"Where is the officiant? I have no time for this, I have important matters to attend to."
Turning to Aurora, he continued. "As for you princess, you do not have a choice here. Your parents already took a huge amount from me. All that's left is keep your…no, not yours, their end of the bargain. My patience runs thin."
"Why not Celine? Why me?" Hearing this, Celine patted her already perfectly styled hair, batted her lashes and pushed her boobs further to make it even more visible.
"Not my type of girl."
Anger filled Celine, how could he say that? She was perfect and Aurora was just as good as a lowly maid.
The officiant arrived and began the process of wedding them.
"Are you free lawfully to marry Nicholas Hale?"
The silence was deafening. If she said no, she was doomed, if she said yes, lord knows what would happen to her.
"God please do something." Aurora whispered softly.
The doorbell rang, and the Castell's paused.
"Did you invite anyone?" Mr Castell asked Catrina.
"No, of course not. Preston, get the door."
The door hadn't been fully opened when someone barged in looking pissed. "Where's my daughter?"
"Dad! I'm here." The man saw his daughter being held by silly guards, he got even more annoyed.
"Get your filthy hands off my daughter."
"Dad, you have to help Aurora. They're trying to sell her off to this man." She pointed to Mr. Hale.
Mr. Hale's presence took Julia's father by surprise.
"Mr. Hale? I didn't realize you were here. I'm sorry I made a scene but I'm here for my daughter."
"Dad, you know him?"
"Mr. Hale, please excuse my daughter, she doesn't know… Please excuse us." He pulled his daughter aside and started to whisper.
"Julia, that man you see there, he is Nicholas Hale, CEO of the Hale group. He controls this side of the city. We don't want to get on his bad side."
"But dad, my friend, isn't there something you can do?"
"There's nothing I can do dear. We can only hope for the best. He's ruthless, I can't cross him."
"She just turned eighteen and is being forced to marry that loser, it isn't fair dad."
"we better leave before you say or do something rash."
"No! I'm staying, She needs me."
"you're leaving with me even if I have to drag you out of here."
"No! no, please father, I can't leave her like this. She's too sweet and too soft hearted, they'll break her."
"Ivan, get Julia out of here." He then walked to Mr. Hale. "Congratulations." Turning to Aurora, he said. "I wish you all the best. Be safe."
"In case you haven't noticed Bruce, we aren't yet married. You interrupted."
"Forgive me sir, it wasn't my intention."
Nicholas turned to the officiant. "Please commence."
The officiant nodded, clearing his throat loudly, he repeated his words. "Are you free lawfully to marry Nicholas Hale?"
This time, there was no escape. She wanted to say no but a slap from her father changed her mind.
"What did you just do?" Nicholas asked Mr. Castell.
"She was about to say no you see, I had to slap some sense into her."
"Oh really? Santos, give him a hard slap for me. Now let's make things clear, she is to become my wife, nobody touches what's mine." Turning to Aurora, he said "it seems life here isn't easy, you can either come with me, or remain here."
"I do not know you, why should I trust you?"
"Oh I'm not asking for your trust. It's a bargain, I get what I want, and you get to live a better life at my Mansion. No more beatings. You would not have to see the Castell's if you do not want to."
"How do I know you're not lying?"
"I have no reason to lie, I will have you anyway. I do not make promises but when I do, I keep them. I do not promise you love, but a better life." Women, such weird creatures he thought.
"Fine, I will sign these papers willingly, no resistance and I expect you to keep your words. One more thing, I would like to go to college, can you do that?"
"Oh you will sign them willingly or not but deal, you have my word."
They were married and ready to go. "I'll go get my things"
"No, no need. You don't need them anymore."
"But I wouldn't have anything to wear."
"I'll take care of that."
Nicholas's phone rang as they stepped out of the Castell's mansion. "Boss, There's an issue at the company that needs your attention urgently."
"I'm on my way." The call ended. He gestured for his assistant to come closer.
"Get my wife to the Mansion. Call the top designers to get her better clothes."
"Yes Boss." Nicholas turned to leave and his assistant directed Aurora to another car.
"You're leaving?"
"Yes, they'll take you home. I'll be there shortly."
She nodded and let Adam, Nicholas's assistant, help her into the car.
"Mrs. Hale, Is there anything you'd like to get on our way to the Mansion?"
"No, I have no money on me so…"
"You don't have to, if there's anything you need, let us know, Mr. Hale has instructed to get you whatever you need. All you have to do is give the order."
"What's your boss like? He seems nice and dangerous at the same time."
"with time you will get to know him Mrs. Hale."
"So you won't tell me?"
"No ma'am I'm just an employee. I can only discuss work related stuff."
Minutes passed, Aurora had sighted a beautiful mansion.
"Wow! This place is beautiful."
"We're glad you like it. This is your home now."
The car drove through the front gate.
"This has to be a dream, my parents' home doesn't come close to this. Mr. Hale sure has good taste."
"Indeed your husband does."
"Yes…My husband. I forgot."