Chapter 2: the wrong groom

Ivy stepped out of the carriage, her gown trailing behind her. She expected to see Alexander Carter, the man she had dreamed of marrying, waiting for her at the grand church entrance.

But the moment she looked up, her stomach twisted.

The man standing at the altar was not Alexander.

It was Damon Blackwood.

Her breath hitched. No. This isn’t right.

The doors behind her slammed shut.

Damon’s cold, piercing eyes locked onto hers. He didn’t smile. He didn’t speak. He just watched.

The priest cleared his throat. “Shall we begin?”

Ivy’s pulse pounded in her ears. She turned sharply. “There’s been a mistake...”

Damon’s deep voice cut through the room. “There is no mistake.”

Her heart dropped.

He knew.

And yet, he was still standing there, still claiming her.

Ivy swallowed hard. No, no, no.

This wasn’t supposed to happen.

---

Elena’s hands trembled as she stepped out of the carriage. The grand mansion before her was not the church. The towering gates, the cold, lifeless statues, the sharp scent of rain,everything felt wrong.

“Where are we?” she whispered.

The butler bowed. “Welcome to the Carter estate, Miss Calloway.”

Her chest tightened. Carter. As in Alexander Carter.

“No,” she breathed. “This is a mistake.”

A chilling voice made her freeze.

“Ivy.”

She turned.

Alexander Carter stood at the top of the stairs, his presence dominating the space. He was tall, intimidating, and completely unreadable. His sharp features remained expressionless, but his eyes,his eyes held a dangerous glint.

Elena’s heart pounded. He thinks I’m Ivy.

Alexander descended slowly, his gaze never leaving hers. “You’re quiet.”

She forced a shaky breath. “I’m just… overwhelmed.”

He studied her, his face cold. He got to where she was standing,bent his head down to her level with a smirk on his face,he brought up his hands to her face, tracing lines on her face. “You should be. You’re my wife now.”

Elena’s stomach twisted. She had to keep playing along.

She couldn’t let him know. "Yes,yes.." she stuttered. If the looks could could kill,she would be dead by now. But somehow,his touch turned on a sensation in her,which has never happened since that night.

Alexander studied at again, turned and left.

---

Ivy gritted her teeth as she faced Damon. “This wasn’t the plan.”

Damon tilted his head, his dark eyes void of sympathy. “The plan changed.”

Her fingers curled into fists. “I refuse to marry you.”

Damon let out a low, amused chuckle. “You already did.”

Ivy’s breath caught as the priest handed over the signed documents. Her signature. Her stomach churned. When!!how!

She turned back to Damon, fury burning through her veins. “I will find a way out of this.”

Damon leaned closer, his voice a whisper of steel. “Try, and I’ll make sure you regret it.”

Ivy’s blood ran cold.

She had walked into a trap.

And Damon wasn’t letting her go.

---

Elena sat stiffly in the massive bedroom. The walls were too grand, too suffocating. The bed, with its silk sheets, felt like a cage.

The door opened.

Alexander entered, his gaze unreadable. He pulled off his jacket, tossing it aside with calculated ease.

“You’re tense,” he observed.

She forced a smile. “It’s just… a long day.”

Alexander poured himself a drink, his movements were slow. He didn’t speak for a moment, just watched her.

Then, he murmured, “You’re different.”

Elena’s heart skipped a beat. Did he notice?

He stepped closer. “Not as arrogant.”

She swallowed hard. Ivy must have been arrogant around him.

She forced a small laugh. “Marriage changes people.”

Alexander raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

The silence between them was heavy. Dangerous.

Then, he spoke.

“I hope you’re not thinking of running.”

Elena’s breath caught.

He leaned down, his voice a quiet warning.

“Because I don’t let go of what’s mine.”

Her hands clenched at her sides. She was trapped.

And Alexander was watching her every move.

---

Ivy sat in the dimly lit study, her hands gripping the armrests of the chair. Damon stood by the fireplace, his posture relaxed, as if he hadn’t just stolen her life.

She glared at him. “What do you want from me?”

Damon swirled his glass, his expression unreadable. “Everything.”

Ivy’s jaw tightened. “You can’t keep me here.”

Damon finally turned to her, stepping forward with slow, controlled steps. “You think this is a game?”

She refused to flinch. “I think you made a mistake.”

Damon chuckled. Dark. Low. Dangerous.

“The only mistake,” he said, gripping the armrest beside her, caging her in, “is underestimating me.”

Ivy’s pulse roared in her ears.

She had underestimated him.And now, she was paying the price.

------

Alexander entered his study, Nero,his right hand man followed behind him, while the other bodyguards stayed outside, closing the door.

Alexander walked straight to the couch and sat down, rubbing his fingers together as if lost in thought. Nero stood beside him, waiting for his orders.

After a few moments of silence, Alexander finally spoke. “Look into that Ivy girl.” His voice was calm but firm. “She doesn’t seem to be her. Something is off.”

Nero raised a brow slightly. “What makes you say that?”

Alexander leaned back. “I don’t know. I just have this feeling. She’s not acting the way she should. Find out everything about her.”

Nero gave a small nod. “I’ll handle it.”

Alexander exhaled and shook his head, pushing the thoughts aside. “Let’s talk about the designs.”

Nero pulled out a notepad from his pocket and flipped it open. “These are the new jewelry designs for the upcoming collection.” He placed the notepad on the table and pointed at the first sketch.

“This necklace is the highlight. They used a rare cut to make it unique.”

Alexander studied the design. “It looks good. What about the stones?”

“They are using high-grade diamonds. Only a few pieces will be made.”

Alexander nodded. “Limited edition?”

“Yes. It adds value.”

Alexander smirked slightly. “Good. Make sure the quality is flawless. No mistakes.”

Nero flipped to the next page. “This bracelet is another exclusive piece. It has a custom chain design, so no two will be exactly alike.”

Alexander tapped his fingers against the armrest. “That’s what I want. Something no one else can copy.”

Nero closed the notepad. “Yes.”

Alexander glanced at Nero and said “Arrange a maid for Ivy. Make sure she has everything she needs. Clothes, accessories, whatever is necessary.”

Nero gave a short nod. “I’ll take care of it.”

Nero was about to leave when Alexander’s voice stopped him.

“And one more thing.” His tone was sharp, his expression unreadable. “Get that Ivy girl useful. She can’t just sleep and wake up in this house like she’s here for a vacation.”

Nero turned back, a hint of hesitation in his stance. “What do you want me to do?”

Alexander leaned forward, his fingers tapping against the armrest. “The only thing I signed with her family was marriage. Nothing more. Whatever she sees next is up to her.” His lips curled slightly, almost mocking. “Give her a job at the company. Make her my personal assistant.”

Nero raised a brow. “Your personal assistant?”

“Yes.” Alexander’s voice was cold. “Since she’s here, she might as well be useful. Let her run my errands, sort my schedule, and do whatever I ask. She’ll take notes in meetings, bring me coffee, and make sure I don’t have to deal with the little things.” He paused, then smirked. “No special treatment. If she wants to be here, she’ll have to earn it.”

Nero didn’t say anything, but his silence spoke volumes.

“I’ll arrange it.” He finally nodded before walking out.

Alexander exhaled slowly, leaning back into the couch.

She was about to find out exactly what it meant to be his wife.