02

                                    

                                          
|In the Shadow of Her Fate|
Verena's emerald-green eyes fluttered open, their vibrant hue reflecting her confusion as her surroundings gradually materialized before her. Slowly, she pushed herself upright, only to find herself ensconced in the vast expanse of the largest bed she had ever encountered. 
The room, swathed in a decadent, dark decor, was a testament to its owner's exquisite taste. Uniquely polished furnishings adorned the space, unlike anything Verena had ever laid her eyes upon. The bedspread, delicate and ethereal, felt like a cascade of soft flower petals beneath her fingertips, beckoning her to recline indefinitely.
Even though it all seemed luxurious, the terror inside her didn't relax. She was terrified, making it all look scary. The cold dread that gripped her heart made it difficult to even form coherent thoughts.
Struggling to sit up, her body felt heavy, laden with the weight of her fear. She cast her gaze around the darkly adorned room, every shadow dancing with an eerie quality that sent shivers down her spine. 
The extravagance of the décor seemed more ominous than inviting, and the unique, polished furniture took on an unsettling air in her terrified state.
As her gaze traversed the room's opulence, it inevitably fell upon a figure, a strikingly handsome man. She blinked in disbelief, thinking it couldn't possibly be him, but there he was, Ethan Salvador. 
His ocean-blue eyes seemed to undress her with an unapologetic, appraising stare. Verena instinctively shielded herself with her trembling hand, as if the thin fabric of her attire was armor against his gaze. 
The icy fingers of fear clenched at her throat. It took tremendous effort for her to speak, and when she finally gathered the courage, her voice quivered as if her very soul was trembling. "Why... why me?"
Ethan regarded her with a chilling lack of emotion, causing Verena to feel as though she had uttered the most naive question in existence. 
With an elegant motion, he rose from his chair, a testament to his arrogance, a manifestation of his wealth and power. His strides carried him closer to her, and she instinctively inched backward.
Reaching her, he brushed his hand against her cheek, his touch as soft as a lover's caress, while Verena's breath caught in her throat. She parted her lips to question him, but before she could complete the thought, he seized her hand and pressed it firmly behind her, effectively paralyzing her. Her breath hitched, and she gasped, "What ar-"
His sly interruption silenced her, and he leaned closer, his eyes tracing her lips with a burning intensity. Whispering huskily into her ear, his hot breath sent shivers down her spine, "You would be the perfect wife, I can feel it."
Desperation tugged at her heart. 
Tears welled up in her eyes, her vulnerability laid bare. She quivered, trembling like a leaf in a storm as she whispered, "Let my s-sister marry your friend. Don't you care about him? Let go of me." 
Ethan's smile was chilling as he heard her plea. He stepped in front of her, locking their gazes head to head. "Why do you think he impregnated your sister?" He paused for a while before continuing, "Let me answer for you. It was at my behest. I knew you wouldn't consent. You'd rather end your own life, wouldn't you? You've thought about it, haven't you?"
Verena's lips quivered as she tried to speak, but nothing came out of her mouth.
His fingers tightened around her delicate throat, holding her in a firm grip. "I understand you all too well. Without stirring the pot, prepare for the wedding. I want no disturbances."
Defiance flickered in Verena's tearful eyes as she found her voice, "I'll be your wife, but nothing more. You cannot force me into an intimate relationship."
Ethan's dark laughter sent a cold shiver down her spine, and he agreed, but his dominance loomed over her.
"Agreed, for now. Now, be a good girl and behave," he patronizingly patted her head before leaving her alone in the room.
There she was once again, grappling with her fear and the horrifying reality of her situation. She sat there pulling her legs closer to herself as tears flowed freely from her eyes.
Soon, a parade of people, their faces adorned with makeup, and the bride in her wedding gown, a dress that held both promise and peril, filled the room. She couldn't help but question: What did he really want? Why had he picked her? Her mind begged for answers, yet they remained elusive, leaving her in a state of uncertainty.
Her gaze landed on the wedding dress, a vision of beauty that tugged at her heartstrings. She imagined the joyful tears it should bring, but deep down, she knew there was a price to pay. Did this extravagant gown signify the auction of her very soul? It was a heavy burden.
Remembering his previous behavior, she couldn't ignore her dislike for him. Was his handsomeness enough to excuse his actions? The truth was that looks alone couldn't cover for a person's character. Underneath the surface, a person's heart and actions mattered most. 
Every woman desired a kind and good-hearted partner, but did she have a choice in this matter?
The idea of doing something unthinkable, ending her own life, had crossed her mind, but the thought of her sister, Rosa, held her back. She couldn't bear to leave Rosa behind, facing a man who barely returned her love and was using her as a pawn in a dark game and that too just because his friend told him to. Does he really have no love for my sister or his upcoming child?
What kind of person would do such a thing? Was this what humanity had come to?
She almost chuckled, thinking about the cruelty of it all.
Her eyes returned to the radiant white dress, shining like it was calling out to her. The long train, a beautiful but unwieldy burden, would require the help of at least ten people. 
The delicate silk fabric told the story of the effort put into creating it. The quality and design revealed its expense. This dress exuded wealth and opulence.

                            

                                
                            
                              
                                  
                              
                              
                                
                                  
                                  
                                
                              
                             
                            
                            
                          
                          
Her attention then shifted to the shoes and the ring, both of which were striking. 
The ring, in particular, held her in a trance. It was a dazzling symbol, a silent reminder of her belonging to someone. The initials, "E.S.," engraved on the stone, hinted at her fate as property rather than a partner.
Taking a deep, quivering breath, she stood before the mirror, regarding her reflection with a mix of self-pity and awe. There was no denying it; she looked absolutely stunning.
"Mam, it's time," a maid gently reminded her, her voice trembling with sympathy. Another final deep breath coursed through her, and she managed to conjure a smile as she locked eyes with her own reflection. "To the day my soul dies," she whispered to herself, her smile bittersweet.
With those words, she stepped out of the room, heading toward the man who would effectively claim her the moment she uttered those fateful "I do's." 
The smile on her lips didn't waver, but behind it lay a torrent of emotions, a mixture of resignation, determination, and the inescapable drama of her situation. With a heart heavy yet resolute, she moved forward.
IFPAINCOULDSAIL