**The Unfortunate Promise**

Michelle de Claire stood before the mirror, smoothing out her wedding dress for what felt like the hundredth time. Her black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, framing her round, small face. Her black doll eyes, adorned with long cilia, seemed to hold a mix of anxiety and fear. She looked like a fragile porcelain doll, delicate and easily breakable. As she gazed at her reflection, her thoughts drifted to the events that had led her to this moment. Born to servants in the O'Neill castle, her life had been forever changed when her parents died in a brutal attack by thieves. They had been guarding Christian, the son of the castle's ruling family, and her father's last wish was for her to marry him, ensuring her safety and well-being. The memory of her parents' death still lingered, a painful reminder of the vulnerability she felt. Her father and mother had worked tirelessly in the castle, and their deaths had left her alone and adrift. The O'Neill family, in a gesture of gratitude and obligation, had promised her to Christian as a way to repay a debt. As she pondered her fate, Michelle's thoughts turned to Christian. She had seen him only a handful of times, but the image of his dark, combed-back hair and piercing amber eyes had been etched in her mind. He was tall and muscular, with a commanding presence that seemed to radiate dominance. The sound of footsteps outside her room broke the silence, and Michelle's heart skipped a beat. It was time to face her destiny. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead. The door opened, and a soft voice called out, "Michelle, it's time to go downstairs." Her maid, Emma, stood in the doorway, a warm smile on her face. Michelle nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. She felt like a pawn in a game she didn't want to play. As she walked downstairs, the sound of her heels echoed through the hallway, a stark reminder of the life she was about to embark on. At the bottom of the stairs, Christian waited for her, his eyes fixed on hers with an unnerving intensity. His gaze seemed to pierce through her very soul, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable. "You're beautiful, Michelle," he said, his voice low and husky. "I'm sure you'll make a fine wife." Michelle's cheeks flushed at his words, a mix of emotions swirling inside her. She felt a sense of trepidation, knowing that her life was about to change forever. As they exchanged their vows, Michelle couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She was promised to a man she barely knew, a man who seemed to embody the very essence of dominance. The thought sent a shiver down her spine, but she steeled herself, determined to face whatever lay ahead. The ceremony was brief, but the weight of the commitment she was making felt crushing. As they sealed their union with a kiss, Michelle felt a spark of fear ignite within her. She was bound to Christian, tethered by vows and obligations. But as she looked into his eyes, she saw something there, a glimmer of something that gave her pause. It was a spark of attraction, a flicker of desire that seemed to dance in the depths of his eyes. For a moment, Michelle forgot to breathe, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew that she had a long and difficult road ahead of her, but as she gazed into Christian's eyes, she felt a sense of trepidation and anticipation. As they walked out of the church, Michelle felt the weight of her new reality settling in. She was married to a man she didn't fully understand, a man who seemed to be driven by a complex mix of emotions. But as she looked up at him, she saw something there, a glimmer of hope that gave her the strength to face whatever lay ahead. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the landscape. Michelle felt a sense of uncertainty, but as she walked beside Christian, she knew that she was ready to face whatever the future held. She was bound to him, tethered by vows and desire. And as they walked into the unknown, Michelle couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead.