As you stood at the altar, your heart racing with anxiety you felt like a pawn in your father's game of power and strategy. The priest's voice echoed through the silent church,

"Face your husband."

You took a deep breath and turned to face your groom Dylan the son of your father's arch-nemesis Victor. Although you'd never met him you knew of his family's legendary feud with yours which had been simmering for years.

Dylan's piercing steel-grey eyes seemed to bore into your soul and his chiseled features were accentuated by his perfectly styled raven hair and tailored black suit. His devilish good looks sent a shiver down your spine. You closed your eyes, trying to calm your racing mind, but the uncertainty of your forced marriage lingered.

As you opened your eyes, the ceremony continued, and you felt like you were on autopilot. The priest asked you a question, but you didn't realize what he was saying until your father gave you a harsh nod. You looked at him and then back at the priest, who was waiting for your response. You took a deep breath and said.

"I do,"

Dylan's response was equally brief,

"I do"

You exchanged rings, the cold metal feeling like a shackle on your finger. The priest smiled,

"I now pronounce you as husband and wife,"

The priest announced, his voice echoing through the church. As he finished, the church fell silent except for the soft rustling of clothes. A sense of dread washed over you The priest's voice broke the silence his words firm and traditional.

"You may now kiss the bride,"

he said his eyes on Dylan. Dylan's eyes locked onto yours, his gaze piercing and unyielding. As he leaned in you thought you would finally experience your first kiss. You felt a flutter in your chest a mix of excitement and nerves. But instead of pressing his lips to yours he veered off, giving you a quick peck on the cheek. The rejection stung feeling like a slap in the face. The church was silent the only sound the quiet gasps of shock. There were no well-wishes no cheers or applause.