Chapter 7: The Wedding Party

The grand hall was filled with the cream of society, all gathered to witness the union of Kaitlyn Mason and Theodore O'Neill. Kaitlyn stood at the entrance, her heart racing with nervousness as she scanned the crowd. The warm glow of candlelight illuminated the room, casting a golden glow on the intricately designed tapestries that adorned the walls. The air was thick with the scent of fresh flowers and the soft hum of conversation. Theodore stood at the altar, his dark gray eyes fixed on her as she approached. His sharp eyebrows were slightly furrowed, and the mole under one eye seemed to darken in intensity. He looked imposing, his tall frame radiating an air of confidence that made Kaitlyn feel both intimidated and nervous. His black hair was perfectly styled, and the two silver strands running through it seemed to shimmer in the light, marking him as the heir to his family. As Kaitlyn reached his side, Theodore's gaze swept over her, his eyes lingering on her blue eyes and thick black hair styled in a half-up ponytail. Kaitlyn felt a flutter in her chest, but she quickly suppressed it. She wouldn't let herself be drawn in by his imposing presence. The bishop cleared his throat, and the ceremony began. Kaitlyn's mind wandered as she listened to the familiar words, her thoughts drifting to the uncertain future ahead. What would her life be like with Theodore? Would he truly treat her as his wife, or would she remain a distant, unloved stranger? As the ceremony progressed, Kaitlyn's nervousness grew. She felt trapped, like a bird in a gilded cage. She glanced around the room, searching for an escape, but there was none. The guests were all watching her, their faces filled with excitement and curiosity. Theodore's voice was deep and resonant as he spoke his vows, his words echoing through the hall. Kaitlyn's heart sank as she realized she was being swept up in a tide of tradition and expectation. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of uncertainty. Suddenly, Kaitlyn felt overwhelmed. She couldn't do this. She couldn't marry a man who hated her, a man who had kissed her passionately in front of the servants just hours before. She turned and ran, slipping away from the crowd as they gasped in shock. Theodore chased after her, his long strides eating up the distance. He caught her in a quiet hallway, pinning her against the wall as he demanded to know why she was running away. Kaitlyn felt trapped, her back pressed against the cold stone wall as Theodore's eyes blazed with anger. "Why the hell are you running away?" he growled, his voice low and menacing. Kaitlyn tried to speak, but her voice caught in her throat. She shook her head, feeling a shiver run down her spine. Theodore's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, Kaitlyn thought she saw a flash of frustration. But then, just as the guests approached, he kissed her again. This time, it was a quick, possessive kiss, but it still left Kaitlyn breathless. As the guests passed by, smiling and congratulating them, Kaitlyn shoved Theodore away with all her strength. "Leave me alone," she spat, her heart still racing with anger. Theodore's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing. He simply stood there, watching her with an intensity that made Kaitlyn's skin crawl. For a moment, they stood there, locked in a silent battle of wills. Then, with a curt nod, Theodore turned and strode back to the ceremony, leaving Kaitlyn feeling both relieved and frustrated. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. She would get through this, she told herself. She would marry Theodore, and she would play the role of the happy bride. But as she turned to follow him, Kaitlyn couldn't shake the feeling that she was walking into a trap, one from which she might not escape.