Chapter 5 Chapter 5

Ivy's POV

I couldn’t believe what was happening. The cold air hit me as I stepped out of the hospital, my wedding gown clinging to my body, the fabric a heavy reminder of the chaos I’d just escaped. My heart was still pounding from the doctor’s words, but there was no time to dwell. The world outside was as cold and unforgiving as the man who’d made me marry him.

People stared at me as I walked down the sidewalk. I could feel their eyes on me, whispering, judging. My head spun, a swirl of emotions flooding my chest. Am I married now? Really? Was this my life now? A stranger’s wife, running from the past and heading toward an uncertain future.

Before I could think any more about it, a car pulled up in front of me, the sleek black vehicle stopping with an air of finality. The window rolled down slowly, revealing Anderson. His expression was as cold and distant as ever.

“Get in,” he ordered, his voice harsh, emotionless.

I hesitated, the weight of everything crashing down on me. But I didn’t have a choice, did I? This was my reality now, the consequences of my decisions already unraveling around me. I nodded silently and climbed into the car. The air inside was just as cold as outside, suffocating.

The driver started the engine, and I sank into the seat, my mind racing. What was happening? What was Anderson’s plan for me? My fingers fidgeted with the hem of my gown, the only thing I had left to wear. What would happen now? What would he do to me?

Anderson didn’t speak. He just stared ahead, his eyes distant, focused on nothing at all. I couldn’t understand him. He was so... detached. Was he angry? Was he frustrated? Or was he just indifferent?

The car rolled to a stop, and Anderson's voice broke through my thoughts.

“We’re here,” he said flatly. He stepped out, and I followed, unsure of what was about to happen.

We entered a boutique. The air inside was filled with the scent of expensive perfume, and mannequins in beautiful dresses stood like silent witnesses to the storm brewing in my chest. Anderson gestured for me to pick out something to wear.

“Pick whatever you want,” he said, but there was no warmth in his words.

I wandered through the racks of clothes, picking out a few dresses that caught my eye, but Anderson was quick to dismiss them.

“No, these are too old-fashioned,” he complained, clearly unimpressed.

I sighed.

“Then pick something,” I muttered under my breath, feeling the weight of his demands pressing down on me. Why did everything have to be his way?

Anderson didn’t reply. Instead, he picked out a dress, his hands swift and certain. He thrust it into my hands without a word. I took it, not wanting to argue, and stepped into the fitting room.

When I emerged, wearing the new dress, Anderson’s eyes flickered over me, his gaze colder than usual. For a moment, I thought I saw something in his eyes—a hint of admiration, maybe—but it was gone as quickly as it came. He turned away, his face hardening.

“Quickly,” he said, his voice edged with impatience. “Get dressed. We’re leaving.”

I nodded, my mind too exhausted to protest. As I slid on the shoes he picked for me, I felt a twinge of resentment. This was my life now. Dressing at his command, walking through life like a doll on strings. But I had no choice, did I?

We stepped back into the car, and I felt the tension thick between us, the silence suffocating. Anderson’s eyes were still cold, and I couldn’t help but wonder what was going on in his mind. Was this what he wanted? A perfect little wife to parade around?

“We’re going to my family’s house,” Anderson finally said, breaking the silence.

My heart skipped a beat. His family? What did that mean? Why was I meeting them?

He continued, his tone flat.

“I’m introducing you to my family, but we won’t be staying long. Just act like a good girl. Don’t speak unless you’re asked to. Understand?”

I nodded, my stomach churning with unease. What was I walking into?

The car stopped in front of a mansion. The sheer size of it took my breath away. This place was massive and overwhelming. My eyes widened as I looked at the building, unsure of what to feel.

Anderson didn’t wait for me. He led the way, striding up the steps with authority, and I followed my heart racing. I had no idea what was about to happen.

As we entered the house, I felt like a fish out of water. The grandeur of the place was too much to absorb all at once. There were people everywhere, standing in groups, whispering among themselves. They all turned to look at us as we entered, and I suddenly felt small, insignificant.

But then, I saw him. Oscar. He was standing there, right in front of me. The man who had betrayed me, the man I had been about to marry. My stomach twisted as I stared at him. What was he doing here? How was he connected to Anderson?

Anderson must have noticed my confusion because he spoke up, his voice almost casual.

“He’s my brother,” he said, as if that explained everything.

Oscar was his brother. The man who had rejected me on my wedding day was Anderson’s brother. My heart pounded in my chest. What had I gotten myself into?

Before I could process what was happening, Anderson’s father appeared. His presence was commanding, and he walked straight toward Anderson, his face a picture of fury.

Slap.

The sound of his hand striking Anderson echoed in the room. I froze, my eyes wide. Anderson didn’t even flinch. He bowed his head, taking the blow silently.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” his father yelled.

“Getting married to your brother’s fiancée? The woman he left at the altar?”

I never knew Anderson was the brother of Oscar; if I knew, I would never have accepted.

I felt a wave of sympathy for Anderson, even though he didn’t deserve it. The strong, unyielding man I’d known was crumpling under his father’s rage, and it shook me to my core.

But then, Anderson straightened up, his posture rigid, and looked at his father. His voice was cold, final.

“This is my wife,” he said, gripping my hand tightly. “This is the woman I chose. Now that I’m married, can I have my place in the family? Can I have the business?”

My breath caught in my throat. The business? Anderson had married me for this? He wanted to take control of the family business. My mind reeled with the realization. I had no idea what I had walked into. This was a business transaction.

I was just being used.

And the worst part? Oscar, the man I had once loved, was his brother. This wasn’t just a mess. It was a disaster.

I was trapped, caught in a web of lies and deceit, and there was no way out.

Who is Anderson? I need to know more about him!