Wedding Day

Elena stood at the altar, heart racing, eyes locked on Liam Harrington—the man she believed was her forever. The grand cathedral was adorned with white lilies and golden chandeliers, their glow reflecting the joy in her gaze. Friends and family watched with smiles, some with tears of happiness. Yet, among the sea of faces, her parents' expressions were heavy, shadows of concern lurking behind their smiles.

"You're giving up so much," her mother had whispered the night before. "Don't lose yourself, Elena."

But Elena had laughed it off, her heart too full to entertain doubts. She loved Liam, and love was supposed to conquer all, wasn't it? The man waiting for her at the altar was charming, successful, and hers. Surely, they could face any challenge together.

As she took his hands, warmth spread through her, solidifying her belief that this was meant to be. The vows they exchanged felt timeless, words of love and commitment echoing against the vaulted ceilings.

"I, Liam Harrington, take you, Elena Montgomery, to be my wife... for better, for worse... till death do us part."

His voice was steady, sincere. Elena's heart swelled as she repeated her own vows, voice trembling with emotion. She glanced at her parents once more, catching her father's furrowed brow, his jaw tight as if holding back words he wished he'd said sooner.

But as the priest pronounced them husband and wife, all her doubts evaporated. Their first kiss as husband and wife was met with applause and laughter, the perfect end to a perfect ceremony.

She felt invincible. She was Elena Harrington now. The name tasted sweet on her tongue, a promise of a beautiful future.

Hand in hand, they walked down the aisle, the world at their feet. Elena barely noticed the calculating gaze from her new mother-in-law, Eleanor, lips curving into a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

Nor did she see the fleeting shadow pass over Liam's face, his jaw tightening before he turned to her with that charming smile she adored.

To Elena, it was a perfect day. A dream wedding.

But dreams have a way of twisting into nightmares. And this was only the beginning.

The reception was a masterpiece of elegance. Crystal chandeliers cast a golden glow over tables draped in ivory silk, each adorned with cascading arrangements of white roses and gold-tipped orchids. Soft music floated through the air as guests mingled, glasses of champagne shimmering under the lights.

The evening drifted into a haze of laughter and celebration. Elena felt like she was walking on air as she moved through the room, her fingers intertwined with Liam's. Every time she looked at him, her heart skipped, her mind whispering, This is it. This is my forever.

They cut the towering wedding cake, its intricate gold detailing shimmering under the crystal chandeliers. Cheers erupted as they fed each other delicate bites, laughing when Liam playfully smeared a tiny bit of frosting on her nose.

"You're trouble," she teased, wiping it away.

"You married trouble," he shot back with a wink, leaning in to kiss her.

The guests cooed and clapped, and Elena felt warmth spread through her, wrapping her in the glow of love and joy. She leaned into Liam, inhaling his familiar scent, grounding herself in this perfect moment.

As the night wore on, the dance floor filled with swaying couples. Liam pulled her close, his arms strong and steady around her. They moved to the soft rhythm, his breath warm against her cheek as he whispered, "I love you, Mrs. Harrington."

Her heart fluttered at the name, a giggle escaping her lips. "I love you too, Mr. Harrington."

She closed her eyes, letting herself sink into the music, into his embrace, into the dream she'd always wanted.

But even in this perfect moment, shadows loomed.

Elena's parents sat near the back, their faces tight with worry. Her father's jaw was clenched, his eyes following every move Liam made. Her mother's hand rested on his arm, her fingers gripping tightly, as if to keep him from speaking.

"It's her choice," her mother whispered, her eyes glistening. "She believes in him. We have to trust her."

Her father's mouth pressed into a thin line. "I just hope her faith isn't misplaced."

Across the room, Eleanor watched them with keen eyes, her posture elegant, her face a mask of polite interest. But her gaze was calculating, dissecting every interaction, every glance. Her fingers tapped rhythmically against her glass as she observed Elena's parents, a subtle smirk playing on her lips.

Victoria leaned in, her voice low. "I still don't understand why he chose her."

Eleanor's eyes never left Elena. "Because he's foolish. But that can be corrected."

Victoria's brow arched. "And if it can't?"A chill danced down Eleanor's spine, her smile sharpening. "Then she'll learn her place. One way or another."

Elena felt a shiver and glanced around, suddenly uneasy. But when she looked back at Liam, his smile was so warm, so genuine, that her worries melted away. She leaned her head on his shoulder, letting his heartbeat lull her back into the dream.

But some dreams are too perfect to be real. And Elena's was woven with threads of illusion.

