Chapter 1 one

Chapter 1:

The Shattered Altar

The great church in the heart of LA was filled with whispered excitement, its opulent décor reflecting the wealth and status of the both families involved. A highly polished Crystal chandeliers cast shimmering light across the pews, where guests in designer attire murmured behind delicate fans and exchanged speculative glances. The Hawthorne family had spent substantial amount for the wedding of their only heir, Jayden Hawthorne, to the humble yet strikingly beautiful Marina Jones.

Marina, with her Large Breasts, stood in the bridal suite, contemplating her appearance in the gilded mirror. She had silky chestnut brown hair which was combed neatly with beautiful perpendicular curls tying to her tender neck. The gown was white lace and delicately fitted to accent her rare beauty that was enhanced by her slender figure. She appeared to be a true lady, but her emotions felt like a cocktail of both hope and anxiety. It was her wedding day, and she's supposed to be happier than ever, but there was this uneasy feeling she's having.

Her grandmother's words echoed in her mind: 'Be strong Marina, remember love is a cross-no matter what happens.' Marina had always followed the advice of her grandmother. Originally from a rural area, whose parents were too self-indulgent to look after a sickly child, her only parent figure for many years had been her grandmother. Despite the fragile look of Marina, she was very strong-willed, brave and ready to meet life's challenges more than halfway.

"Hey Marina, it's time," the wedding planner told her with a gentle voice, pulling her from her thoughts. She took a deep breath, and nodded, forcing a smile as she stepped out into the corridor.

The beautiful large doors of the church were thrown open, and Marina started moving up to the aisle. The music played loud, lovely strings that of piano saw her floating in the vastness. When she was walking up the aisle and looked at Jayden, she felt a jolt of uncertainty. His handsome face, usually so composed and confident, seemed clouded with something she couldn't quite decipher.

Then, as she reached the altar, Jayden stepped forward, his expression hardening. "I can't do this," he said, his voice cold and resolute, cutting through the music and silencing the whispers. Gasps rippled through the crowd. Marina's heart plummeted, shattering into a thousand pieces as she stood frozen, her mind struggling to process the sudden betrayal.

"What are you talking about, Jayden?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Jayden's eyes flickered with something akin to guilt, but he quickly masked it with disdain. "This marriage is a sham. I won't be tied down to someone like you."

"Someone like me?" Marina's voice grew stronger, fueled by a surge of indignation. "We've been together for four years, Jayden. You can't just throw everything away like this."

His lips curled into a cruel smile. "Watch me." With that, he turned on his heel and strode down the aisle, leaving a stunned Marina and a sea of scandalized guests in his wake.

The world started spinning as Marina realized she could not contain her tears. She tried to stand tall but her legs developed a weakness and she started to stagger, the shame and pain of rejection were too much for her to handle. But just in the nick of time, a strong hand pulled her by the arm to prevent her from falling. Turning up, she found herself staring at an attractive, dark-haired man with intense looking eyes. Aiden Wellington.

Aiden was a menace and notorious figure, known for his cold, ruthless demeanor. Rumors of his brutal business tactics and intolerant nature circulated in elite circles. He had gone there for the wedding ceremony as a friend of the Hawthorne's, his grandfather, Old Man Wellington was one of them. But as he looked at the destroyed woman in front of him, for the first time seeing the reflection of her soul in her orbs, a new sensation awoke in his heart – the instinct to shield her.

Marina looked at him, hopelessness and confusion coloring her blue eyes. "Please," she again softly said, the words trembling, fear and shame entering her tone. "Please help me".

Aiden's eyes narrowed as he considered her plea. His instincts screamed to walk away in-other to avoid entangling himself in someone else's drama. But there was something about Marina-her vulnerability, her strength masked by a delicate exterior; that compelled him to act.

"Marry me," Adien said, his voice low and commanding. The words hung in the air, electrifying the stunned silence.

Marina blinked, her mind reeling from the shock. "What? Why would you"

"Do you want to be humiliated further?" Aiden interrupted, his tone brooking no argument. "I can give you the security, comfort and protection you deserve. Marry me, and I'll make sure no one dares to look down on you again."

