The grand house has gone still. The celebration had long since ended . In the quiet chapel tucked away in the east wing, the scent of roses still lingered from the evenings engagement. Candles flickered along the walls , casting soft golden glows as if the room itself held its breath .
Vivienne wore in a white gown beautiful , now slightly wrinkled from the night's wear . Her hair had loosened from its formal poms , strands falling around her face . She looked tired but luminous . Soren stood beside her in his suit , his tie now undone , collar unbuttoned.
Only Mrs. Blackwood and two trusted staff stood witness . This was her request. Her final wish.
Vivienne's eyes were lowered . Her fingers twisted nervously in front of her . It didn't feel like a real marriage. Not to her . Not yet . But something about the way he looked at her - it made her heart ache .
The minister began softly , his voice carrying only between the four walls.
" We gather in the stillness of this night not got grandeur or spectacle, but for something purer . A promise."
Soren turned to her . He held out his hand . She took it again .
The vows were spoken in whispp. There were no rehearsed words , only quiet nods and small , true things.
When it came time for the kiss , Soren hesitated. Then leaned forward , touching his lips to her cheeks instead of lips.
It was a moment more binding than any ceremony could provide.
Mrs. Blackwood dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief , smiling despite her fragile frame.
They were married - not for love , but for something that felt even more fragile. Hope .
After the celebration , it was time to spend their first night.
Vivienne entered the room of Soren . She was alone , Soren had not come yet . She goes to his bathroom to take a bath .
Till then Soren comes and sits on his bed . He slowly tookoff his blazer and was slowly unbuttoned his shirt .
Soren took out his wine bottle and slowly poured it in his glass . And drank once ...
Then Vivienne took her bath and wrapped herself with a turkey towel and came out .
She was unaware that Soren was present there . When she saw him she was shocked .
Soren was her almost half naked . But today he was not drunk.
Soren slowly headed towards her with slow footstep.
And caught her hand and brought her in front of a long mirror.
He held her waist and placed his face on her neck ...
" Although it is a contract marriage, but I can't stop myself" he said ....
Vivienne was shocked ." Sir , please don't do this " she said .
"Not sir .... Soren" , he said .. and kissed her the birth mark on her neck .
She pushed him away from her ....
Soren sir , please this is just a contract marriage and iam not even ready to do these things.
Soren had the craving of touching her everywhere.... But for now he was calmed and went to sleep.
Vivienne changed into her nightdress and went to sleep.
" When will this contract end?"
" I want to find that boy whom I helped when I was small! Because I loved him since my childhood and my dream was to be married to him! But now everything has changed " she said while crying without making sound.