Chapter 60: CHAPTER 56: HAPPILY MARRIED?

Neti

The moment my so-called father took my hand to lead me to the stage, my stomach churned with nerves—not the usual kind a bride would have, but the kind that came with the realization that I was walking toward a fate I had no say in. The gown felt heavier with each step, its intricate embroidery pressing into my skin like a reminder that this wasn’t my choice. My fingers were ice-cold, but my face remained calm, practiced.

Aliya gave me a small smirk from the side, mouthing, You got this, as if this were just a small test and not my entire life being decided in front of hundreds of people. Pranav, standing near the altar, had his hands dramatically clasped like he was about to burst into tears, probably already thinking about the wedding night and all the teasing material it would give him.

And then there was Adolph.

Standing tall at the altar, dressed in a black suit that looked so perfect on him it almost made me mad. His sharp features were even more intense under the soft golden glow of the chandeliers, and his deep blue eyes were locked onto me with an expression I couldn’t quite decipher. Possessiveness? Amusement? Anticipation?

All of the above?

Great.

I stepped up beside him, feeling the warmth of his presence before he even touched me. His fingers brushed mine as he took my hand from my so-called father’s grip, holding it firm but careful, as if I would bolt at any second—which, let’s be honest, wasn’t far from the truth.

The priest cleared his throat, beginning the long series of vows and speeches.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of these two souls in holy matrimony…"

I zoned out halfway through. Not that I wasn’t thrilled to hear a stranger talk about love, commitment, and trust—three things that had absolutely nothing to do with this marriage—but because my brain was running through my escape plan.

The mansion behind Adolph’s… The hidden pathways… The timing.

"Do you, Adolph Alessandro, take Neti to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, till death do you part?"

Adolph didn’t hesitate. "I do."

His voice was deep, smooth, confident—like he wasn’t just accepting marriage, but claiming something he had already decided was his long ago.

The priest turned to me.

"And do you, Neti, take Adolph Alessandro to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold—"

Oh my god, just get it over with.

"I do," I said quickly, earning a quiet chuckle from Adolph. I swore I felt his grip on my hand tighten, like he was suppressing a smirk.

"You may now kiss the bride."

I had barely processed the words when Adolph’s free hand slid to my waist, pulling me forward. My breath caught as he leaned in, his lips brushing against mine with a slow, deliberate pressure. It wasn’t just a kiss—it was a statement. A promise. A warning.

The crowd erupted in cheers and whistles. I heard Pranav somewhere yell, "GET IT, BRO!" and Aliya laughing beside him. My face was burning, but Adolph didn’t let me go immediately. He lingered for just a second longer, as if daring me to push him away.

I didn’t.

Not because I didn’t want to—but because my body was betraying me, melting under the warmth of his lips.

Damn him.

By the time the kiss broke, my heart was racing for reasons I refused to acknowledge. Adolph looked… smug. That same knowing smirk playing at the corner of his lips.

I was still processing when we were pulled into the reception dinner, where people kept coming up to us, congratulating us, throwing in comments about our "chemistry" (which was just me being nervous and Adolph looking like a predator with his prey).

The food was extravagant—long tables filled with delicacies, grand chandeliers reflecting off the polished floors. There was laughter, music, and Pranav dramatically wiping away fake tears like the overgrown child he was.

And then, just when I thought I could breathe for a moment, the styler appeared.

She clapped her hands sharply. "Bride, come. Time for the reception outfit!"

I wanted to cry. Again?

Aliya snorted beside me. "Oh no, Neti. Your torture isn’t over yet."

Eliza just patted my shoulder in mock sympathy. "Have fun, Mrs. Alessandro."

Pranav gasped. "SHE'S OFFICIALLY MRS. ALESSANDRO!"

Before I could react, I was being dragged away by the stylist, who had a team of women waiting to strip me out of my wedding dress like a pit crew at a race track.

This was going to be hell.

The moment they were finally done manhandling me, I stood in front of the mirror, taking in my new look.

The dress was stunning—black lace hugging my figure perfectly, the slit running dangerously high up my thigh, revealing just enough to drive someone insane. It was sexy, alluring, and had that expensive, almost untouchable elegance to it. The long sleeves were sheer, giving a delicate yet bold contrast to the daring slit.

