MY HUSBAND IS A GANGSTER

CHAPTER SEVEN

Into the Lion's Den

┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

The days leading up to the wedding were a whirlwind of preparations, emotions, and a relentless sense of dread. My friends Jenna and Lily did their best to keep my spirits up, but they couldn't fully comprehend the magnitude of what I was facing.

My parents were a mixture of supportive and guilt-ridden, their worry for me etched into every glance and word.

The morning of the wedding, I woke up feeling like I was trapped in a nightmare. The sun was shining brightly, a cruel contrast to the storm brewing inside me.

As I got ready, I couldn't help but feel like a character in one of those over-the-top dramas we used to laugh about. Only this time, the drama was all too real.

"Are you okay?" Jenna asked softly as she helped me into my dress. The gown was undeniably beautiful, an intricate mix of lace and satin, but it felt like a costume-a façade for the farce my life had become.

I forced a smile, trying to keep my voice steady. "As okay as I can be, given the circumstances."

Lily handed me my bouquet, her eyes filled with concern. "Remember, we're here for you. No matter what happens, you're not alone."

I nodded, grateful for their support. "Thanks, guys. I don't know what I'd do without you."

My dad walked me down the aisle, his grip firm but gentle. "I'm so sorry, Rachel," he whispered. "We never wanted this for you."

"I know, Dad," I replied, blinking back tears. "Let's just get through today."

When I reached the altar, Neil was waiting for me, looking impossibly composed. Our eyes met, and for a brief moment, I saw a flicker of something-regret, perhaps?-before he masked it with a stoic expression. The ceremony was a blur, the words washing over me as I went through the motions.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the officiant declared. Neil leaned in, his lips brushing mine in a chaste kiss. The crowd applauded, but it all felt distant, like I was watching a scene unfold from far away.

As we walked back down the aisle together, Neil squeezed my hand gently. "We'll get through this," he murmured. "I promise."

I nodded, unable to find the words to respond. The reception that followed was a surreal blend of celebration and tension.

The Carters' influence was evident in the opulence of the event, and I couldn't help but feel like a pawn in a dangerous game.

Throughout the evening, I exchanged polite conversations with guests, my smile fixed but my mind elsewhere. Neil stayed close, his presence a strange mix of comfort and intimidation.

I couldn't help but wonder what his true intentions were. Was he really trying to protect me, or was this just another layer of the intricate web I'd been caught in?

As the night wore on, I found myself standing alone on the balcony, looking out over the city. The cool breeze was a welcome relief from the stifling atmosphere inside.

"Quite the view, isn't it?" Neil's voice broke the silence, and I turned to find him standing beside me.

"It is," I replied, my tone guarded. "But it doesn't change the fact that my life has been turned upside down."