Chapter 1 Chapter One

• The golden clock ticked steadily, each second bringing Cynthia closer to a future she didn’t want. She wished time would stop so she could grab her bag and walk away, never looking back. Her parents sat across from her, talking about her future like it was just a business deal.
• “She’ll marry your son,” her mother said smoothly, ignoring Cynthia. The sound of her chair scraping against the marble floor echoed as Cynthia stood up.
• “You can’t just give me away like I’m an object!” she shouted. Panic rose in her throat as she turned to her father. “Dad?” But he showed no emotion.
• “Do as your mother says. This is the only way you’ll help our family,” he said in a harsh tone. “The marriage will pay for your medical school, remember? Unless—”
• A faint creak interrupted him. From the grand staircase rolled in a wheelchair—Ken Sydney, her soon-to-be husband. He looked pale and tired, his once strong presence now faded. He didn’t say a word or acknowledge anyone. His eyes briefly met Cynthia’s, cold and indifferent, before he looked away.
• Cynthia’s sister let out a quiet scoff while spinning her wine glass. What a waste, she whispered to their mother, smirking. Anger bubbled inside Cynthia. She needed to escape, but there was no way out.
• The Sydney family was not offering this marriage out of kindness. Ken had once been their pride, admired by many. But then a car accident changed everything—taking away his movement, his future, and his place in their lives. Now, he was seen as a burden.
• This marriage would silence rumors and keep up appearances. Ken’s stepbrother, Jack, would take his place. Cynthia’s family, even though rich, was desperate for stability. This was all a planned move.
• Cynthia had always felt unnoticed, like she didn’t fit in. Her father valued her brother, while her mother cared for her sister. Cynthia felt left out. She had dreamt of leaving to make a name for herself in medicine, proving everyone wrong. But her dreams came with a cost. And that cost was marrying a man who wouldn’t even look at her.
• Once, Ken had everything—status, admiration, chances. The accident not only hurt him physically but crushed his spirit and made him bitter. Now, he felt alone and angry.
• Neither of them wanted this marriage. But they were both stuck.
• Mr. Sydney, Ken’s father, leaned forward with a hawk-like gaze.
• “Do you even care what he wants?” Cynthia asked, surprising herself with her strong voice.
• Mr. Sydney looked at her and sighed, like he had to explain something very simple. “Ken knows his role in this family,” he replied, his voice dismissive.
• Cynthia turned to him again. “Do you?” The question felt like a challenge thrown between them.
• Mr. Sydney smiled slightly, but it didn’t feel nice. “I do what must be done,” he said, as if his way was the only way.
• Cynthia wanted to yell at them all—at her parents for treating her like she wasn’t important, and at the Sydney’s for not caring about their son. And at Ken—how could he give up without even trying? Didn’t he want more from life?
• “So, Cynthia?” Mrs. Sydney’s voice cut through the silence. “Do we have a deal?”
• She looked at her father, who wouldn’t meet her gaze; her mother smiled victoriously, and her sister sneered. Cynthia sighed, knowing she had no choice. “…Alright,” she said quietly.
• Her mother smiled, proud like she had won something, while her dad moved on to another topic, as if the decision was already set. Her sister drank her wine, looking like she was just watching something unfold.
• Mr. Sydney leaned back, pleased with the decision. “That’s settled, then,” he said.
• The ride home was quiet. Cynthia sat stiffly in the car, looking out the window. The streetlights blurred by, their glow cold and distant. Her father drove without a word. Her mother sat beside him, scrolling on her phone. Her sister hummed softly, as if nothing was wrong.
• But inside Cynthia’s head, everything was loud. A marriage she never wanted and a husband who wouldn’t even look at her.
• As soon as they got home, Cynthia stepped out of the car and walked straight to her room. She shut the door and leaned against it, squeezing her eyes shut.
• No matter how much she wanted to pretend, it was happening. She took slow, deep breaths, trying to process everything. How did things change so quickly? Just this morning, she was a girl with dreams. Now, she was just a bride-to-be in a loveless deal.
• What kind of life would she have with Ken? Would they ever talk? Would he hate her? Would she just be a caretaker, a background character in his broken life? Then a sudden knock on the door made her jump.
• Before she could respond, the door opened, and her mother came in holding a dress. It was a long, silver wedding dress.
• Cynthia stared in shock as her mother walked over and dropped the dress on the bed like it was just another item on her to-do list.
• “The wedding is tomorrow,” she said flatly.
• Cynthia couldn’t catch her breath or stop blinking.
• “…Tomorrow?” she whispered, struggling to get the word out.
• Her mother sighed a little, as if she were bothered by Cynthia’s surprise. “Yes, tomorrow. So, get ready.”
• Cynthia looked at her mother, hoping she would say more—maybe even acknowledge how sudden this felt. But her mother just turned and left, closing the door quietly behind her.
• Cynthia stood there, frozen. Her mind raced. There had been no wedding plans, no discussions about a date, nothing. How could it be happening tomorrow? How could such a big event come up so quickly?
• A lump formed in her throat. Slowly, she walked to the bed and sat next to the dress. She touched the fabric, soft and smooth. It should have felt special. A wedding dress should mean love, happiness, and excitement. Tears filled her eyes. She tried to be strong and swallow the lump, but it was too hard. A small sob escaped her lips. She buried her face in her hands and let the tears flow.
• Tomorrow, her life would change forever.