Beneath The Vows

The clock on the wall ticked steadily, but time felt frozen in Emily Roosevelt ’s office. The soft glow from her desk lamp was the only source of light in the darkened New York skyline behind her. Files were scattered across her desk, remnants of her late-night work, but she couldn’t focus. She never could when her father’s demands weighed on her mind. The sleek, modern lines of her office, with its glass walls and leather furniture, felt cold and empty, much like the life she was trapped in.

Suddenly, the heavy mahogany door swung open, and her father, Samuel Roosevelt, stormed into the room. His imposing figure filled the space, casting a long shadow over Emily as he shut the door behind him with a soft click. Samuel never knocked.

“Father, it’s late. What are you—” Emily began, but her voice faltered when she saw the look in his eyes. Cold. Calculating. The same look he had when he was about to deliver an order, not a request.

Without preamble, he tossed a thick folder onto her desk. “Read it.”

Emily hesitated before reaching for the file. She opened it and felt her stomach drop as the bold title stared back at her: Marriage Contract. Beneath it was the name Collin Lockwood—the man she met once at the club but knew all too well from society’s gossip columns. Her hands trembled as she flipped through the pages, her chest tightening with each word.

“Father, you can’t do this to me,” she whispered, her voice betraying her fear. She stood, pushing the chair back with a scrape. “I won’t marry Collin. I don’t even know him.”

Samuel’s icy gaze pinned her in place. “You don’t have a choice, Emily. You’ve seen the state of our business. Marrying Collin will save us. Or do you want everything I’ve built to fall apart?” His voice was venomous, each word cutting deeper than the last.

Emily’s throat tightened. “There must be another way. I’m not some pawn you can use to fix your mistakes.”

“Mistakes?” Samuel’s voice dropped, his eyes narrowing into dangerous slits. He stood slowly, deliberately, until he towered over her. “You think this is about mistakes?” His tone dripped with contempt as he took a menacing step forward, his shadow swallowing her whole.

Emily’s breath caught in her throat, but she refused to back down. She couldn’t. Not now. “This is about your greed,” she said, her voice shaking but determined. “You’ve already pushed Kate into a loveless marriage, and now… now, you’re doing it to me.”

Samuel’s fist slammed onto her desk, the echo reverberating through the room. “Kate did what was necessary for this family! And so will you.” He leaned in, his voice low and seething. “Or have you forgotten what happens when you defy me?”

Emily flinched as the memories came flooding back—memories of his rage, of the things he had done when she or her sisters had dared to stand against him. She thought of her younger sister, the one who had run away, escaping this nightmare. For a moment, Emily wished she had the same courage to leave. But she couldn’t. Not after everything. She couldn’t abandon her family, even if it meant losing herself.

Her father’s lip curled into a cruel smile, as though he could sense her thoughts. “You don’t have a choice, Emily,” he hissed. “Collin’s father has already agreed to the arrangement. The wedding will happen, and you will play your part.” His eyes gleamed with malice. “Unless, of course, you want to end up like your younger sister, Sarah.”

Emily’s blood ran cold. “What… what do you mean?” she stammered, heart pounding in her chest.

Samuel’s smile widened, sending a chill down her spine. “Oh, you have no idea what happened to her, do you?” He leaned closer, his voice a whisper. “Maybe one day you’ll find out.”

Tears pricked at Emily’s eyes, but she blinked them away, refusing to cry in front of him. She wouldn’t give him that satisfaction. But the fear, the hopelessness, gnawed at her insides.

Her father straightened, adjusting his suit jacket. “The wedding will be in three months. You will meet Collin Lockwood soon.” He turned to leave, pausing at the door. “Do not defy me, Emily. Or you’ll regret it.”

And then, just like that, he was gone, the door closing with a soft thud that left the room eerily silent. Emily sank into her chair, her hands gripping the edge of the desk as her mind raced.

Her chest heaved as she stared at the file in front of her, the name Collin Lockwood taunting her like a death sentence. Her life, her freedom, was slipping through her fingers, and there was nothing she could do to stop it.

As the weight of her father’s words pressed down on her, Emily’s thoughts drifted to him. Her ex-boyfriend—the only man she had ever truly loved. They had been inseparable in college, and she had imagined a future with him, a life filled with love and happiness. But that future had been ripped away when he left her without an explanation, breaking her heart into pieces she had never been able to mend.

Emily sat in her office, surrounded by stacks of paperwork and the faint glow of her computer screen. The weight of the world pressed heavily on her shoulders when her phone buzzed, interrupting the silence.

“Don’t tell me you’re still in your office working? You can’t be serious!” Jane’s voice burst through the receiver, teasing yet concerned.

A small smile crept onto Emily’s face despite her heavy heart, happy that at least there someone out there is worry about “You know me too well. Just trying to stay afloat over here.”

“Are you okay?” Jane asked, her tone shifting to genuine concern.

