Chapter 3 - The Unwilling Vow

As Aria struggled to her feet, the master maid rushed to her side, guiding her into the room and closing the door behind them. "I warned you to obey him," the maid said, her voice low and urgent. "It's not too late. Please, for your brother's sake, get ready." Aria's eyes narrowed, suspicion etched on her face. "Why do you care so much about me and my brother?" she asked, her voice laced with skepticism. The maid's gaze dropped, her eyes clouding with a deep sadness. "I've been in your shoes before," she whispered. "Please, just do as he says."

In the majestic church, Viktor stood tall, awaiting Aria's arrival. His black suit accentuated his chiseled features, making him irresistibly attractive. Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed through the hall. "Viktor?!" It was Kaid, Viktor's trusted friend. Viktor turned, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Kaid, you're always punctual. I appreciate that." Kaid chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

As the church doors swung open, Aria stepped into the threshold, a breathtaking vision in white. Her long, flowing gown cascaded down her slender figure, and her loose hair framed her heart-shaped face. Viktor's gaze locked onto hers, his eyes burning with intensity. Aria's heart skipped a beat as she approached him, the master servant by her side.

The priest began the ceremony, his voice echoing through the church. Aria's heart pounded faster, her world spinning out of control. Regret washed over her, threatening to overwhelm her. The priest asked Viktor, "Are you ready to take Miss Aria Morano as your wife?" Viktor's response was curt, his voice low and husky: "Yes."

The priest turned to Aria, but she was frozen, unable to speak. The maid nudged her gently, urging her to respond. The priest repeated the question, his voice firm but gentle. Viktor's eyes narrowed, his gaze intense, as he growled, "Say yes, Aria." Aria's voice trembled as she whispered, "Y...yes." As soon as the word left her lips, Aria felt a pang of regret, as if she had sealed her fate forever.

As the word "yes" escaped Aria's lips, she felt an eerie sense of finality, as if she had surrendered to a fate worse than death. The priest's next words cut through her thoughts like a knife: "Now, seal your union with a tender kiss, and accept each other as husband and wife." But Aria's heart recoiled at the thought. She had expected Viktor to steal every shred of her dignity, but his next move caught her off guard.

With an air of boredom, Viktor spoke up, "Can we just skip the formalities? Signing papers and taking pictures should suffice." His gaze was devoid of emotion, sending a chill down Aria's spine. The priest's eyes widened in shock, but he dared not protest, cowed by the menacing glint in Viktor's eyes and the armed men stationed around the hall.

With a curt nod, the priest handed them the papers. Viktor grasped Aria's trembling hand, his grip like a vice, and dragged her to the table. "Sign this," he growled, his voice dripping with impatience. Aria's heart was racing, her mind screaming in despair. She felt like she was signing away her soul, condemning herself to a life of hell. With shaking hands, she scribbled her signature alongside Viktor's, the ink bleeding into the paper like her shattered dreams.

Kaid's voice boomed with excitement, "Now, everyone! It's time to capture the magic of our newlyweds! Cameraman, take your position!" Kaid's enthusiasm was palpable, but beneath the surface, he seemed detached, reveling in the spectacle rather than the sentiment.

As Aria and Viktor descended the stairs, Aria's heel slipped, sending her stumbling. Viktor's reflexes kicked in, and he swiftly grasped her wrist, then her waist, pulling her close. Their faces were inches apart, the air thick with tension. Seizing the moment, Kaid signaled the cameraman, who snapped away, capturing the intimate pose. The flashbulbs illuminated the awkward yet tender moment, freezing it in time.

Aria's face turned bright red with embarrassment. Viktor gazed at her, his expression unreadable, and said, "You're looking like a tomato." Aria's embarrassment deepened, and she turned her face away, unable to meet his piercing gaze.

The air was thick with tension, the atmosphere strained and unnatural. Kaid cleared his throat, a teasing glint in his eye. Viktor sprang into action, adjusting Aria's posture, his touch brief but unsettling. They stood side by side, a palpable distance between them.

Kaid's voice cut through the awkwardness, his tone bored, "This looks like a corporate photoshoot...a boss and his secretary, or something. I'm really bad at this, but...guys, can you please get closer?" He strode over to them, his hands grasping their shoulders, pushing them together.

Aria and Viktor exchanged an awkward glance, their faces inches apart. The proximity was suffocating, their bodies stiff with discomfort.

As the cameraman announced, "Done!" Aria and Viktor sprang apart like magnets with the same polarity. "Now, your demand is fulfilled, can you leave my brother?" Aria asked, her eyes blazing with anger.

Viktor's response was swift and ruthless. "He's safe and sound at your house now. But you can't go," he stated, his expression unreadable. Aria's eyes widened in shock, and she demanded, "Why?!" She couldn't fathom what more Viktor wanted from her; they were married, they'd taken pictures – what else was left?

Viktor's explanation was cold and calculating. "Because you're my newlywed bride, we've just married, so it might get suspicious if you leave. So, I just want you to stay for some days in my house so that I can make our marriage look six months older." Aria's anger boiled over, and she spat out, "As you demanded, I married you, and now you want me to live in your house and behave like your wife? You're asking for too much! I just can't live under the same shade as you, a nesting devil."

Viktor remained calm, his expression unyielding. He pulled Aria by her shoulder and hissed, "You know there's always my man's eye on your brother, so just my one call, and there he's done... with life." Aria's anger deflated, replaced by a helpless, desperate fear. She swallowed hard, her eyes welling up with tears as she looked down, defeated.

Viktor pushed her away and instructed the maid, "Take her with you to my mansion and explain everything." With that, he turned and walked away with Kaid, leaving Aria feeling trapped and helpless.

Aria composed herself, her eyes locking onto the lady, who seemed frozen in place. The lady's eyes betrayed a deep-seated guilt as she hesitantly gestured for Aria to follow her to the car. Aria trailed behind, her heart heavy with sorrow.

As they reached the car, the driver opened the door, and Aria slid into the luxurious interior. Her heart ached, and tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. Before the lady could enter, Aria turned to her, her voice trembling. "Can I please meet my brother just once? Please?" Tears welled up in her eyes, and the lady's expression softened.

The lady servant, seemingly unable to resist Aria's plea, nodded in agreement. "I'll take you to see your brother," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She sat down beside Aria, and the driver closed the door behind them.

As the car engine roared to life, Aria gave the driver her address. Turning to the lady, she asked, "By the way, what's your name?" The lady's expression hinted at a deep kindness, and Aria sensed that she might be an ally.

"EmberLyn, but you can call me Aunt Ember," the lady replied, her eyes locking onto Aria's. Aria nodded, attempting a weak smile.

Aunt Ember's expression turned somber, and she began to speak in a hushed tone. "I've been working in this house with utmost loyalty and dignity since I was 18. I'm now over 45." Aria's eyes widened in surprise, impressed by Aunt Ember's dedication, yet saddened by her circumstances.

Aunt Ember's voice dropped to a whisper. "I've known Viktor since he was a child. You know, he's a living DEVIL." Aria's heart skipped a beat.

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