Chapter 18

▫️Stella's pov...

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows as I sat stiffly on the couch in the living room. My head throbbed, and the events of last night replayed in my mind like a nightmare I couldn’t escape. I hadn’t slept, and Christian’s words lingered over me like a suffocating shadow.

Marriage. With that jerk.

I didn’t want this. Why ruin my life over a one-day wedding with an asshole I hate, just because he don't have girls to marry bcoz of his small dick. I think so.

The door creaked open, and Ava, Nick, and MJ walked in, laughing. But their smiles disappeared the moment they saw me.

“Stella? Are you okay?” Ava asked, hurrying to sit beside me.

I swallowed hard, meeting her worried gaze briefly before blurting out, “Christian wants me to marry him… in two days.”

“What?!” Nick’s voice boomed through the room, startling everyone.

MJ’s jaw dropped, his eyes wide with disbelief, and Ava looked like she’d seen a ghost.

“Marry him?” MJ repeated, as if he didn’t believe his ears. “You’re joking, right?”

“I wish I was,” I muttered, burying my face in my hands. “He said I have no choice. That since I’m already pretending to be his girlfriend, I might as well be his wife.”

Nick shot to his feet, his face a mix of rage and frustration. “This is insane. I’m going to talk to him.”

“Me too,” MJ added firmly, and Ava nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line.

I sighed. “Guys, it’s no use. He won’t listen.”

But they ignored me, storming out like soldiers marching to war.

------

Christian stood in his study when they barged in, his arms crossed, his expression unreadable.

“What the hell are you doing, Christian?” Nick snapped. “You can’t force her into this!”

Christian’s eyes flicked to him then to me, calm and unbothered. I quickly looked away.

“This is my decision,” he said coldly. “Not yours. I’m doing what’s necessary.”

“Necessary?” Ava’s voice rose. “You’re treating her like a pawn in some sick game!”

Christian’s expression didn’t change, though his tone turned icy. “From the beginning, she was hired to help me secure my position. That’s all. And you all know she isn’t safe outside. If she’s going to marry anyone, it will be me. That’s the only way to protect her.”

“She’s a person, not some business deal,” MJ argued angrily.

Christian’s gaze hardened. “This is not up for debate. She will marry me, and that’s final.”

Nick clenched his fists, his jaw tight, but no one could break through Christian’s resolve.

---

When we came out from our miserably failed confrontation, I looked at them knowingly.

“See? I told you it’s useless,” I said bitterly. “He doesn’t listen to reason.”

MJ ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. “That guy is—”

“Insane,” Nick finished for him, his expression dark.

I let out a humorless laugh. “I have an idea. I won’t take the vows. His parents will know something’s wrong.”

Before I could say more, Christian appeared out of nowhere, his voice low and dangerous. “I dare you to try.”

"Stella you bitch, you are doomed for sure."my inner voice screamed.

Before I could react, he grabbed my wrist and dragged me downstairs. My heart pounded as he opened a heavy door, revealing a dimly lit room.

“What is this?” I asked, my voice trembling.

“Hell,” he replied, his tone unnervingly calm.

Inside, a line of men stood, their heads bowed and their bodies trembling with fear.

Christian leaned close, his hand gripping my waist possessively. “So, sweetheart, what were you saying?” he whispered, his breath hot against my ear.

I swear this man have serious personality problems. He needs a doctor. No a team of doctors. One second he is rude another second he is flirting, on the top of that he makes others repeat their lines like he is deaf.

My heart raced, but I mustered my courage. “ Didn't you heard it upstairs?” I shot back.

Without warning, he pulled out a gun, brushing it lightly against my temple then my hairs.

My mind screamed, That’s not a comb—it’s a freaking gun!

“Say that again,” he murmured.

I glared at him. “I won’t take vow with you.”

Bang. The gunshot echoed, and one of the men collapsed. My blood ran cold.

“Why are you making me angry?” Christian asked, his tone deceptively calm.

“You’re insane!” I cried, tears blurring my vision. “You need a psychiatrist as soon as possible!”

Bang. Another man fell.

“I hate stupid talks,” he said coldly.

I trembled, but I refused to back down. “Kill them all if you want! Why do I care? If you’re going to kill me, just do it! But I won't marry you.”

Deep down, I cared. They were dying because of me. He is insane , he can kill me too.

“Will you take the vow?” he asked again, his voice like ice.

“No. Never. It's a fucking big NO you jerk. ” I cried, my voice breaking.

Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang.

Four more men fell. My knees buckled, but his iron grip held me up.