The light gold jewelry complemented the look—a delicate necklace resting just above my collarbone and earrings that shimmered subtly under the lights. My hair, still smooth and glossy from the torture session earlier, cascaded in effortless waves down my back.

Aliya whistled. "Damn, Neti. If Adolph didn’t lose his mind at the altar, he sure as hell will now."

Eliza snickered. "Forget Adolph, half the men out there will be staring."

I sighed dramatically. "Perfect. Exactly what I wanted—more unwanted attention."

The stylist clapped her hands, beaming like she had just created a masterpiece (which, to be fair, she had). "Time to go! Your husband is waiting."

Husband.

The word felt heavy. Strange.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, took one last deep breath, and turned away from the mirror. Just a few more hours. I just had to make it through the reception.

And then… I’d be gone.

_______________________________

Adolph

I wasn’t easily impressed. I had seen the most expensive, rarest things in the world. Owned them. Controlled them. Nothing ever truly shocked me.

But the moment Neti stepped out, dragged by Aliya like she was some sort of prized trophy on display, I actually froze.

My grip on the champagne glass tightened.

She looked deadly.

The black lace clung to her like sin, the slit teasing just enough of her leg to make every man in this damn room want to drop to his knees. The gold jewelry shimmered against her skin, her dark waves flowing effortlessly over her shoulders.

She looked like she owned the night.

Aliya, as always, was enjoying this far too much. "Oh, look at that, Pranav. The husband is speechless."

Pranav, standing next to me, whistled low. "If you don’t do something fast, someone else might just—"

I shot him a glare, making him shut up before he finished the sentence.

Neti, on the other hand, was avoiding looking at me completely. Like she wanted to pretend I didn’t exist.

Cute.

I leaned back against the bar, swirling the drink in my glass, waiting.

Waiting for her to finally look at me.

Because she would.

And when she did, I wanted her to know exactly what I was thinking.

She was trying so damn hard to ignore me.

I watched as she pretended to be fascinated by the chandelier, then the marble floor, then her own damn nails—anywhere but at me.

But I had all the patience in the world.

I took a slow sip of my drink, letting the silence stretch between us. Letting her feel my eyes on her.

It took exactly thirty seconds before she finally caved.

Her gaze flickered to me.

And just like that, she was caught.

I smirked, tilting my head slightly. “You look…” I let my eyes drag over her, taking my time, my voice dropping lower, “…edible.”

Her lips parted slightly, her breath catching.

Aliya, standing beside her, practically choked on air. "Oh my God."

Pranav, sipping his drink, snorted. "That’s one way to compliment your wife."

Neti, of course, tried to recover. She lifted her chin, her voice sharper than usual. "Don’t start with me tonight, Adolph."

I stepped closer. Close enough that she had to tilt her head up to keep eye contact. Close enough that she’d feel the heat radiating off me.

Her perfume wrapped around me—sweet, tempting, just like her.

"Start with you?" I murmured, voice dangerously low. "Sweetheart, I haven't even begun."

Her breath hitched, but she stood her ground.

I reached out, trailing my fingers lightly over her wrist. Just enough to feel the way her pulse jumped under my touch.

“You planned this, didn’t you?” I mused. “Dressed like this just to see what I’d do.”

She scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Oh, please."

I leaned down, my lips just a breath away from her ear.

“Careful, dolcezza,” I whispered, my voice nothing but silk and sin. “Keep looking this good, and I might just forget there are people watching.”

Her whole body tensed, her fingers curling into fists at her sides.

Aliya, on the other hand, was dying. She was gripping Pranav’s arm, shaking from silent laughter. “I love this. I live for this.”

Neti, glaring at me, finally snapped, "Behave yourself, Adolph."

I grinned. "Where's the fun in that?"

And just for the hell of it, I took her hand, brought it to my lips, and kissed it.

Slow.

Deliberate.

Right over her racing pulse.

She yanked her hand back like it burned. "You’re impossible."

I chuckled, stepping back, but not before dragging my gaze down her body one last time.

"Enjoy the party, wife."

_______________________________

Neti

This man was unbearable.

No, scratch that—he was relentless.

Ever since the reception started, Adolph hadn't left my side for even a second. If I took a step, he was right behind me. If I turned around, he was already watching. If I so much as reached for a glass of water, he handed it to me before I could grab it myself.