Emily hesitated, the words stuck in her throat. Finally, she sighed, “No.”

“Did you have a fight with your father?” Silence filled the moment before she finally threw the news out there. “I am getting married, Jane.”

“Is this some kind of joke or something?” Jane’s voice faltered, disbelief evident.

“No, Jane. I am getting married to Collin Lockwood.”

“Are we talking about the same Collin? The most popular bachelor and the one you danced with at the club a month ago?”

As those words hung in the air, Emily felt a rush of memories wash over her—a vivid flashback that transported her back to that electrifying night.

As the music pulsed through the air, the club was alive with energy. Neon lights flickered, casting vibrant colors across the crowded dance floor. People moved rhythmically, lost in their own worlds, laughter and shouts blending with the beats. The air was thick with excitement and a hint of sweat, an intoxicating mix that made Emily feel both nervous and exhilarated.

“Come on, I didn’t drag you here from work just to sit and watch people dance! Forget about your asshole of a dad and let’s have some fun!” Jane exclaimed, pulling Emily toward the dance floor.

Emily couldn’t help but laugh at her friend’s enthusiasm. “Okay, okay! I’m coming!”

As they reached the dance floor, Jane began to sway to the rhythm, her infectious energy drawing Emily in. “Just for one night, let loose!” she encouraged, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Emily felt a rush of gratitude for Jane, who always knew how to lighten her mood. Having a friend like her made the weight of her worries feel a little less burdensome.

“Alright, here I go!” Emily joined Jane, dancing like there was no tomorrow. For the first time in ages, she let go of her thoughts about work and her father, embracing the moment. They danced for what felt like hours, lost in the rhythm, when Jane suddenly paused, breathless.

“I’m thirsty! Let’s grab a drink,” she said, glancing back at Emily.

“Go ahead! I’ll keep dancing!” Emily called back, her voice rising above the pulsating beat of the music. The adrenaline coursed through her veins, liberating her from the weight of her worries. She twirled, her arms stretching wide as she lost herself in the rhythm, moving with a carefree abandon that felt foreign yet exhilarating.

As she swayed, she felt a hand gently rest on her waist, sending a thrill through her. Turning, she was met by the gaze of a strikingly handsome man. His chiseled features were softened by the glow of the colorful lights, and his ocean-blue eyes sparkled with a warmth that made her heart flutter. A sense of familiarity washed over her like a wave, and the realization struck her like a bolt of lightning—this was Collin Lockwood.

A genuine smile spread across her face as she instinctively placed her hand around his neck, feeling the solid warmth of his body against hers. The world around them faded away as they swayed together to the smooth sounds of Sam Smith’s “Dancing with a Stranger.” The music wrapped around them like a cozy blanket, creating a cocoon where only they existed.

Their eyes locked, and Emily felt as if she were sinking into the depths of his gaze, captivated by the kindness and understanding she found there. With each movement, a spark ignited between them, electric and undeniable. As they danced, a soft laugh escaped her lips, and Collin smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners in a way that made her stomach flip.

As the music played on, the joy slowly faded, replaced by haunting memories of her ex-boyfriend. They crept into her mind, casting a shadow over her fleeting bliss. Panic tightened her chest, guilt washing over her like a cold wave crashing down—as if she were betraying him. She still loved him, even after all these years. Even after he shattered her heart without hesitation, walking away as if their time together had meant nothing. The thought made her chest ache, a familiar sting of longing and heartbreak creeping in. No matter how much time had passed, her feelings for him lingered beneath the surface, like a wound that refused to heal. How could she possibly enjoy this moment with Collin when her heart still belonged to someone else?

“Is everything okay?” Collin asked, his brow furrowing with concern as he noticed her sudden shift in demeanor. The warmth of his hands on her waist felt grounding, yet Emily felt a storm brewing inside her.

Collin leaned closer, his voice low and soothing. “You don’t have to hide anything from me. If something’s bothering you, I’m here to listen.”

His sincerity washed over her like a balm, easing the turmoil in her heart. She looked up into his eyes, and for a brief moment, the noise of the club faded away, leaving just the two of them suspended in a universe of their own making.

Taking a deep breath, Emily felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she could allow herself to feel this connection. But just as quickly, guilt tightened its grip on her heart again, and she instinctively pulled away. “I’m sorry. I have to go,” she stammered, the words tumbling out before she could stop herself.

Behind her, she heard him calling after her, his voice rising above the noise, echoing in the night like a plea. Each syllable chased her, a reminder of the connection she was so desperately trying to escape. The vibrant colors of the club blurred around her as she pushed forward, her mind racing, feeling both lost and liberated.

“Emily! Do you hear me?” Jane’s voice sliced through the fog of Emily’s thoughts, pulling her back to reality.

“Yes, yes, sorry! I was just... lost in my thoughts. What were you saying?” Emily replied, shaking her head to clear the confusion.

