Chapter 2 A Bride in Shadow

Nadia's POV

The next hours passed in a blur. It didn't matter how angry I was, how afraid I was, or how much I protested. The choice made by my parents was final. I was thrown into a frenzy of preparations before I could regain my breath. Without my voice or permission, vows were made, dresses were fitted, and documents were signed.

My heart was beating so hard by the time I reached the imposing door of St. Augustine's Cathedral that I could hardly hear the melancholy tones of the organ.

The building smelled of ancient incense and polished wood, and it was frigid. Every exquisite lace thread in my gown served as a reminder of my captivity, making it feel like a cage.

I gripped the bouquet of white flowers with shaking hands. In contrast to the turmoil that swirled within me, they were flawless and immaculate. I looked around at the well-organized rows of guests. I glanced at the guests seated in neat rows. Most were strangers, their faces carefully neutral, their whispers carrying just enough to sting.

She's so plain compared to Nancy. He must be furious about this arrangement. Poor Derick. Imagine marrying the quiet one.

Even though the words were painful, I continued to look ahead. Beside me, my father wheeled, his face impassive as he readied himself to give me away. Being given away to a man who most likely didn't want me any more than I wanted him was really ironic.

Then he showed up.

Derick Steele.

Like a marble statue, he stood icily and uncompromisingly at the altar. Every cut and contour of his well-tailored black suit emphasized his strong physique. His storm-gray eyes were harsh and far away, but his dark hair was pulled back nicely. He was not smiling. He didn't flinch. I walked up to him, and he hardly acknowledged me.

By the time I got to him, he held out a hand, tight but cold. I swallowed the lump in my throat after feeling cold from the touch.

The priest started talking, rambling on and on about unity, love, and dedication. It seemed like a mean joke. Derick's expression was emotionless as the stone pillars around us, and his jaw was clenched as he stared straight ahead.

Derick was the first to speak when it came time to exchange vows. Each remark was measured and free of any hint of warmth, and his voice was low and clipped.

"I, Derick Steele, take you, Nadia Rivers, to be my lawfully wedded wife."

His tone was severe enough to cut, and he said it as if he was concluding a business transaction.

Then it was my turn. My silence was like a scream echoing across the room. With a practiced smile, my mother stepped forward as the priest paused, his brows furrowing.

"She'll nod," Margaret said smoothly. "That's how she communicates."

I wanted to shout and scream that I didn't want this and that I was being pushed into a life that I didn't choose. Rather, I nodded while moving in a rigid, robotic manner.

After a blurry ceremony, I found myself sitting next to Derrick in the rear of a sleek black limousine. The stillness between us was oppressive, despite the luxurious interior.

I glanced at him in the hopes that he would show some emotion or show that he was just as uneasy about this arrangement as I was. But his face was a mask, his eyes fixed on the passing cityscape.

You don't have to try so hard," He abruptly remarked, his voice piercing the silence like a razor.

I frowned, confused, and signed, What do you mean?

He didn't give me a look. "To impress me," he clarified. "We both know this isn't about us. It's about them."

I wasn't prepared for how painful his words were. My knuckles were white as I sat back, gripping the folds of my gown tightly.

The rest of the ride passed in silence, the city lights casting fleeting shadows across his unreadable face.

A gothic nightmare came to life when the Steele mansion towered over us. As we got closer, the sound of tall iron gates creaking open irritated me. With its tall spires penetrating the overcast night sky, the expansive mansion was enveloped in darkness.

The air felt colder inside, and the big staircase was lined with long, unsettling shadows from the low illumination. Without saying a word, Derick moved forward, his footsteps resonating on the marble floors.

"Your room is down the east wing," he said flatly, pausing at the base of the stairs. "The staff will show you."

I hesitated, signing, And yours?

Something like a smirk formed on his lips, but it was devoid of amusement. "On the opposite end. Don't worry, Nadia. I won't bother you, and I expect the same courtesy in return."

The dismissal was clear.

As he climbed the stairs and vanished down the corridor, I stood motionless. I was left alone in the emptiness until a door closed and the sound reverberated throughout the vast room.

I couldn't sleep that night. My new room was spacious, with heavy curtains hanging over the walls and ancient furniture that seemed to be watching me critically. Despite being cozy and welcoming, the bed seemed strange.

Derick's icy words kept coming back to me as I rolled over and over. Every glance, every scathing remark, it all went deeper than I wanted to acknowledge.

By the time dawn broke, I was no closer to finding peace. I was startled by a gentle knock on the door and sat up, my heart pounding.

"Mrs. Steele," a maid called gently from the other side. "There's something for you downstairs."

I hurried to get dressed out of curiosity before making my way to the great foyer.

On the shiny table by the door was a little envelope. Other than my name written in an unknown hand, it was plain and unmarked. I lifted it up with trembling fingers since it was much heavier than it should have been.

I unfolded the paper, the faint scent of ink and aged parchment wafting up as I read the words:

Secrets never stay buried.

As the words burned into my brain, the room whirled and the walls closed in around me. The note slipped from my grasp and fell to the ground.

What secrets? Whose secrets?

And, why did it seem like the start of something far darker than I could have ever imagined?