, he looked dreamy, but only she knew what a nightmare he was. How would she exchange scared vows with her tormentor? How would she accept him as her husband? 

Her husband.

A fresh set of tears flooded her crystal blue eyes. She noticed his jaw clenching in displeasure and quickly schooled her features in fear of provoking his anger. She was utterly scared of his temper. 

The train of her gown flowed after her as she walked the aisle, all alone. Her fingers tightly clenching around the bouquet of roses she held, her eyes fixated on the floor as she dragged her feet towards her doom. The church was empty, saving for a couple of people she didn't bother looking at.  

As she drew near, Sin descended a step and held out his hand for her to take. With evident reluctance, she took his hand. His thick fingers wrapped around her small ones in a possessive grip as he carefully drew her onto the altar. She came to stand before him, keenly aware of his smoldering gaze upon her, yet too afraid to meet it. Someone came forward and took the bouquet from her. She clasped her hands together in nervousness.