004

As Sarah stood at the altar to exchange marital vows with the president, she felt a sense of calm wash over her. It was as if time had slowed down, and everything around her was moving in slow motion.

The guests, the priest, the groom - they all seemed to be moving at a fraction of the speed she was used to. Everything felt surreal as if she was in a dream. But she knew this was real. This was her wedding day — another wedding she was holding in that same week she ditched the first one.

The priest's words drifted through the air as if they were carried by the wind. "Do you, Sarah, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?"

As the words of the vow hung in the air, Sarah felt her heart skip a beat. It was like everything had stopped, and it was just her and the president in the world. She looked into his eyes, and she saw a reflection of herself. Surprisingly, there was no fear, no doubt, even though today was her first time meeting him.

She opened her mouth to speak, without any regret at all. She had made up her mind to marry him and have that invincible power — and there's no going back on it.

"I do..." She uttered repulsively, the words clear and firm. She meant them with all of her heart, and she felt a sense of peace wash over her as she spoke them. She knew this was the right decision, no matter what anyone else might say.

She looked at the president, and he smiled at her. There was a warmth in his eyes that she hadn't seen before. It was as if he knew her, understood her, and accepted her just as she was. It felt as though it was a moment of perfect connection, and she knew that she had made the right choice.

"And do you, the president, take Sarah to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?" the priest asked.

The president's eyes never left Sarah's as he spoke. "I do..." He said in a clear voice, matching the look in his eyes. There was a look of determination and assurance on his face — the type she'd never seen on David's, and Sarah knew that he meant what he said.

*********

Sarah sat on the edge of the bed, her head in her hands. The presidential suite was luxurious, but it felt empty and cold without the president by her side. She had never expected to be in this position, and she was overwhelmed by the thought of all that lay ahead of her.

She had dropped her phone a moment ago since she found the news too hard to contain — she was all over the media world, and her glamorous wedding with the president was topping every other news. It's barely a few hours but the whole of the States already acknowledged her as the first lady.

"I'm now the President's wife..." Though she was trying to calm her nervous self down, her voice sounded as though it was a doubt.

Just then, the president entered the room, a grin on his face. "Congratulations..." He enounced, strutting toward her with a look she could barely pinpoint. In his arms, he was cradling an infant. "You've made the right choice, Sarah."

"Hmm..." She nodded her head, unsure of what to say in reply.

"But I want to make one thing clear - you are not to interfere with my children's lives." He uttered repulsively, not minding the gravity of his words.

Sarah felt the blood drain from her face. She had expected the president to be supportive and understanding, but instead, he was cold and demanding. She nodded, unsure of what to say.

"The kids' mother passed away." The president continued. "I know this is a lot to take in, but I hope you understand that they need time to grieve and heal. You are not their mother, and I don't want you to try to replace her. I just need you to be a support for them and me."

Sarah was silent and only stared at him instead of a response. She didn't want to upset the president, but she also didn't want to agree to something she wasn't comfortable with.

"Why me?" Sarah asked, her voice trembling. "Why would you marry someone you barely know, just for the sake of your children?"

The president paused in the doorway, his eyes hard and cold. "You'll do as I say, or there will be consequences." He said, his voice low and threatening. "You may be the first lady, but I am still the president, and I will not be questioned or disobeyed. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes..." Sarah nodded, feeling like she was about to cry. The baby began to cry, interrupting the awkward air between the two adults, its tiny face scrunched up in distress.

The president looked at the child for a moment and then turned to Sarah. "Take the baby." His words were more like an order to a request. "It's part of your responsibility as the first lady." He handed the baby to her and walked out of the room afterward.

Sarah stared at the baby in disbelief. She knew it was impossible - she had never been pregnant, nor had she given birth. The baby couldn't possibly be hers. But then again, the president had shown her the baby, and he had claimed that it was her responsibility. Sarah felt like the walls were closing in on her. She felt trapped, and she didn't know what to do.