The morning light was barely creeping through the window when Raven Blackwood stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of his dark grey suit.
His eyes scanned his reflection, and a smirk of satisfaction curled at the corner of his lips. His slicked-back hair was meticulously styled, not a strand out of place.
He was getting married today.
The thought sent a surge of twisted triumph through him.
He had always been a man who got what he wanted, and today, Valerie Thorne would be his.. whether she liked it or not..
On the couch behind him, Axel Stone sat silently, his dark eyes watching Raven with a mix of disdain and concern.
He shook his head slightly, his disapproval clear, but said nothing until Raven caught his gaze in the mirror.
“What’s with that face?” Raven asked, his voice sharp with annoyance.
Axel didn’t mince his words. “Do you really have to go to these lengths to marry her?”
Raven turned to face him, his expression hardening. “Of course.”
Axel shook his head again, sighing deeply. “She’ll kill you when she finds out. When she realizes you orchestrated everything, that you pulled all these strings just to trap her.”
Raven’s smirk returned, darker this time. “She’s not strong enough to face me.”
Axel’s jaw tightened. “You’re underestimating her. Valerie’s not the type to forgive easily. This won’t end well for you.”
“I know her better than you do,” Raven shot back, his voice firm. He was in no mood for a lecture. Not today.
“But…”
“Save it.” Raven’s voice cut through Axel’s protest, his hand waving dismissively. “Keep your opinions to yourself.”
Axel leaned back on the couch, his lips pressed into a thin line. “I’m saying this for your own good.”
Raven ignored him. He had no interest in hearing about what was good for him, not when everything was falling perfectly into place.
Without another word, he turned on his heel and strode out of the room, heading for Valerie’s house.
On the way, he made several phone calls, his tone cold and precise, giving instructions for the day ahead.
He drove through the traffic, and within twenty-five minutes, he arrived at the Thorne residence.
Eliot, his assistant, was waiting at the gate, nervous as always. “Boss, you’re here.”
Raven didn’t bother with pleasantries. He walked straight past Eliot, his mind focused solely on the woman he intended to make his wife.
He reached her bedroom door, pulled the key from his pocket, and unlocked it.
Inside, Valerie was still asleep, curled up under the covers, her face peaceful for once.
Raven stood at the foot of her bed, his gaze cold and calculating as he watched her.
For a moment, he allowed himself to take in the sight of her, vulnerable and unaware, before stepping closer. The sound of his footsteps made her stir, but she didn’t wake.
“Good morning, Valerie,” Raven said softly, his voice carrying an edge of amusement.
Valerie’s eyes fluttered open.
When she saw Raven standing over her, her peaceful expression morphed into one of horror.
She closed her eyes again, trying to will herself back into sleep, as if she could escape this nightmare. “Just a dream,” she murmured to herself. “This is just a dream.”
Raven watched her, unimpressed by her attempt to ignore him.
He bent down, scooping her up into his arms effortlessly. Valerie gasped, jolted awake by the sudden motion.
Before she could protest, Raven carried her to the bathroom and placed her in the tub, then turned on the cold water.
The icy stream hit her skin, and Valerie shrieked, jolting upright as the cold shock ripped through her body.
She glared up at him, dripping and furious. “What the fuck are you doing, Raven?”
Raven crossed his arms over his chest, his gaze indifferent. “Did you forget? We’re getting married today.”
Valerie froze, the weight of his words crashing down on her. The fight seemed to leave her for a moment as her shoulders sagged. “Why?” she whispered, her voice small, broken. “Why are you doing this to me?”
“You have ten minutes to freshen up,” Raven said, ignoring her question. “I’ll be waiting outside.”
Valerie glared at him with all the venom she could muster. “I’d rather spend my life in this bathtub than marry you, Raven.”
Raven’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “If that’s your choice, I’m happy to help. I can bathe you myself.”
Her cheeks flushed with anger and embarrassment, but Raven didn’t wait for her response.
He left the bathroom, closing the door behind him. Valerie sat there, her body trembling.. not from the cold, but from the fury coursing through her veins.
Minutes later, after drying off and forcing herself to calm down, Valerie walked back into her bedroom.
On the bed, a stunning white wedding dress had been laid out for her, along with sparkling jewelry and accessories.
But Valerie felt no excitement, no joy.
She wanted to destroy the dress, to rip it apart with her bare hands. But that wouldn’t change anything.
Three women stood near the bed.. her stylists for the day. A hair stylist, a makeup artist, and an accessories stylist.
Raven sat on the couch, watching her with the same cold intensity he always did. His gaze never wavered from her, and she felt the weight of it as she crossed the room.
Raven glanced at the women, then back at Valerie. “Begin,” he commanded.
Valerie wanted to resist, but she knew it was futile.
Her steps were heavy as she moved toward the chair and sat down. Each moment felt like a betrayal to herself, but she made a silent vow. She would make Raven regret this. She would make his life hell, even if it was only a contract marriage.
The stylists began their work, and Valerie sat still, her mind far away from the brushes and powders touching her skin.
Raven continued to watch, his eyes never leaving her. She could feel his gaze like a weight pressing down on her, suffocating her.
When the stylists were done, Valerie stood, the white dress cascading around her like a waterfall of silk.
She didn’t even glance at the mirror.
She had no interest in how she looked.
She just wanted this nightmare to be over.
Raven stood up and dismissed the women with a curt nod. Then he turned to Valerie, his gaze as cold as ever. “Let’s go.”
Valerie didn’t respond. She looked at him, this man who had forced her into a life she didn’t want, who had stolen her freedom without a second thought.
Her hatred for him burned hotter than ever, but there was nothing she could do.
Not yet.
They arrived at the venue, a grand hall filled with muted elegance. A few guests had already gathered, but as Valerie scanned the room, she realized with a sinking feeling that she didn’t recognize anyone.
Her friends weren’t there.
“Where are Elara and Trance?” Valerie asked, her voice low but sharp.
Raven didn’t even blink. “I didn’t invite them.”
Valerie’s eyes widened in disbelief. Her fingers clenched into fists as she pointed at him. “You…”
She wanted to scream, to lash out, to say something that could convey the depth of her anger and despair.
But no words came out.
Only silence.