His Purchased Wife

The priest declared, "You may now kiss the bride," and a wave of resistance coursed through me as the words I had spoken to him just two days prior echoed in my mind. "I would never even spit on your face, let alone marry you, Liam Knight," I vowed. Liam's eyes gleamed with triumph, his silent smirk revealing that he had once again bested me. Despite his forceful actions, he hadn't begged – instead, he had coerced me into doing something I swore I'd never consent to. As he stepped closer, lifting my chin, I clenched my fists by my sides, enduring his unwelcome touch for the sake of my vulnerable father, who was at his mercy. With a smug expression, he withdrew his lips from mine, saying, "I've claimed you, my love, and I can't wait for our private time together!" His voice carried an ominous undertone. Watching the darkness in his eyes, my heart raced. In my former self, fear might have gripped me, but now, I was determined. Though I had momentarily compromised for my father, I made it clear to Liam that he would not find a submissive wife in me.