Dave's POV
Standing at the altar, I felt like I had been waiting for an eternity. My heart was pounding, not with nerves, but with an unsettling feeling that I couldn't quite shake off. Belle had been too compliant, too submissive in the days leading up to the wedding. It was as if she had finally accepted her fate, and agreed to be my wife without any further resistance. At the time, I had convinced myself that I had won, that I had finally broken her will. But now, as I stood here, surrounded by all these dignitaries and media personnel, I couldn't help but feel that something was off.
The grand hall was decorated to perfection, every detail meticulously planned to make this wedding the event of the year. Belle had always been simple in her tastes, but I insisted on an elaborate affair. It wasn't just about tying the knot- it was about making a statement, about showing her that there was no escape. With everyone watching, she wouldn't dare back out. Or so I thought.