BOUND BY FAITH

THE WEDDING

The day of the wedding dawned, bringing with it a sense of dread that settled heavily in Abby's chest. She stood in her room, staring at the reflection in the mirror. The wedding gown was exquisite—crafted from delicate lace and satin, it hugged her curves perfectly—but to her, it felt more like a shackle than a symbol of love.

She turned, her heart racing at the thought of what lay ahead. "This isn't happening," she whispered to her reflection, willing herself to find a way out of this nightmare.

The door swung open, and Valenteno stepped inside, dressed in a tailored black suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and chiseled jaw. He looked like a king, radiating power and authority. "You're stunning," he said, his voice low and filled with an unsettling admiration.

"Save it," she shot back, her anger flaring. "I'm not marrying you, Valenteno. Not now, not ever."

He took a step closer, his eyes locking onto hers. "You don't have a choice."

"I can't believe you're doing this," she replied, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and defiance. "You think a wedding will change anything?"

"It will change everything," he insisted, his tone unwavering. "You'll understand soon enough."

Abby shook her head, tears threatening to spill over. "You're a monster, Valenteno. This isn't love; it's manipulation."

His expression hardened, and he stepped back slightly, creating a small gap between them. "I'm not a monster. I'm protecting you, Abby. You need to see that."

"Protecting me?" she scoffed, crossing her arms defiantly. "By forcing me into a marriage I don't want?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair, his frustration palpable. "You think I enjoy this? I'd do anything to avoid it, but you leave me no choice."

"Why? Because you think you own me?" Abby challenged, her heart pounding. "You think putting a ring on my finger will make me yours?"

He stepped forward again, his intensity overwhelming. "You're mine whether you like it or not. I won't let you go. Not after everything that's happened."

Abby felt her heart twist. "You can't keep me in a cage and call it love."

"I'm trying to protect you from a world you don't understand!" he snapped, his patience wearing thin. "Do you have any idea what's out there? What I've done to keep you safe?"

"You think I'm safer here?" she shot back, her voice rising. "You killed Ace! You're the biggest threat to my safety!"

"And I'd do it again if it meant keeping you alive!" Valenteno yelled, the raw emotion in his voice striking Abby like a physical blow.

"Then I'll never be safe with you," she replied, her voice breaking. "I refuse to live in fear!"

"Then what do you want?" he demanded, his expression a mixture of anger and desperation. "Do you want to run? You think that will solve anything?"

"I want out!" she yelled, frustration boiling over. "I can't be part of your world!"

"Then you leave me no choice," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "Either you like it or not, Abby, we're getting married in a week. By force or by your will."

"What?" Abby gasped, disbelief flooding her veins. "You can't be serious!"

"I'm dead serious," he replied, his expression cold and unyielding. "You're mine, and I'll do whatever it takes to make you understand that."

"Valenteno, you can't force me to marry you!" she protested, desperation creeping into her voice.

"Watch me," he said, his eyes dark and determined. "You'll regret challenging me."