As the night wore on and the guests began to leave, Liam led her to their bridal suite, his fingers intertwined with hers. The room was a vision of romance—rose petals scattered across the bed, candles flickering softly. He lifted her into his arms, her laughter echoing as he carried her across the threshold.

They made promises in the dark, whispered vows that went beyond what they had spoken before their loved ones. Elena clung to every word, her heart full, her soul complete.

And yet, as she drifted to sleep in his arms, the shadows crept in. Unseen. Unheard.

In the empty ballroom, a lone figure stood, fingers trailing along the white tablecloths, a cold smile curving her lips. Eleanor moved through the room, her presence haunting, her gaze cold. She paused at the spot where Liam and Elena had danced, her eyes narrowing.

She could still hear their laughter, see the way he looked at his new bride. It was wrong. All wrong.

She would fix it. She had to.

Turning on her heel, she walked away, her steps echoing softly. The dream had begun, yes. But so had the nightmare.

And Elena, blissfully asleep, had no idea which was which.

Elena felt like she was floating, her hand never leaving Liam's as they made their rounds, thanking guests for coming. Every smile, every congratulatory embrace felt like another layer of bliss. Her heart was full, her dreams alive.

"You look beautiful," Liam whispered, his lips brushing her ear. A blush crept up her cheeks, and she squeezed his hand, her heart skipping a beat.

"Only because I'm with you," she replied, her voice soft and sincere. He laughed, the sound rich and warm, drawing her closer.

Yet, as they moved from table to table, she couldn't shake the coldness in Eleanor's eyes. Her new mother-in-law was perfect in every way—elegant and poised, her platinum blonde hair perfectly styled, her smile charming but distant.

"You must be so proud," Elena said, her voice a little too eager as she looked at Eleanor. "Your son is the most wonderful man."

Eleanor's smile didn't falter, but something flickered in her eyes—something calculating, almost dismissive. "Indeed," she replied smoothly. "I've raised him well." Her gaze swept over Elena, lingering a moment too long. "I trust you'll live up to the Harrington name."

The words were wrapped in silk but cut like glass. Elena's smile wavered. "Of course. I... I'll do my best."

Eleanor's lips curved into that perfectly composed smile. "I'm sure you will." But her eyes said something different. They held judgment, expectation, a warning.

Before Elena could respond, Liam's sister, Victoria, appeared, her laughter bright and effortless as she hugged her brother. "Oh, Liam, I still can't believe you actually settled down. And with..." She looked at Elena, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "...someone so unexpected."

Elena's heart sank. She forced a smile, hoping the sting didn't show. "I suppose love surprises us all."

Victoria's laugh was light, dismissive. "I suppose." She turned to Liam. "Have you heard from Isabelle? She sent the most beautiful bouquet. Such a shame she couldn't be here. You two were always so..." She paused, her gaze sliding to Elena. "...close."

Elena's stomach tightened. Isabelle. The ex-girlfriend she'd heard so much about. The one everyone expected Liam to marry. She looked up at Liam, her eyes searching his face. For just a second, his expression faltered, eyes flickering with something she couldn't quite place.

"She's just an old friend," he said, his voice too casual. "Nothing more."

Elena wanted to believe him. She needed to believe him. She smiled, ignoring the twist in her gut. "Of course."

But the shadow in his eyes lingered, and she wondered, just for a moment, if she had really left all ghosts behind.

As the night wore on, she danced with Liam, their first dance as husband and wife. He held her close, his hands warm and strong, his eyes fixed on her as if she was the only one in the room.

The world faded away, and Elena felt safe, cherished, loved. Her worries melted, her doubts erased by his touch, his whispered promises.But across the ballroom, Eleanor watched them, her face expressionless, fingers wrapped tightly around her champagne glass. Victoria leaned in, whispering something that made Eleanor's lips curve into a cold, knowing smile.

Elena didn't see it. She was lost in the dance, in her husband's arms, in the dream she believed was real.

But dreams are fragile things. And Elena's was already beginning to crack.

Morning sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, casting golden patterns across the room. Elena stirred, a sleepy smile curling on her lips as she felt Liam's arms around her. She nestled closer, inhaling his familiar scent, the warmth of his body grounding her in the beautiful reality of their first day as husband and wife.

"Good morning, Mrs. Harrington," Liam's voice was husky with sleep, his lips brushing her forehead.

Elena's heart fluttered, her smile widening. "Good morning, Mr. Harrington."

She looked up into his emerald eyes, finding them soft and full of affection. For a moment, she felt like the luckiest woman in the world. Her fingers traced the strong line of his jaw as she whispered, "I can't believe we're married."

Liam chuckled, his grip tightening around her. "Believe it. You're mine now... forever."