It was an outrageous proposition, but in that moment, with her world crumbling around her, Marina saw a lifeline. She agreed, swallowing hard. "Alright. I'll marry you."

The priest, who had been watching the scene with his eyes widely open, stammered as he tried to regain his composure. "W-we shall continue, then."

Concerning the overall vibe of the ceremony, the lens transitions from shock to curiosity during the event. Soft murmurs were heard by the congregation; nevertheless, Marina's awareness was entirely fixed on the man by her side. Aiden held her hand tightly; clenching it rather than holding it gently to try and reassure her through the cacophony of thoughts raging through her mind.

The vows were said consecutively and almost mechanically; and looking up from the papers, Marina found herself presented to the guests as Mrs. Aiden Wellington. She finally understood that she was in a hopeless situation, and she shuddered at the future that awaited her. But as she looked into his eyes, the steady staring of her captor somehow conferred a kind of protection.

After that, there were greetings and envious looks in the reception. Shortly, Mr. and Mrs. Jones went to Marina and addressed her in a relieved but worried tone. Despite their initial coldness due to her illness, they had grown to love her, and the sight of tears in eyes pained them.

"Marina, dear, are you alright?" her mother asked, gently touching her arm.

Marina forced a smile. "I'm fine, Mom. Just... a bit overwhelmed."

Her father's stern expression softened as he looked at her. "We're proud of you, Marina. You showed great strength today."

The unexpected praise brought a lump to her throat, and she nodded, unable to trust her voice. Just then, Aiden appeared at her side, his presence was silent but gave her a powerful support.

He introduced himself politely, "Am Aiden Wellington, it is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Jones." "Yes. Yes, you have my word; I will look after your daughter very well."

Her parents exchanged a look, and her father extended his hand. "We trust you will, Mr. Wellington."

Marina felt that she become more and more relaxed as time passes by and Aiden seemed to be with her wherever she went. In her mind she recalled how he had treated her reasonably well, when he knew she was helpless and vulnerable. They had somehow lost sight of the fact they were husband and wife until the door closed on the last guest and they were able to sit and think.

"Thank you, Adien." "But why did you do this?" Marina asked, putting her hands on her hips and looking around the Ballroom that was empty now.

Aiden's face relaxed, his fingers county gently along the side of her face and removing the sticky strand of hair that clung to her cheek. "There is no need for you to thank me, Marina You deserved much better than what has happened today."

His touch sent a shiver down her spine, and she found herself gazing into his dark eyes, searching for the man behind the cold façade. "What happens now?"

Aiden's jaw tightened slightly, and he took a step back, the moment of intimacy breaking. "Now, we move forward. This is a contract marriage, Marina. But I promise you, I'll protect you. No one will harm you while you're with me."

Marina nodded, a wave of what can only be described as relief moving through her. It was not the fairy tale type of ended she had thought of but wait it was a start of a new life. When they exited the ballroom and emerged in the crisp night air, she stared at him taking a deep breath for what the night entailed for her now that she had Aiden.

In the shadows, a pair of eyes watched them intently. Jayden Hawthorne stood, his face twisted with anger and his heart full of regret. He had thought rejecting Marina would free him from a life he didn't want, but seeing her walk away with Aiden sparked a fury he hadn't anticipated. He had made a mistake, and now he would have to live with the consequences.

But Jayden wasn't the only one watching him. Amira Fords sat in another corner with a suspicious glare toward the action. Marina had once planned to marry Aiden but was surprised when he suddenly married her instead, and she did not take this lightly. In essence she would achieve her goals, whatever the price.

When Marina and Aiden finally walked to the car and drove off while the city lights glinted in the car lights, Marina still had a ray of light within her. She didn't know what became of the future, in her mind she was prepared to take whatever there was in the future. Perhaps she didn't realize this was only the starting point of the love, deceit and the ultimate challenge of a strong and vibrant woman.