BOUND BY SHADOWS : A DARK ROMANCE

CHAPTER-1 THE COLD VOWS

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A grand, coldly opulent mansion loomed over its guests, dimly lit and echoing with silence. The air was thick with unspoken tension as Tysha stood before a mirror in her bridal gown. The delicate lace and silk clung to her body, yet felt like a shroud. She barely recognized herself, adorned like a prize for a man who was a stranger. Whispers from her family echoed in her mind, desperate to escape financial ruin, leading her to this moment. The stakes felt high, yet she couldn’t shake the unease twisting in her stomach.

As the ceremony began, she caught a glimpse of Taehyung standing at the altar. He exuded an aura of power, dressed sharply in a tailored suit, but a coldness permeated his demeanor, sending shivers down her spine. His dark eyes scanned the room, missing no detail, but when they landed on her, they felt devoid of warmth, as if she were nothing more than an object.

The officiant droned on about love and commitment, but the words felt hollow to Tysha. She glanced at Taehyung, hoping for some sign of emotion, but his expression was one of indifference, as if he were merely going through the motions.

“Do you, Taehyung, take Tysha to be your lawfully wedded wife?”
“I suppose,” he replied, his voice flat and devoid of passion.
“This isn’t a game,” Tysha interjected, her heart racing.
“Isn’t it? You’re just a means to an end,” he shot back, his lips curling into a smirk.

Tysha’s heart sank. The weight of his words felt like a leaden anchor, dragging her deeper into despair. She fought back tears, reminding herself of her family’s sacrifices. The vows were exchanged, but instead of joy, Tysha felt the suffocating grip of reality tighten around her.

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After the ceremony, they were escorted to a lavish suite designed for romance, yet it felt like a gilded cage. The decor was luxurious, but the atmosphere was heavy with unspoken dread. Tysha sat on the edge of the bed, her heart racing, while Taehyung poured himself a glass of whiskey. The ice clinked in the glass like the mocking laughter of her own thoughts.

Taehyung moved to the window, staring out at the city lights, as if contemplating his next conquest. The silence stretched uncomfortably between them, filled only with the sound of his quiet breathing and her erratic heartbeat.

“Taehyung, can we talk?” she asked, her voice trembling.
“About what? The wedding? The fact that we’re stuck with each other?” he replied, glancing at her without any hint of concern.
“No, about us. This—whatever this is. I don’t want it to be like this.”
“You think you have a say in this? You’re here to obey, to fulfill your role. Don’t forget that.”

Tysha bristled at his words, feeling a surge of anger.

“I’m not some object for you to command. I have feelings, hopes…”
“Hopes? You were married off like a bargaining chip, Tysha. Your ‘hopes’ don’t matter here.”
“I refuse to accept that! I deserve to be treated with respect.”
“Respect? That’s earned, and you have a long way to go before you’re worthy of it. Right now, you’re just a liability.”

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The atmosphere grew tense, charged with unspoken threats and simmering emotions. Taehyung’s dark gaze bore into her, making her feel small and vulnerable. She could sense the danger lurking beneath his cold exterior, a threat simmering just below the surface.

“What do you want from me?” she demanded, her voice steadier than she felt.
“I want you to understand your place. You may think you can fight me, but I’ll make you regret it.”
“I won’t back down, Taehyung. You can’t break me.”
“Oh, sweet Tysha, breaking you is the least of my worries. But if you push me…”

His voice trailed off, leaving a chilling implication hanging in the air. Tysha felt a cold sweat break out on her skin as she stepped back, needing distance from his looming presence.

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The next morning, the light filtered through the heavy curtains, casting a soft glow on the chaotic emotions of the night before. Tysha woke up, feeling the ache of anxiety in her chest. She glanced over to find Taehyung already awake, scrolling through his phone with an unreadable expression.

“Good morning,” she said cautiously.
“Don’t bother. It’s not a good morning unless you plan to follow my orders,” he replied, not looking up.
“I’m not your servant, Taehyung.”
“You’re my wife. That means you do what I say, when I say it. Understand?”

She felt her pulse quicken, the air thickening with unspoken challenges.

“I won’t live in fear. I won’t let you control me.”
“Fear is a powerful teacher. You’ll learn, Tysha, one way or another.”

As he stepped back, leaving her breathless, Tysha realized that this was just the beginning of a war for her sanity and independence. She felt trapped, yet a flicker of defiance ignited within her. She wouldn’t let him win.

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~to be continued 💕

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