Vanessa
I cautiously peer out from the room I've been confined to, observing two of Diego's men standing watch near the hallway exit. In the distance, from the other end of the corridor, the muffled sounds of people shuffling in the sanctuary reach my ears. Goddamn, how many guests did he invite? And for how long has he planned to coerce me into marriage?
There's a profound sense of betrayal overwhelming me. I knew he was a monster, but I had no idea he was this coldhearted. I guess the six-month contract wasn't ridiculous enough. His temporary ownership didn't provide enough power for his massive fucking ego. He really is a sick, fucking psychopath that gets off on the misery of others.
The moment we stepped into the building, Alicia and I were forcefully separated. As Leroy and Luis dragged her away, she unleashed a torrent of profanities, fighting desperately to get free. I can only imagine the challenge they faced in trying to calm her down, if that's even possible. In the final gaze exchanged between us, I sensed her unspoken permission to leave her behind. I solemnly swear that if I manage to escape, I will do everything in my power to return and free her.
Camila and her skilled team arrived to transform me into a vision for the ceremony. The elegant white mermaid-style wedding dress, adorned with bohemian details like delicate beach lace, spaghetti straps, and a subtle plunging neckline, hugs my figure with grace. My hair has been expertly styled into a high puff, the front braided with intricate silver-plated beads, and a small brush was used to turn my edges into slick curls.
I feel the frantic thudding of my heart as I glance at my reflection in the standing full-size mirror. I look beautiful-almost too beautiful for the shitty reality I find myself in. As a child, I envisioned my father walking me down the aisle at my dream wedding. Despite the lack of freedom to even meet a man, I foolishly clung to that hope. Now, that hope has transformed into a cruel nightmare, and I'm being forced to marry the man responsible for his death.
After telling Camila I need a minute to compose myself, she surprisingly ordered everyone to leave the room. Without even beginning to process her betrayal, I realize I have only minutes to craft my escape plan.
Here goes nothing.
I inhale deeply through my nose, gathering my courage. It doesn't take long for the tears to start flowing uncontrollably, all I have to do is think about my fucking life. The moment the mirror crashes to the ground, the men burst into the room with weapons drawn. "Are you okay, Ma'am?" one of the two asks, genuine concern etched on both of their faces.
"No! I feel like a fucking whore!" I shriek, pointing to my propped-up breasts. "If I breathe too deeply, my tits are going to burst out of this goddamn dress. I-I can't get married like this!"
They exchange uneasy looks, uncertain about how to proceed. When they don't move, I slip the straps off my shoulders, baring my chest to them. They both quickly avert their gazes, likely fearing that stealing a glance will get them killed. "Tell Diego that if he wants me to dress like he's marrying a whore, he can go find someone else!" I continue, managing to keep the tears flowing.
"We should probably get Ms. Camila," one of them mutter to the other.
"Fuck that! Get your fucking boss, or I'll tear this dress to shreds right now!"
They scramble from the room as if desperate to escape the hysterical woman before them. Swiftly, I put my dress back into place and carefully slip out of the room. Rounding the corner, I check to see if the coast is clear before darting down another hallway. This place is much larger than it appeared from the outside, with a labyrinth of hallways and doors.
Hearing the collective sound of footsteps, I quickly open a random door and step inside. My eyes widen as I witness an older man, dressed in a white robe, seated in a chair, enjoying oral pleasure from a naked woman. His head is thrown back, eyes squeezed shut in ecstasy, as a loud slurping sound fills the room.
"That's it, baby girl," he groans, tangling his hair tighter in her blonde hair. They're so engrossed in the act that they don't even notice my presence.
I silently lock the door before clearing my throat, catching his attention as the woman continues to blow him. His dark eyes snap open, and he promptly halts her. "What are you doing in here?" he hisses, clearly irritated that I'm disrupting his moment of pleasure. Glancing at my dress, he quickly realizes my identity. "The bridal dressing room is not in this location."
"Obviously," I mumble with a grimace. The fact that his erection isn't going down grosses me out more than stumbling upon whatever's happening here. Swallowing the bile rising up my throat, I manage to say, "I need a private room. Preferably one where I could step out for some fresh air."
"Turn left as you exit, take a right at the end of the hallway, and then another left. The door at the end of that hallway leads to the chorus room. There are two exits on either side of the room that will take you to the garden." His eyes bore into mine, holding a chilling intensity. "You may find it impossible to escape a man like him, my child. He revels in darkness, and it may envelop you too. If you allow me, I can guide you to God, where you may atone for the sins he has forced you to partake in. God is the only one who can save you now."
Says the supposedly devout man I just caught getting a blowjob from a prostitute.
For fuck's sakes, his dick is still hard and throbbing as he continues to stare at me while the woman sits on her knees, patiently awaiting his next instruction.
"Uh, no thanks," I mutter, edging backward towards the door. Hastily, I slip out of the room, eager to avoid any further interaction with him. His presence unsettles me more than anything Diego has ever done, and that's saying something, considering I've witnessed him literally take someone's life.
Recalling the priest's instructions, I glance back and forth anxiously as I dash down the hallway, taking a left and then a right. But when I turn left again at the end of the corridor, Diego is there, standing as if he's been anticipating my arrival.