DARK MARRIAGE

Arabella Sinclair sat before the dresser, staring at her reflection. The ivory ball gown hugged her figure perfectly, its delicate lace shimmering beneath the warm vanity lights. A pearl-encrusted veil cascaded from her elegant bun, framing a face carefully prepared for the happiest day of her life. Or perhaps the worst.

Even after an hour, she still couldn’t decide. Life had a strange sense of humor. A girl who once spent her afternoons sneaking scented candles from local art stores was now preparing to marry Damien Blackwood, the most influential businessman in Blackthorne. The thought felt unreal. A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. Before she could respond, the door opened.

“Ara.” The familiar voice immediately eased her nerves. Aaron Cheng. Her childhood best friend. A faint smile touched her lips as he stepped inside. “You look nervous.”

“I am nervous.”

Aaron chuckled and moved beside her. For a moment neither spoke. They simply stared at each other through the mirror. “My little princess is all grown up.”

Arabella laughed softly. “Why do you sound like someone’s dying?” His smile faltered. Because to him, someone was. The future he once dreamed of. The future standing before him in a wedding gown.

“You look beautiful,” he admitted quietly.

Arabella rolled her eyes. “You flew all the way here just to compliment my makeup?”

“No.” His voice turned serious. “I came to ask if you’re absolutely sure.”

The question surprised her. “Aaron—”

“I’m serious.” He stepped closer. “If you don’t want this marriage, we can leave.” He began to scratch the back of his neck, a habit he has to hide his nervousness, “If you don’t mind much we can elope this instant and then you don’t have to be a wife to someone you don’t even know that well.. I mean to say if you ain’t happy about this whole marriage with a sexy CEO we can still run away..”

Arabella stared at him. “What?”

“We can disappear.” His smile returned, though it looked forced. “Find a quiet town somewhere. Live near the mountains. Grow old and complain about the weather.”

Despite how awkward she was about this sudden proposal, she still laughed. “You’ve officially lost your mind.”

“Probably.” The humor faded from his expression. “Answer me honestly.” His eyes met hers. “Are you happy?”

The question lingered. Arabella looked back at her reflection in the huge mirror in front of her. The dress. The jewelry. The veil. Everything looked perfect. Yet her stomach twisted with uncertainty. “I don’t know.”

Aaron’s jaw tightened. For years he had hoped she would say anything except that. “Ara…”

She quickly shook her head. “It’s not what you think.”

“Then what is it?”

Arabella sighed. “I barely know him.”

“Damien?”

She nodded. “I’ve admired him for years. Everyone in the fashion industry knows who he is.” A small smile appeared. “He was actually one of my inspirations.”

Aaron groaned dramatically. “Great. You’re marrying your celebrity crush.”

She smacked his arm. “I’m serious. Unfortunately, so am I.” Her smile faded. “We’ve attended the same events. Shared the same circles. But every time I tried speaking to him, he barely acknowledged me.”

“And now you’re marrying him.”

“Exactly.” Arabella sighed dramatically, “It’s as if the universe wants me to become Mrs. Blackwood..”

Aaron shook his head. “That sounds like a terrible idea.”

“Thank you for your support.”

“You’re welcome.”

The door suddenly opened. Arabella’s stepmother entered without warning. “There you are.” Her sharp eyes immediately landed on Aaron. A flicker of annoyance crossed her face. “The guests are waiting.”

Arabella straightened. “We were just talking mother.”

“I can see that.” Her gaze shifted back toward Aaron. “Mr. Cheng, perhaps it’s time to let the bride prepare for her future.”

The message was clear. Aaron understood immediately. Slowly, he stood. “I should go.”

Arabella’s smile faded.

“So soon?”

He nodded. For a brief moment, neither moved. Then Aaron stepped forward and gently squeezed her hand. “Ara, I hope this marriage gives you everything you’ve ever wanted.” His voice remained steady. Only his eyes betrayed him. “If it doesn’t…” He hesitated. “I’ll still be waiting for my little princess um…”

Arabella’s chest tightened. “Aaron…”

“At the cherry tree.” His smile returned. The same smile she had known her entire life. “Just in case.”

And then he left. Leaving behind a silence that suddenly felt too large. Arabella watched the door close. For the first time that day, the reality of her wedding settled heavily upon her shoulders. A few minutes later, her father arrived.Unlike everyone else, he looked nervous. “Look at you.” Emotion filled his voice. “You look exactly like your mother.”

Arabella smiled. “That’s a dangerous compliment.”

He laughed softly. Then his expression turned serious. “This marriage will secure a wonderful future for our family.”

There it was. The truth hidden beneath the celebration. Business. Legacy. Power. Arabella already knew. And perhaps that made accepting it easier. “I understand, Dad.”

He squeezed her shoulder. “Damien is a good man.” The reassurance sounded more like hope than certainty.

Before she could reply, the wedding coordinator appeared. “It’s time.”

Her heartbeat immediately quickened. Time. The word suddenly felt terrifying. The ballroom glittered beneath crystal chandeliers. Hundreds of guests filled the venue. Business leaders. Politicians. Socialites. Every important person in Blackthorne seemed present. Yet Arabella noticed only one. Damien Blackwood.

Standing beneath the floral arch. Waiting. His emerald tuxedo was immaculate. His posture perfect. His expression unreadable. Everything about him radiated quiet authority. Yet despite the perfection, something felt off. His eyes. They looked tired. Not physically. Emotionally. As though he carried a burden no one else could see.

For a brief moment, their gazes met. And Arabella swore she saw something hidden behind those charcoal-grey eyes. Regret. Longing. Sadness. Then it vanished. Leaving behind the cold, composed businessman the world knew. Even with a dominating persona Damien shone brightly capturing everyone’s attention. Arabella’s soon to be husband looks regal and untouchable and the realisation hit her hard. They both were polar opposites.

Her father guided her forward. Step by step. Until she finally reached the altar. Damien extended his hand. She placed hers in it. His grip was warm. Steady. Unavoidable. “Thank you for agreeing to this marriage.”

His voice was calm. Professional. Almost detached. Arabella offered a polite smile. “It seems we both understand its importance Mr. Blackwood.”

One corner of his mouth lifted. The faintest hint of amusement. “We don’t have to be so formal.” His eyes remained fixed on hers. “Tonight, we become husband and wife.”

For reasons she couldn’t explain, those words felt less like a promise… and more like the beginning of something neither of them could escape.