“I was asking how you feel about all of this,” Jane pressed gently, her tone laden with concern.

“Of course, I feel terrible,” Emily admitted, her voice heavy with despair. “Nobody wants to be in a loveless marriage.”

“Emily, you need to stand up for yourself! You cannot let your father control you!”

Jane’s words echoed in Emily’s mind, igniting a flicker of defiance within her. The weight of her situation pressed down on her like a thick fog, but with each beat of her heart, that flicker grew into a flame. She took a deep breath, determination solidifying her resolve. “You’re right,” she said, her voice steady. “I have to do something.”

Upon arriving at the estate, a heavy gloom enveloped her. The towering walls loomed overhead like a prison, casting long shadows that whispered secrets of her troubled past. Every corner of this place echoed with the sadness of her childhood—moments stolen by her father’s harsh words and suffocating expectations. The garden resembled a graveyard of lost dreams, overgrown and unkempt, its wildness reflecting the chaos of her emotions.

As she approached the entrance, the door swung open, revealing the maid who greeted her with a wary smile. “Welcome back, Miss Emily,” she said softly, her eyes reflecting a hint of sympathy.

“Where is my father?” Emily asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil raging within her.

“In his office,” the maid replied, her expression shifting to one of concern as she sensed the tension in the air.

Taking a deep breath, Emily steeled herself for the confrontation ahead. She made her way through the dimly lit hallways, the familiar scent of polished wood and aged memories filling her lungs. With each step, the weight of her father’s control pressed down harder, but she was determined to face him. Today would not be another day of silence.

Taking a deep breath, Emily steeled herself and walked toward her father’s office. As she entered, the familiar sight of Brian, her father’s right-hand man, greeted her. A chill crept down her spine; Brian was a constant reminder of her father’s reach. She had always feared him, knowing that he would carry out any order without hesitation or question.

“Good thing you’re here,” her father, Samuel, said with a cheerfulness that sent shivers through her. His voice was coated with insincerity, making every word sound like a threat in disguise. “I just spoke with Richard Lockwood, Collin’s father. He called earlier to let me know that Collin will be in New York next week. He had some business in Spain,” Samuel continued, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “I want you ready for the meeting to discuss the marriage. And one more thing—”

Before he could finish, a surge of defiance welled up within Emily. The fear and dread that had weighed her down for so long now fueled her courage. “I am not marrying him,” she interrupted, her voice trembling slightly but firm. Her heart pounded in her chest as if trying to break free from the walls that had trapped her for years.

The room descended into an oppressive silence, the air thick with tension. It was as though the walls themselves were holding their breath. The fleeting happiness in Samuel’s eyes vanished, replaced by a cold, calculating fury. His expression darkened, and Emily could feel the storm brewing beneath his calm facade.

“What did you just say?” he asked, his voice low and dripping with menace as he stepped closer to her, the space between them shrinking with every word.

“I said I am not getting married!” Emily’s voice wavered, but the determination was still there. “I can’t do this, Dad, please…” Her words came out in a desperate rush, her heart hammering in her chest. She had never stood up to him like this before, and the fear of what would come next gnawed at her, but she had to try.

In a flash, his hand shot out, wrapping around her throat with a vice-like grip. The force of his attack knocked the air out of her lungs as he shoved her hard against the wall. Pain exploded in her back, and her vision blurred as panic surged through her. She gasped, clawing at his hand, her fingers trembling with the effort to pry him off.

“You ungrateful child,” he hissed, his eyes cold, devoid of any warmth or fatherly concern. His grip tightened, cutting off her breath, and she felt the room start to spin. “I’ve given you everything, and this is how you repay me?”

Tears welled up in Emily’s eyes as the edges of her vision darkened. Her chest burned as she struggled for air, her heart pounding frantically in her ears. Her legs buckled beneath her, and she sank to the ground, her father towering over her like a shadow of the past she could never escape.

Samuel released her, letting her collapse to the floor, gasping for breath. Her fingers clawed at the carpet as she tried to gather herself, each breath ragged and painful.

“I think it’s time I taught you a lesson,” Samuel’s voice was cold and methodical now, as if he were discussing something trivial, like a business deal gone wrong. “Brian,” he barked, turning his attention to the looming figure by the door, “take her to the basement and lock her there. No food, no light—until she understands her place.”

Brian stepped forward without a word, his eyes devoid of pity as he grabbed Emily’s arm, yanking her to her feet. Emily’s vision swam, her legs barely able to support her weight, but she knew this was only the beginning. She was a prisoner in her own home, trapped in a nightmare she couldn’t wake from.

As Brian dragged her away, the cold reality of her father’s ruthlessness sank in. She wasn’t his daughter—she was just another pawn in his twisted game, and her defiance had only made things worse. The estate, with all its gloom and history, felt more like a tomb than ever before, a place where hope had died long ago.