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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.”
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