Chapter 2

• Laura couldn't help but wonder if it was the beginning of a dangerous game, and the thought of what she was going to go through baffled her.
• This was a risk she decided to take to save her family.
• She knew the truth was yet to be revealed, she braced herself for a journey she didn't know what the outcome would be.
• She promised to find out what Daniel Edward was hiding and most importantly protect her family no matter the cost.
• The day had finally arrived and Laura couldn't wait for it to be over. The luxurious ballroom with a grand chandelier cast a sparkling golden glow over the surroundings.
• Laura was all dressed up in her astonishing wedding gown, "you look beautiful sweetheart." Her mom Claudia said.
• She forced a smile and looked at her mom, her eyes welled with tears, her heart pounding like a drum.
• Claudia with tears rolling down her cheeks held her hands and whispered to her, "Everything will be fine."
• Laura nodded and took a deep breath.
• Daniel in his expensive tuxedo stood tall at the altar ready to take the vow with Laura
• With an Unreadable expression, he stared at Laura, one that sent shivers down her spine. They exchanged vows and rings, and the kiss was like a blur to Laura.
• Laura stood outside gazing at the sky, she couldn't help but wonder how she would spend the rest of her life with someone she didn't love.
• Laura was deep in thought. "Are you ok?" A voice from behind asked.
• She turned, and there was her brother Bryan.
• "What's bothering you, Laura?" He asked.
• Laura sighed deeply, "I know there's something fishy about Daniel but everything to figure it out, and I barely had time to speak to him alone.
• Bryan rubbed her gently, "You are getting yourself worked up over nothing Laura, just focus on the wedding and everything will be fine afterward."
• Laura forced a smile and nodded.
• The reception that followed was a grand one, befitting for a billionaire wedding. Champagne on every table, lavish dishes, and a live orchestra playing romantic melodies set the tone for the evening.
• Daniel and Laura danced together with their movement stiff, his eyes locked to hers with a mixture of excitement and something else she couldn't quite figure out.
• The night was almost worn out, it was time for the traditional cake-cutting ceremony.
• The guests gathered around the corner, Daniel and Laura with a practiced smile picked up the knife and cut the cake.
• Their wedding ceremony was one to remember as it was the trending topic in the city.
• As Laura lay in bed that night with her mind clouded with thoughts, Daniel walked into the room with a fancy glass cup and a bottle of wine.
• He stood on the corner, gazing at Laura. "Do you want a glass of wine?" he asked.
• Laura looked at him tensely and replied, "No, thanks."
• Without saying a word, Daniel turned around and left the room. Laura lay on the bed, speechless, wondering why he had remained silent and left.
• Laura slowly sat up on the bed, her heart heavy with thoughts.
• She was married to Daniel Edward, but she didn't have any feelings for him. She had only married him because of her family's financial predicament.
• As she sat there, she couldn't help but wonder what the future held for her, as her life had taken a dark turn.
• It's morning already, Laura moved to get out of bed. The door creaked open and a figure appeared, it was Daniel Edward.
• He stood at the door staring at her, astonishingly dressed as always. His eyes fixed on her.
• "Good morning," Daniel said in a loud tone.
• She gently stood up, with no response, and walked up to Daniel, look I know we just got married but I want to make it known to you that It's just on paper.
• "This marriage may be a legal contract, but it'll never make sense to me, I didn't choose or want this, so I won't pretend otherwise."
• Daniel looked at Laura with a smile. "Oh, my dear, are you in pain? This was never about love. It was a means to an end, and that end still stands. We need to keep up the appearance of pretense."
• Laura raged in anger, her eyes welled up with tears. She knew he had a game plan, but she had no choice but to play along.
• Laura knew her family's future and welfare were at stake, and she needed to protect them. She nodded in response to Daniel's request.
• As days went by, Laura tried to cope with Daniel's rude and annoying attitude. She was confined in their luxurious mansion and couldn't go out as she pleased.
• She was held captive like a prisoner in her husband's house. Laura managed all that to keep her family on the safe side.
• However, Daniel didn't give her the attention she needed.
• He was efficient but distant, and they didn't have a close relationship as a couple. Daniel treated Laura with formality and protocol that left no room for warmth or companionship.
• One day, Bryan stopped by to see Laura. He knocked, and the door was opened by Laura's maid.
• Laura was surprised to see Bryan and turned only to see him coming through the door.
• "Bryan, what a surprise! You didn't tell me you were coming." Bryan looked at her with a warm smile. "I just wanted to surprise you."
• Laura was excited to see her brother as she hadn't been allowed to go out for a while, and she missed her family so much.
• Laura welcomed her brother Bryan with enthusiasm, giving him a warm hug and offering him a chilled drink.
• Bryan walked around the sitting room, admiring every corner, and commented, "This house is so classy and dope, you're enjoying this mansion, Laura."
• Laura sighed deeply and responded, "Bryan, let me be clear, life in this house is just a living hell. I can't go anywhere, and Daniel treats me like I'm nobody."