And the worst part?

Everyone was noticing.

Aliya? Smirking.

Pranav? Snickering like a little devil.

The guests? Whispering and throwing each other knowing looks.

I needed a break. A second. Just one damn second away from him.

So, I excused myself, keeping my composure, gracefully walking toward the restroom—because no man in his right mind would follow a woman into the restroom.

Right?

Wrong.

Because this man? He wasn’t just any man.

The moment I stepped inside, I exhaled, placing a hand over my chest. Finally. Peace.

But then—

The door opened.

I turned around so fast, I almost snapped my neck.

And there he was.

Adolph.

Filling up the doorway like he owned the damn place, his black dress shirt slightly undone at the top, his sleeves rolled up, a smirk lazily playing on his lips.

I stared at him in pure horror. "What the hell are you doing?!" I whisper-yelled.

He stepped in. Closed the door behind him.

I nearly choked on my own oxygen.

"Adolph—"

He leaned against the counter, crossing his arms, completely unbothered. "You ran."

I blinked. "Excuse me?"

"You ran," he repeated, his smirk widening. "From me."

I gawked at him. "I went to the restroom, you absolute psycho!"

His eyes dropped lazily to my lips, then back to my eyes. "And?"

I groaned, running a hand down my face. "Get out."

"No."

"Adolph, people will think—"

His smirk deepened. "Think what?"

I opened my mouth, but no words came out. My entire face went up in flames.

Because oh God.

People were already suspicious about how much time he was spending with me. Now we were both missing at the same time? Together? Alone in a locked restroom?

They would definitely think we did it on purpose.

I covered my face with my hands. "I hate you."

He chuckled, stepping closer. "Do you?"

"Yes."

"Liar."

I groaned.

He leaned in, his breath warm against my ear. "Come back outside before someone comes looking for us," he murmured. "Or, stay in here with me and let them keep guessing."

I peeked through my fingers. "You are the worst."

He winked. "And yet, here you are."

Before I could throw something at him, he turned around, unlocked the door, and walked out like he hadn’t just made my entire existence crumble in embarrassment.

And when I stepped out.

Aliya and Pranav were staring at me like they had just caught me committing a federal crime.

Arms crossed.

Smirks way too smug.

Eyes practically screaming: Oh, we know exactly what just happened in there.

I froze.

And then—Pranav whistled.

My soul left my body.

"Ohhh, someone's a little flushed," Aliya sing-songed, biting back laughter.

Pranav gasped dramatically. "Neti, I can’t believe this! On your wedding night? So bold!"

I glared at them, my entire existence burning in second-hand embarrassment. "Shut up."

Aliya ignored me and turned to Adolph, who was standing beside me looking so annoyingly unaffected. "Did you at least let her breathe in there, or were you too busy making her all red like this?"

Adolph smirked. "She ran away from me, Aliya."

I whipped my head toward him so fast, I nearly gave myself whiplash. "I did not! I just wanted to use the restroom in peace!"

Pranav shook his head, pretending to wipe a tear. "Tsk tsk, you’ve already started running from your husband. Is this marriage even going to last?"

"I will strangle you."

Aliya was wheezing.

Pranav placed a hand over his heart. "No need to be so violent, bhabhi. I’m just concerned for my dear friend. What if he got heartbroken because you abandoned him in the middle of a party?"

Heartbroken, my foot. Adolph looked like he was enjoying every second of this.

I groaned into my hands. "I hate all of you."

"Love you too, bestie." Aliya patted my back.

"Love you, bhabhi," Pranav added.

Adolph? He simply leaned down, his voice so low and teasing, it sent a shiver down my spine. "Liar," he whispered.

I elbowed him.

Hard.

But of course, he only laughed.

People were talking. Smiling. Congratulating. Laughing.

I was nodding, smiling when necessary, responding when needed—but my mind was anywhere but here.

I could feel Adolph beside me, his palm resting lazily on my lower back, his grip possessive but relaxed, like he had all the time in the world to remind everyone who I belonged to now.

Except, I didn’t belong to him. Not really.

I wasn’t staying.

Not after tonight.

My escape plan played over and over in my head like a silent prayer.

Slip away after the reception.

Hide in the abandoned mansion behind his estate.

