The ballroom was a whirlwind of activity, filled with the chatter of guests and the clinking of glasses. I sat alone at one of the tables, feeling utterly out of place amidst the opulence that surrounded me. My fingers toyed with the intricate lace embroidery adorning the bodice of my wedding dress, a constant reminder of the fate I had been forced into.
"Oh, Sammi," a familiar voice cooed from behind me. "Why so glum on your special day?"
Vincent slid into the seat beside me, his cologne invading my senses. His gloved hand caressed my cheek, and I fought the urge to recoil.
"Don't look so scared, my dear," he murmured, his thumb tracing my jawline. "You're the blushing bride, the center of attention."
I swallowed hard, my gaze fixed on the plate of untouched food before me. "I don't feel like celebrating."
Vincent chuckled, the sound sending a chill down my spine. "Of course you don't. But that's the beauty of it, isn't it? You don't have a choice."
His words cut deep, and I bit my lip to hold back the tears that threatened to spill.
"Now, now, no crying," he chided, his voice dripping with mock concern. "You'll ruin that pretty makeup."
I remained silent, my hands clenched into fists beneath the table.
Vincent leaned closer, his lips brushing against my ear. "You belong to me now, Sammi. Body and soul."
A shudder ran through me at his possessive tone. Before I could respond, the soft strains of a slow song filled the air.
"Ah, our song," Vincent purred, rising to his feet. He extended his hand towards me. "Dance with me, wife."
The word felt like a weight around my neck, suffocating me. But I knew better than to refuse him. With a resigned sigh, I placed my hand in his, allowing him to lead me onto the dance floor.
My heart pounds in my chest as Vincent's strong hands grasp my shoulders, sending shivers down my spine. He leans in close, his hot breath tickling my ear. "Time for our first dance, mia amore."
I swallow hard, my voice barely a whisper. "Please, I can't-"
But Vincent doesn't listen. He drags me onto the dance floor, pulling me tight against his towering frame. The love song begins, achingly slow and romantic. It's a cruel juxtaposition to the terror coursing through my veins.
Vincent sways us to the music, his hands roaming possessively over my back. I'm so much shorter than him that I have to stand on his dress shoes just to reach his shoulders. Tears prick at my eyes as I'm forced into this twisted intimacy.
"Smile, Sammi," Vincent murmurs, his lips brushing my forehead. "This is the happiest day of your life."
I force my lips into a trembling smile, knowing everyone is watching us. The song shifts into something slower, more intimate. Vincent kneels down to my level, enveloping me in his arms. He nuzzles into my neck, whispering foreign words that send fear skittering through me.
"Mi sei mancato così tanto, amore mio. Non lasciarmi mai più." His voice is thick with emotion I can't understand.
I'm shaking now, barely able to stand. In the corner of my eye, I see Antonio snapping photos, documenting my misery for eternity.
"Please," I whimper, my fingers digging into Vincent's shoulders. "I can't breathe."
Vincent chuckles darkly, the vibrations rumbling through his chest. "Shh, dolcezza. Just let me hold you."
The song feels like it will never end, an eternity of being trapped in Vincent's embrace. When the final notes fade away, he pulls back, cupping my face in his hands.
"Mine," he growls, his obsidian eyes burning into me. "Forever."
As he claims my lips in a bruising kiss, I feel the last shreds of my freedom slipping away. I'm bound to this monster, with no escape in sight. The wedding guests cheer and applaud, but all I feel is the icy fingers of despair clawing at my heart.