I sobbed, my voice barely audible. “Why are you doing this to me? You can marry anyone you want.”

Bang.

“I don’t want anyone else. I want you,” he said firmly.

“Please,” I begged, my tears falling freely. “Stop this insane act.”

Bang.

“I’ll stop when you say yes,” he replied, his jaw clenched.

“Will you take the vow?” he said in a teasing manner.

Bang. My silence brought another death.

“Who will take the vow with me, baby?” he whispered, his chin resting on my shoulder.

I had no choice.

“I will,” I sobbed, my voice broken.

Bang. Bang.

“Why?!” I screamed.

“Because you wasted my time and made me angry.” he said coldly.

I stumbled back to my room, tears streaming down my face. Ava and Nick tried to console me, but their words couldn’t erase the horror of what I’d witnessed.

I am marrying a monster. Whose dumb ass knows nothing better than killing people for fun and creating terror.  Such an insane asshole. Freaking bastard. Useless motherfucker. Idiot. Dumbass. But still my soon-to-be husband.

--------

The next two days passed in a blur of chaos. Under Christian’s strict orders, the wedding preparations were flawless—flowers, decorations, and a grand venue.

Ava stayed with me, helping me choose a wedding dress. I didn't chose the prison dress for me. She tried to keep her voice light, but the worry in her eyes betrayed her.

----

The morning of the damn wedding came soon than I expected. This isn’t a wedding—it's a fucking wedding with that asshole. Freaking forced wedding.

Ava was beside me, her presence a faint comfort. She placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

“Christian isn’t really that bad,” she said softly, her tone almost pleading. “He’s just… obsessed right now. He’s under so much pressure for that heir position. His parents have been using him as pawn, Stella.”

I let out a bitter laugh. “That doesn’t make a difference, Ava. Do you know what he’s capable of? He made me kill for him. Twelve people. Twelve, Ava. He’ll do anything to get what he wants. What happens when he doesn’t need me anymore? He will kill me too after making my life a living hell.”

Her face softened, sadness clouding her eyes. “I don’t think he’ll ever hurt you. Not you. He’s ruthless, yes, but not to you.”

She turned away and pulled out the wedding dress. It was beautiful—elegant, white lace, soft sleeves, and a flowing skirt that made it look like something from a fairytale.

“Wear this,” she said firmly. “If nothing else, wear it for yourself. Not for him.”

I stared at the dress, bile rising in my throat. But she was right. What else could I do? This wasn’t my choice, but I could at least own this moment. My downfall moment. Hell moment. With a handsome beast.

---

When I walked into the hall, the silence was suffocating. Every pair of eyes turned toward me, their gazes a mixture of admiration.

And then I saw a bastard , dressed in a sharp black suit that screamed power and arrogance. His dark eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I saw something flicker in them. Pride? Attraction? Admiration? Possession?

He smirked slightly as I approached, his gaze never leaving me.

“You look stunning,” he murmured when I reached him, his voice low and smooth.

I wanted to scream and smash his head. Instead, I ignored that insane jerk.

Then the officiant droned on and  it is  time for the vows. Hell my heels will take vows with him.

That bastard turned to me, his expression calm but his eyes sharp.

“I, Christian Knight, take you, sexy Stella Anderson, to be my lawfully wedded wife. I promise to protect you, provide for you, love you and ensure that you stand strong by my side. Together, we’ll produce a heir for our family.”

The words were lunatic like him. Hell even orangutans won't produce a child with him.

It's my turn.

“I, Stella Anderson, take you, (biggest asshole) Christian Knight, to be my lawfully wedded husband. I will make sure I get on your nerves.” I said with a smirk.

Everyone applauded at the wedding stand-up comedy.

It's time for fucking ring. I mean ring ceremony.

Christian slid the ring onto my finger while looking into my eyes with a smirk while I put the ring with my zombie face.

And then, the moment came for which I skipped brush for fucking 2 days. Yes, the moment he forced me to take the vows with him, I didn't brushed my teeth.

“You may now kiss the bride.”

Yes, bastard kiss me, the smelly mouth , house of bacterias. Kiss it and die with infection.

Christian turned to me, his gaze dark and unreadable. Slowly, he leaned in, his lips brushing against mine. The kiss was brief, firm, and possessive.

Then glared at me with clenched jaw but couldn't dare to complaint about the unbrushed mouth.

The applause around us felt distant, almost unreal.

I must say- Sexy bitch and handsome bastard will make the perfect couple.

-------

▫️ Christian's pov...