His words were sweet, but something in his tone made a shiver dance down her spine. She looked up, his face already buried in her hair, and the moment passed.

They spent the morning wrapped in each other's arms, talking about the wedding, laughing over little mishaps she hadn't even noticed—like his best man nearly tripping on the altar steps or the flower girl who stubbornly refused to walk down the aisle.

"You didn't see any of it, did you?" Liam teased, his fingers playfully tracing circles on her bare shoulder. "You were so focused on me."

Elena blushed, swatting his chest. "Well, you were the only thing that mattered."

His gaze softened, his hand cupping her face as his thumb gently stroked her cheek. "And you always will be."

She melted under his touch, her heart swelling with love.

After a leisurely breakfast in bed, they prepared to visit his family for the traditional post-wedding lunch. Elena's stomach fluttered with nerves as she slipped into a soft blue dress, smoothing out imaginary wrinkles.

"They're going to love you," Liam said, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind, his chin resting on her shoulder. "Just like I do."Elena leaned into him, letting his confidence steady her. "I hope so."

But as they pulled up to the grand Harrington estate, Elena's nerves returned. The mansion loomed before them, an architectural masterpiece of white stone and sprawling gardens. It was majestic, imposing... cold.

Eleanor greeted them at the door, her smile warm but her eyes calculating. "Elena, darling. Welcome to the family." Her words were polite, her tone sweet, but her gaze raked over Elena, sharp and assessing.

Elena smiled, feeling exposed under Eleanor's scrutinizing stare. "Thank you, Mrs. Harrington. I'm honored to be a part of it."

Eleanor's lips curved just slightly, her eyes gleaming. "Of course you are."

Liam didn't seem to notice, his hand firm on Elena's back as he guided her inside. The house was breathtaking—marble floors, crystal chandeliers, priceless art adorning every wall. It felt like walking into a museum.

They entered the dining room, where Victoria awaited, her expression cool, a glass of red wine perched elegantly between her manicured fingers.

"Elena," she drawled, her voice silky. "Congratulations."

"Thank you, Victoria," Elena replied, her smile unwavering. "I'm so happy to be here.Victoria's eyes flicked over her, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "I'm sure you are."

Elena felt her confidence waver, but Liam's hand on hers grounded her. They sat beside each other, his thumb gently stroking her knuckles under the table.

Lunch was a formal affair, served by uniformed staff who moved with silent precision. The conversation was polite but guarded, filled with niceties and subtle barbs that Elena struggled to navigate.

"So, Elena," Eleanor began, dabbing her mouth with a silk napkin. "I hear you left your job to be with Liam. How... devoted."

Elena's smile faltered for a moment before she recovered. "Yes, I did. I wanted to fully support him and our new life together."

"How noble," Victoria chimed in, her tone dripping with mock admiration. "Not many women would sacrifice their independence so easily."

Elena's cheeks flushed, a prickle of discomfort creeping up her spine. "It didn't feel like a sacrifice. It felt right."

Eleanor's eyes gleamed. "Such loyalty. I hope it's rewarded."

Liam's jaw tightened, his voice firm. "It will be. Elena's the best thing that's ever happened to me."

For a moment, Eleanor's smile wavered, her eyes narrowing. But she quickly recovered, her expression serene. "Of course, darling. We're just getting to know her, that's all."

Elena forced a smile, her shoulders relaxing when Liam's hand squeezed hers reassuringly. But the tension in the room was palpable, an invisible thread weaving around them, binding and constricting.

After lunch, Eleanor gave them a tour of the estate, her voice smooth as she spoke of the family's history and wealth. "This home has been in the Harrington family for generations. Tradition and legacy are everything." Her eyes flicked to Elena. "It's important to preserve them."

Elena nodded, sensing the underlying message. "I understand."

"I hope you do," Eleanor replied, her smile tight. "Liam has great responsibilities. Expectations to meet."

Elena swallowed, glancing at Liam, who was staring out the window, his jaw tense. She wanted to ask him what his mother meant, but the words stuck in her throat.

As they walked through the gardens, Victoria fell into step beside Elena. "Beautiful, isn't it?" she murmured, her voice low. "So much history... so many secrets."

Elena looked at her, frowning. "Secrets?"

Victoria's smile was sharp, her eyes cold. "Every family has them. Especially ours." She looked at Elena, her gaze piercing. "I wonder if you're prepared to find out what they are."

Before Elena could respond, Victoria sauntered ahead, her laughter light and musical, echoing through the garden like a ghostly whisper.

Elena stood frozen, her heart thudding in her chest. She looked at Liam, who was talking to his mother, oblivious to her unease.