Stay hidden until I find a way out of this mess.

Simple. Hopefully.

"...such a beautiful couple, truly a match made in heaven!" someone gushed.

I forced a polite smile. "Thank you."

Adolph squeezed my waist in acknowledgment, his fingers warm through the delicate fabric of my dress. I fought the shiver that crawled up my spine.

"You must be so happy, Neti," another guest added, eyes filled with admiration.

Happy?

I barely held back a laugh.

I nodded instead, lying through my teeth. "Of course."

Adolph turned his head slightly toward me, his knowing gaze locking onto mine.

My stomach twisted.

Could he tell?

Could he see through my fake smiles and distant stares?

I glanced away, focusing on the champagne glass in my hand.

I just had to last a few more hours.

_______________________________

Adolph

Something was off.

Neti was smiling. Responding. Playing the part of the perfect bride. But she wasn’t here.

Her mind was far away, her eyes flickering with something I couldn’t quite place.

What are you thinking, tesoro?

I let my fingers drift over her waist, my grip firm. A reminder. A warning.

She barely reacted.

Instead, she nodded and smiled at whatever nonsense people were saying—too distracted.

Why?

I studied her face, the way she held herself. The tension in her shoulders. The way she clutched her champagne glass like it was the only thing keeping her grounded.

She was planning something.

Something stupid.

I leaned in slightly, my lips ghosting over the shell of her ear. “Thinking about something, Mrs. Alessandro?”

Her fingers tensed around the glass. Ah. There it is.

She turned her head, forcing a smile as if I hadn’t caught her. “Just tired.”

Liar.

I chuckled lowly, brushing my nose against her hair. “Good. You’ll need your rest for later.”

Her breath hitched, and I felt her body tense.

I smirked.

She was worried about the wedding night—that much was obvious. But that wasn’t what was making her pulse race like this.

No, this was something else.

A plan.

An escape.

I felt the realization sink into me like ice water.

She was going to run.

My grip on her waist tightened slightly, but I forced my expression to remain neutral, calm.

She thought she could get away from me?

How adorable.

Fine.

Let her try.

Let her believe, just for a little longer, that she had a chance.

Because the moment she made her move—I’d be there

I watched her, my beautiful little wife, as she smiled and nodded at guests, but her mind was far away.

She thought I wouldn’t notice.

But I saw everything.

The way she scanned the room, how her fingers twitched slightly, the way her breath hitched every time someone mentioned tonight.

She was planning to run.

The thought should’ve angered me. Should’ve made me tighten my grip and pull her closer—remind her that she was mine.

But instead… I smirked.

Let her run.

Let her believe in freedom. In escape. In some fantasy where she could slip away from me and disappear into the night.

She deserved that much, didn’t she?

A little taste of victory. A moment of hope.

Before I shattered it.

Before I showed her—there is no place in this world where I won’t find her.

So I leaned down, brushing my lips over her temple, voice smooth as silk. “You look tired now, Mrs. Alessandro.”

Her shoulders tensed for just a second. Then, she forced a smile. “It’s been a long day.”

I chuckled. Oh, sweetheart. You have no idea how long your night is going to be.

But I said nothing.

Just traced my fingers along her waist, burning the shape of her into my palms.

Because soon, I’d let her go.

Let her run, let her breathe in the illusion of freedom.

And when she was finally convinced she’d escaped—I’d be there.

Watching. Waiting.

Because in the end, she belongs to me.

Oh, there will be punishment.

Not because she ran—I want her to run.

I want her to feel the rush of adrenaline, the desperate hope of escape. I want her to think she’s clever, that she’s outsmarted me.

Because when I catch her—and I will catch her—it will make her fall all the more devastating.

She thinks this marriage was forced on her. That I don’t love her, only obsess over her.

She doesn’t understand.

She is the only thing in this world that makes my blood run hot, that makes my heart beat faster. I don’t just want her—I need her.

And if she believes she can run from me?

She’ll learn the hard way that I don’t lose what’s mine.

So let her run.

Let her hide in that dark, abandoned mansion she thinks is so perfect. Let her tremble in the shadows, thinking she’s safe.

Because the moment I step inside—when I find her in the dark, when she sees me instead of safety—

She’ll realize the real nightmare has just begun.

_______________________________

Oh damn it,he knows