Once Bitten, Twice Broken, Forever Loved

My heart skips and I momentarily shut my eyes.

It's my wedding today. Not just any wedding, a contract wedding.

I know very much, that it's the onset of my misery.

How did I get here?

It all started back in college, when my boyfriend Ethan saw me kissing his sworn enemy. But in truth, Nate kissed me.

Ethan never believed me then, not even now.

Our little love story didn't end there.

Though Ethan didn't believe me, he still wanted to have me. That's when my best friend, Lucia stepped in and convinced me never to get back with Ethan. Why? Because his ruthless mom will hurt my family for hurting her son's feelings.

I foolishly believed her, doing bad things to him, just to push him away. Little did I know, that Lucia may have lied because she found out Ethan's true identity and wanted to take my place in his life.

He was no fat poor boy, but the son of a wealthy man.

By then, it was already late. Ethan accepted our breakup already.

But one thing - he swore to pay me back in spades. I didn't know he meant it, until a week ago. When one unfaithful, clumsy day with a spill of Starbucks brought us back together. Ever since that moment, Ethan never got his eyes and hands off me.

He assaulted me every chance he got, until one evening in the underground parking lot, in the middle of trying to have his way with me, the paparazzi caught us. To protect his career and reputation, he forced me into this contract marriage.

I know what this marriage will be for me, but for my family, I signed the contract.

My mom enters and gestures for the ladies in charge of my looks to leave. "Sweetheart," she says, solemn.

My mom knows that it's a contract marriage, and that I'm not happy about it. But what she doesn't know is - Ethan is wreaking vengeance on me.

She smiles wryly at me. "My beautiful angel."

"I warned you, girl, didn't I?"

We look to the doorway and see Verity, Ethan's mom scowling at us. My heart flutters fearfully.

"You managed to trap my son in your wicked web, you shameless whore. But I'll show you, that behind that great man you see is a tired mom." She storms off, leaving behind an unsettling silence.

Mom takes my hands, and for the first time since the whole thing began, I see fear and pain in her eyes. "You don't have to do this. You know that, right?"

I hold her hands soothingly. "I'll be fine, Mom. Trust your daughter."

I can't trust myself, for I know I won't be fine.

I sail down the aisle with a hand placed in my uncle's, my eyes riveting on the man who's going to become my husband in some minutes. Fake husband, but legally married.

Taking in the splendid and extravagant look of Gotham Hall doesn't suit the moment, neither does glancing at the guests.

I stare at the smile on Ethan's face. A front meant to deceive the world, but our eyes hold the real truth, reminding each other of it.

My uncle places my hand in his, which symbolizes a transfer of responsibility and care for me, but on the darker side, a transfer of pain.

Of all days, Ethan chose today, which was supposed to be mine and my fiance's wedding. Ethan ruined I and Peter's union. Tears burn my eyes but I keep them at bay.

The officiant introduces the ceremony and says the opening prayer.

Our voices steady, our eyes fixed, we take turns reciting the marriage vows, promising to love and cherish each other.

To us, it's a promise to hate and torure me.

I don't miss the victory and menace in his eyes and his smile when he says the last line of the vow, "till death do us part." Yet, I manage to say the vows.

It's just a three-month contract. Things will go back to normal after three months.

The ring exchange symbolizes love, commitment, and unity that represents marriage, but it's the opposite for us. It represents a constant reminder of my misery.

The officiant pronounces us husband and wife. Cat and mouse.

I gasp inaudibly as my feet leave the floor, and in the following second, his lips are on mine, the kiss so intimate and deliberate, surpassing all levels of pretense.

The guests, both ones against us, clueless ones, and the ones for us, erupt into cheers and applause.

"You're forgetting your role, Mrs Coleman. Need a spank to keep you reminded?" he whispers.

He carries me out of the building, the guests throwing rice and confetti at us. I smile, not forgetting to do the tossing flower tradition.

The wedding reception begins before long.

I'm standing in a corner with Avra, my work buddy. Across the white and reflective dancefloor with the monogram of our initials in the middle, is Ethan and a group of men drinking and chatting.

"A childhood romance turning into marriage. That's a match made in heaven. Why did you keep it a secret? God, you needed to see how the women at work went haywire when they realized you're the lady behind Ethan's obsession with blonde women."

Point of correction: a match made in hell. I kept my relationship with Ethan a secret, that's one of the biggest lies on social media.

Rumors have it that Ethan only dates blonde women.

"Congratulations, friend."

I turn and see Lucia approaching, her gait graceful as usual.

Ex-friend, you snitch.

She's trying so hard to mask that anger and hatred in her brown eyes. She was engaged with Ethan before the paparazzi changed the story for them.

"Can you excuse us for a moment?" She says to Avra and Avra leaves us. "Once again, you've taken what is mine."

"I've never taken what is yours, Lucia."

She scoffs, fury and defeat swimming in her eyes. Then she fakes a smile. "I love your paintings. They're masterpieces."

She folds her arms, smirking. "You're versatile. An artist, actress, and even... a stripper."

My heart skips with fear. I'm trying hard to hide my expression. That's supposed to be a secret. She dug up dirt on me?

"I've got a surprise for you." She gestures towards the person walking up to me, then walks away.

My first, Jerome. I can't restrain a gasp, terrifying memories rushing back to me.

Jerome and I met five years ago. He got me a job as an exotic dancer, sharing my pay with me. That wasn't enough for him, he heartlessly tricked me into getting raped by four wealthy men, making away with the money they paid.

"Hello, Violet. Long time no see." That croaky voice, I prayed I'd never hear it again.

There's something sinister about his smile. He's here on a mission.

He opens his arms. "Are you just gonna glare at me like that? Give your ex a hug." He steps closer to pull me into his arms. "Come on."

I quickly step back but he keeps stepping closer until a towering figure blocks my line of sight and the next thing I register is Ethan hugging him.

Ethan claps his shoulder with a smile. "Enjoy the party."

The smile on Jerome's face is gone, but my fear still remains.

Ethan cups my chin romantically, his gaze deadpan. "You seem pretty worn out when the night's still young. Kurt will take you home."

Relief washes over me as I settle in the car and Kurt drives off shortly. The anxiousness in my stomach doesn't let up. Home? Which home?

After a long drive, we disappear into an uphill road that's lined with forest on both sides.

Upon getting to the mansion on the hill, Kurt stops in the driveway and a housekeeper takes me inside, leading me to a bedroom.

A sweet scent travels up my nostrils as she pushes the bedroom door open, but what I see makes me freeze in fear.

A room in a honeymoon standard with petals strewn on the bed and all over the floor. Ethan couldn't be planning to consummate our fake marriage.

That fear clings to me, even after I take my bath and bundle up a white satin robe I found on the bed, assuming it's for me.

The door opens and the same housekeeper walks in, hands in front of her. "What can I get you, Mrs Coleman?"

I stare at her. All I need is something that will make this night not to happen. "Get me a knife."