Chapter 2 The Whirlwind Wedding

Annabel's mind reeled as she tried to process Mattia's proposal. Marry him? It was absurd. She barely knew the man, and yet, there was something about him that drew her in. Something that made her want to say yes. "I need time to think," Annabel said, trying to stall for time. Mattia's expression didn't change, but Annabel sensed a hint of impatience beneath the surface. "I'm afraid time is a luxury we don't have, Annabel," he said, his voice firm but polite. "I need a wife, and I need one now. You're the perfect candidate." Annabel's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean, 'the perfect candidate'?" Mattia leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together. "You're intelligent, ambitious, and beautiful. You have a certain... je ne sais quoi that I find appealing. And, of course, you're not afraid of hard work." Annabel felt a flutter in her chest as Mattia's eyes seemed to linger on her face. She couldn't deny the attraction she felt towards him, but she was determined to keep her wits about her. "I'm not a commodity to be bought and sold, Mr. Blackwood," Annabel said, her voice firm. Mattia's smile was a cold, calculating thing. "Oh, but you are, Annabel. You're a valuable asset, and I'm willing to pay top dollar for you." Annabel's heart raced as she realized the true extent of Mattia's power. He was a man who saw everything as a business transaction, including marriage. "I'll give you 24 hours to think about it," Mattia said, his voice dripping with confidence. "If you agree to marry me, I'll make sure you're well taken care of. You'll have everything you've ever wanted, and more." Annabel felt a shiver run down her spine as she looked into Mattia's eyes. She knew that she was playing with fire, but a part of her was tempted by the promise of wealth and power. As she left Mattia's office, Annabel couldn't shake off the feeling that she was walking into a trap. She knew that she needed to think carefully about her decision, but a part of her was already convinced that she was making a mistake. The next morning, Annabel woke up feeling like she was stuck in a dream. Had she agreed to marry a man she barely knew? Had she agreed to become a part of his business empire? As she got dressed, Annabel's mind raced with questions. What did Mattia want from her? What secrets was he hiding? When she arrived at the mansion, Annabel was greeted by a team of stylists and makeup artists, who worked their magic to transform her into a stunning bride. As she looked in the mirror, Annabel barely recognized the woman staring back at her. She was a vision in white, her hair styled to perfection, her makeup flawless. But as she walked down the aisle, Annabel's heart was racing with anxiety. She was about to marry a man she barely knew, a man who was as ruthless as he was attractive. The ceremony was a whirlwind of activity, with Mattia's lawyers and assistants buzzing around them like bees. Annabel barely had time to process what was happening before she signed her name on the dotted line. As they exchanged their vows, Annabel felt a sense of trepidation. She was trapped in a marriage with a man who was as mysterious as he was powerful. But as Mattia's lips brushed against hers, Annabel felt a spark of electricity. A spark that made her wonder if she was in over her head, or if she was about to uncover secrets that would change her life forever. The reception was a lavish affair, with champagne flowing like water and guests mingling like they were at a royal wedding. Annabel felt like a princess, surrounded by the cream of society. But as she looked around, Annabel couldn't help but feel like an imposter. She didn't belong in this world, and she knew it. As the night wore on, Annabel found herself getting more and more anxious. She was trapped in a marriage with a man she barely knew, and she had no idea what the future held. But as she looked into Mattia's eyes, Annabel felt a spark of attraction. A spark that made her wonder if she was making a mistake, or if she was about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. As they danced their first dance as husband and wife, Annabel felt like she was floating on air. She was trapped in a whirlwind romance, and she had no idea where it would take her. But as she looked into Mattia's eyes, Annabel knew that she was in for the ride of her life. She was married to a man who was as ruthless as he was attractive, and she had no idea what secrets he was hiding. As the night wore on, Annabel found herself getting more and more scared.