Today is the day. I will get the power. See how much I love the position that I can even marry a pig for this.

I quickly got ready. Looking absolutely handsome and hot like vlocano. Everyone's gaze turned to me . Who everyone? Nick, Liam, MJ, Ava , Titan , My mom and dad.

But when she walked into the hall, the air shifted. Every single person turned to look at her, including me and for a second, I forgot to breathe.

She looks… heavenly. The white gown hugged her figure perfectly, the lace and soft sleeves giving her an almost angelic look. Her hair are pinned up, loose strands framing her delicate face.

But it isn’t just the dress or the makeup. It is her. Her beauty.

Shut up you pervert mind. She is just a pawn to get the position.

Still she is really beautiful. Yeah I agree.

She looks breathtaking. Yup!

Fucking mine. Oh yeah!

As she reached me at the altar, I extended my hand, helping her up the small stage. She hesitated but accepted. Her hand was cold, trembling slightly, and I couldn’t help but smirk.

“You look stunning” I whispered, my voice low enough for only her to hear.

She didn’t respond, just ignored me. Typical Stella.

---

After the vows and ring ceremony here came the part which I want to ignore. Honestly. I don't want to kiss but I have to. Do I look like I have a choice... in front of my parents. No. No. No.

The officiant’s voice boomed, “You may now kiss the bride.”

Then I leaned in.

The kiss was brief, just enough to seal the deal. Her lips were soft but cold, and I felt  a stinky smell and taste. That girl. She didn't brushed. Ewwww. How can she be so dirty. Stella you'll regret it , you bitch. I will surely break your teeth and gonna seal that mouth yours for forever.

But do I have an option to even react. No. Hell she smirked at this dirty and unhygienic act of hers.

Karma is a bitch.

The room erupted into applause. Finally.

---

As we walked back down the aisle, my hand rested firmly on her waist. She didn’t like it—I could tell by the way her body stiffened—but I didn’t care. She was mine now. Completely. I will surely gift her toothbrush as wedding gift. She invited the brush.

When we reached the end of the aisle, my father approached us, holding the Knight emblem—a symbol of the empire I now ruled. He smiled broadly, his voice booming for all to hear.

“With this emblem, I announce my son, Christian Knight, as the next heir of the Knight Empire.”

The room erupted in cheers and applause, congratulating me.

That's the thing I pulled this act for and kissed an unbrushed mouth. Ewww. I don't even want to remember it.

Nick was the first to approach, clapping me on the back. “Congratulations, man. I’m happy for your position, but don’t screw this up with Stella. Be good to her.”

MJ and Ava followed, offering their congratulations, though Ava’s smile was tight, her worry for Stella clear.

Stella said nothing, just glaring at me. She thinks her gaze can kill me. No. But if looks at me with lovey dovey and lustful eyes, I will think about dying.

I leaned down, my lips brushing her ear, and whispered, “Thank you, wifey. You got me the emblem.”

She rolled her eyes but didn’t satisfied me with a response.

She don't know she can only roll her eyes in the freaking bed of mine.

Shut the fuck up brain. She will kill me if she hear the inner conversation.

Why I'm even having this inner conversation? This marriage doesn't even matter.

All I should focus on now is.....The mighty almighty Knight  won.

-------

▫️ Stella's pov...

Later that night, while Christian celebrated with his friends, I went in my room. Ava helped me change out of the dress, her hands gentle and comforting.

Once she left, I stared at the fucking gown for a long moment before storming out of the room with the gown, the soft fabric dragging along the floor behind me.

When I reached Christian’s room, I didn’t bother knocking and fuck the rules.

I flung the door open, he is here, isn't he in the party? Whatever.

I went into the room as he is standing by the window, sipping whiskey. That alcoholic bastard.

Then with all my might, I threw the dress on the floor. It landed at his feet in a heap of white and lace.

“There. Your precious wedding gown,” I spat.  “You wanted this wedding, Christian? Then you wear the damn thing and roam around.”

Christian looked at the gown and then back at me, his lips curling into a smirk. “You look even more beautiful when you’re angry, you know that?”

I glared at him, is he out of mind?,“Go to hell, Christian.”

“Already there, sweetheart,” he replied coolly, leaning casually against the desk. “And now, so are you. Welcome to my world, Mrs. Knight.”

I turned on my heel irritated by his rubbish talk,  slamming the damn door behind as his low chuckle followed me.

Then I collapsed onto the bed, exhaustion finally taking over. Let's see what worst happens with this... Freaking asshole.