A chill ran down her spine, her mind replaying Victoria's words. She wanted to believe they were just meant to intimidate her, a test to see if she could handle being a Harrington.

But as she looked at the sprawling mansion, its grand facade imposing against the gray sky, she couldn't shake the feeling that Victoria was right.

There were secrets here. Dark, hidden truths lurking beneath the surface.

And Elena was now a part of them. Whether she wanted to be or not.Elena forced herself to follow, her legs moving on autopilot as she tried to shake off the chill that Victoria's words had left behind. She looked around the sprawling gardens, the perfectly trimmed hedges and vibrant blooms failing to soothe her unease.

She found herself staring at the fountain in the center—a marble sculpture of a woman pouring water from an urn, her expression serene and timeless. But there was something haunting about it, the way the water cascaded endlessly, never filling the pool below.

"Elena?" Liam's voice pulled her back, his hand reaching for hers. "You alright?"

She blinked, realizing she had been standing there, motionless. "Yeah... I just... It's beautiful here."

Liam's face softened, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "I used to play here as a kid. I'd pretend this place was a kingdom, and I was the prince protecting it."

Elena smiled at the image, trying to focus on the warmth in his eyes. "And who were you protecting it from?"

His expression flickered, his gaze shifting to the mansion. "Anyone who tried to change it."

Before she could ask what he meant, Eleanor's voice rang out, smooth and commanding. "Liam, darling, we're ready to discuss the business details." Her eyes flicked to Elena, her smile polite but distant. "I trust you can entertain yourself while we handle some... family matters?"

Elena hesitated, glancing at Liam. He gave her an apologetic smile. "Just a quick meeting. I'll find you right after." He kissed her forehead, his lips lingering for a moment. "Promise."

She watched him walk away, his shoulders straight, his posture tense. Eleanor's hand rested on his arm, her head tilted as she spoke to him in low, urgent tones.

Victoria appeared at Elena's side, her presence as silent as a shadow. "He's always been her favorite, you know. The golden son."

Elena turned, startled. "I... I didn't realize."

Victoria's smile was sharp. "Oh, yes. She's always had plans for him." She took a step closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Plans that don't include you."

Elena's heart skipped, her mouth suddenly dry. "What do you mean?"

But Victoria just shrugged, her expression playful. "You'll see."

She walked away, her laughter light and carefree, leaving Elena standing alone by the fountain.

Elena wrapped her arms around herself, a cold breeze brushing against her skin. She looked up at the mansion's grand windows, shadows moving behind the curtains. For a moment, she thought she saw Eleanor's face watching her from above, eyes cold and calculating.

Elena took a shaky breath, telling herself it was just her imagination. But the feeling of being watched wouldn't leave her.

Deciding to explore the gardens to clear her mind, she wandered down a stone path lined with roses, their fragrance heavy in the air. The estate was magnificent, every detail meticulously crafted, but it felt empty, devoid of warmth.

She came to a gazebo draped in ivy, its white pillars gleaming under the afternoon sun. Taking a seat on the wooden bench, she let herself relax, closing her eyes and breathing in the floral scent.

Then she heard voices.

Low, muffled, but unmistakable. Elena froze, her body tensing as she listened. The sound was coming from behind the gazebo, where the hedges grew thick and tangled. She crept closer, careful to stay hidden.

"I don't care what he thinks," Eleanor's voice was sharp, edged with frustration. "She's not what we planned."

Elena's heart stuttered. Were they talking about her?

"He loves her," Liam's voice was tight, defensive. "That's all that should matter."

Eleanor's laughter was cold, dismissive. "Love? Don't be naïve. You were raised better than that."

Elena's stomach dropped, her fingers clutching the gazebo's pillar for support.

"You have responsibilities, Liam. To this family. To this legacy." Eleanor's tone softened, almost pleading. "Don't throw it all away for a passing infatuation."

"It's not just an infatuation," Liam argued, his voice raw. "I need her."

There was a heavy silence before Eleanor spoke again, her words measured, calculating. "Need her... or need the idea of her? A distraction from the pressure? From the expectations?"

Elena's chest tightened, a knot forming in her throat. She shouldn't be hearing this. She didn't want to hear this.

"You don't know her," Liam said quietly. "She makes me feel... free."

Eleanor's sigh was long, weary. "Freedom is an illusion, Liam. One you can't afford."

There was a rustle of fabric, the sound of footsteps moving away. Elena pressed herself against the pillar, her heart pounding as she watched Liam walk back toward the house, his shoulders slumped.

Eleanor remained for a moment, her back to Elena. She stood rigid, her head tilted as if deep in thought. Then she turned, her face blank, her eyes dark.

