Chapter 4 Four

• Mia's POV…….
• I was expecting to meet my unknown husband today, but definitely not my boss, Carl Oswald.
• I was staring at my boss, the man known for his icy demeanor and towering ego, dressed in a tuxedo and standing at the altar, ready to exchange vows with me.
• The man who had made my life a living hell on the first day at work, was now my husband.
• The priest's brow furrowed in confusion, but I managed to compose myself, giving Carl a light nod though the shock was still present. "What are you doing here?" he whispered harshly.
• “Getting married to you obviously”I whispered back, with a fake smile.
• Despite his condescending tone, I couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked.
• "And what are you looking at, huh?" he whispered again, irritation creeping into his voice.
• "I wasn't even looking at you, sir," I replied quietly with rolled eyes, trying to maintain my composure.
• I couldn't help but admire the way the tuxedo hugged his broad shoulders and chiseled jaw.
• But then, I reminded myself of his arrogant demeanor and the way he treated his employees.
• The ceremony continued, a blur of meaningless words and ritualistic gestures. Carl remained numb, looking straight at me.
• I kept looking away, but his eyes were fixed on me, void of emotions. Why is he acting like he didn’t know about all this? He obviously planned it.
• I glanced at Mom and Grandpa, who wore satisfied looks and gave small nods of encouragement.
• When it was time to say our vows, Carl hesitated. He glanced around as if seeking some form of approval.
• "We're both in the middle of the Red Sea, dummy. Why is he acting weird?" I thought to myself.
• Then it was my turn.
• " Do you, Miss Pankraz, take Carl Oswald as your lawful wedded husband?......" the priest asked as I mimicked him in my mind.
• Mia, snap out of it. Today is supposed to be the best day of your life, but it's the worst, and you're here joking around.
• Finally, the priest declared us husband and wife. As it was time for the "kiss your bride" part... Ewwww, not with my boss. My stomach churned at the thought of it.
• This is going to be my first kiss on my precious lips.
• Carl leaned in to kiss me, his head moving slightly above my lips.
• "Huh, does he want to kiss my nose?" I quickly moved my lips toward his.
• As soon as our lips touched, he drew back instantly, a symbolic gesture rather than a real kiss. I didn't feel anything.
• Immediately, there came a round of applause, with camera flashes almost blinding me.
• Carl's grip on my hand was strong as we walked down the aisle together, beaming with fake smiles as the photographers captured every moment.
• We made our way through the well-wishers, accepting congratulations with forced smiles. It was time to leave the church.
• As we escaped the chaos of the church, we were ushered into a waiting car. The reception was held back at the mansion. Carl and I got into the same car.
• We sat distantly from each other, our heads facing apart, looking out the windows. Not saying a word to each other.
• We arrived at the mansion and were faced with another round of camera flashes, dealing with the press, and taking tons of family pictures.
• My mouth was hurting from all the fake smiling, and my body ached from the tight wedding dress.
• The mansion was transformed into a fairytale wonderland, but for me, it felt like a gilded prison, still accepting congratulations and well-wishes.
• Carl leaned in and whispered to me, "We need to talk. Now.
• Talk? What does he want to talk about? Oh gosh…
• He grabbed my arm and led me to a secluded room in the mansion.
• As soon as the door closed behind us, his demeanor changed.
• He was no longer the composed groom; he was my boss, full of irritation and anger.
• "What the hell is going on, Miloslava?" he demanded, his voice low and harsh."I could ask you the same thing," I retorted, my voice trembling but defiant.
• “I didn’t know I was getting married to you. I thought it was someone else”.
• "He laughed bitterly. "Of course, you didn’t.
• This is all a big joke, isn't it? You, standing here in a wedding dress, pretending to be a bride.
• You're just my secretary, Miloslava. Nothing more."
• His words stung, but I held my ground.
• "I didn't plan this, Carl. Our families did. I’m just as shocked as you are.
• "He scoffed. "You expect me to believe that? You must have known.”
• "Believe what you want," I said, my voice growing firmer. "But I’m not a liar. This wasn’t my choice."
• He glared at me for a moment before turning away, running a hand through his curly black hair. "This is a nightmare."
• "Tell me about it," I muttered under my breath.
• Before we could say more, there was a knock on the door……
• It was an unfamiliar face. She entered the room with a smirk on her face, her eyes cold as they landed on me.
• "Congratulations, Carl," she said sweetly, wrapping her hands around his neck then she turned to me.
• "Congratulations, Mrs. Oswald." She leaned in close, her voice a whisper but dripping with malice, "Enjoy it while it lasts. He’s mine.”
• I stiffened but nodded, forcing a smile as she walked away.
• How could I navigate this marriage with a man who clearly despised me? I thought to myself as I was alone in the room.
• After a while, I went out too, dragging my feet as the world seemed to come to an end for me.
• Suddenly, I heard whispers from familiar voices. I moved closer to the door, curious to know what was going on.
• "We will split the money equally. I brought up the idea of selling her off,” the first voice said.
• "Well,I should have a bigger share, don't you think? I need to leave and go back home, so give me my share," the second voice replied.
• "Won't you see her before you leave?" The first voice asked.
• "She's in good
• hands. There will be no need for that."......
• I stood beside the window, overhearing everything they said.
• Taking a closer look, I saw them.
• What?!!! I was sold?!!!