For a terrifying moment, Elena thought Eleanor saw her. But Eleanor simply walked away, her steps graceful, composed, leaving behind a cold, empty silence.

Elena stood frozen, her mind reeling. She had wanted to belong here, to be a part of Liam's world. But this wasn't a world of love and acceptance. It was a world of control, manipulation, and hidden agendas.

A world where even love was a tool.

She stumbled back to the fountain, her knees weak. Staring at the marble woman pouring water into an endless, empty pool, she felt the cold fingers of doubt curl around her heart.

Had she truly married the man she loved? Or had she married into a prison, beautifully gilded and suffocatingly cold?

Elena didn't have the answers. But she had the sinking feeling that her dream wedding was only the beginning...

Of a nightmare she couldn't escape.The morning sun filtered through the delicate lace curtains, painting the room in soft golden hues. Elena stirred, her body nestled against Liam's. A smile played on her lips as she opened her eyes, the reality of her new life settling in. She was married. She was his.

Rolling over, she watched him sleep, his face relaxed, free from the tension she'd glimpsed the day before. Reaching out, she brushed a lock of hair from his forehead, her fingers lingering on his warm skin.

He stirred, his eyes fluttering open. When he saw her, his face broke into a sleepy grin. "Morning, Mrs. Harrington."

A giggle escaped her as she buried her face in his chest. "I don't think I'll ever get tired of hearing that."

His arms tightened around her, his voice a low rumble. "Good. Because I plan on saying it for the rest of our lives."

They spent the morning wrapped up in each other, laughter and kisses filling the room. Everything felt perfect—like they were the only two people in the world.

Later, Elena moved through the sprawling mansion, familiarizing herself with the place she would now call home. The grand hallways were lined with portraits of Liam's ancestors, their faces stern and dignified, watching her as she passed. She shivered, the echo of Eleanor's voice from the garden replaying in her mind.

Freedom is an illusion, Liam. One you can't afford.

Elena shook her head, willing herself to forget the conversation she wasn't meant to hear. It didn't matter. Liam loved her—that was all she needed to believe.

She busied herself in the kitchen, humming as she prepared breakfast. It felt good to do something normal, something that reminded her of her old life. As she arranged the plates, she heard a voice behind her.

"Oh. You cook?"

Elena turned, nearly dropping a glass. Eleanor stood in the doorway, perfectly poised, her eyes cool as they swept over the kitchen.

"Yes," Elena answered, forcing a smile. "I've always loved cooking. I thought I'd make breakfast for Liam."

Eleanor's lips curved into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "How... quaint." She glided into the room, her movements graceful, controlled. "In this family, we have staff for that."

Elena's cheeks flushed. "I just wanted to surprise him."

Eleanor's eyes flicked to the plates, then back to Elena. "I see. How... thoughtful of you." Her voice was polite, but the edge was unmistakable.

She took a seat at the kitchen island, crossing her legs elegantly. "I suppose things were... different where you grew up."

Elena's hands stilled, her heart skipping. "Yes, I grew up in a smaller town. My parents taught me the value of hard work."

Eleanor's smile sharpened. "How lovely. It must have been... simple."

The way she said it made Elena's stomach twist. She opened her mouth to respond, but Liam's voice interrupted. "Morning, ladies." He walked in, his presence immediately lightening the room.

Elena's face brightened. "I made breakfast."

He grinned, walking over to kiss her cheek. "You're amazing."

Eleanor watched them, her face unreadable. "Yes. Quite the domestic goddess." Her gaze lingered on Elena's dress, a simple floral sundress that suddenly felt out of place in the grand kitchen.

Elena felt small under Eleanor's scrutiny, but Liam didn't seem to notice. He pulled out a chair, motioning for Elena to sit beside him. "Join us, Mom?"

Eleanor's eyes flicked to the food, then to Elena. "No, thank you. I've already eaten." She stood, her movements fluid, graceful. "I'll leave you two to enjoy... your little meal."

As she walked out, Elena heard her murmur, just loud enough to be heard, "I suppose every man goes through a phase of wanting something... different."

Elena's heart sank, her fingers tightening around her fork. But Liam took her hand, his thumb stroking her skin. "Ignore her," he said softly. "She doesn't know you like I do."

She forced a smile, nodding. "Yeah. You're right."

But the doubt was there, lingering, gnawing at the edges of her happiness.

Later that afternoon, Elena ventured into the library, eager to explore more of her new home. The room was magnificent, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with leather-bound volumes, their spines gleaming with gold lettering. She ran her fingers over the titles, breathing in the scent of old paper and polished wood.

She reached for a book on the top shelf, standing on her tiptoes, when a voice behind her made her jump.