Unforseen Vows: The CEO's Bride

Adora's POV

"...it's a feeling of deep affection and connection, like a bond that unites souls. The four magical words that shine through, even in the darkest of times. It is a force that cannot be contained or defined, but only experienced..... L. O. V. E." I blushed at the book I was reading with a smile on my face.

The explanation makes me feel connected, bringing a bright smile on my face and my heart blossoming in my chest. At some point, I totally forgot that it was just a book, written by someone. It makes me feel the desire to be filled in this quiet moment.

I once experienced love from my family. A family of three, my parents were the best one anyone could ever wish for. We were all living a comfortable life until that bloody accident happened.

It has all become blurry memories in my head but my heart still remembers the joyful and pleasant moments we all had together. We were coming back from the amusement park, I don't know how it happened, it was my Mum's scream I heard before something sharp pierced through my head.

Opening my eyes, I saw that I was in a hospital. After many weeks, I was told about the shocking news, my Mum had passed away. It was as if the whole universe stopped, my Dad was there for me all the way.

As time went on, he became worried about my upbringing and decided to marry another wife. Beulah, my stepmom was nice to me from the onset until she gave birth to her own daughter, Zelda.

I lost my father when I was still in 11th grade. He got involved in a plane crash while coming back to the city, I again, lost my favorite person on earth. After the completion of 11th grade, Beulah didn't allow me to process the application for college entry.

She was finally showing her true colors. She began maltreating me for no reason in particular, and I became a slave to her and her daughter.

I looked unkempt, looking forward to Zelda's used clothes. I wasn't even allowed to know about my father's company, the one he left behind. I sighed deeply and continued with the book that I was reading.

"... It's a warm embrace that makes you feel safe and secure," I continued reading the book out loud, then, I suddenly heard Zelda screaming my name.

I braced myself for what was about to happen and soon, my door busted opened, "You fvcking sn*tch!" She fumed angrily, slamming the door behind her.

Her eyes swept to the book that I was reading and before it fell back on me and her expression changed to fury, "You b*tch!" She cursed, throwing the dress she held at me.

"How dare you, Adora?! You clearly know where I have to be today. But you chose that perfect time to ruin this dress for me, huh?! Answer me!" She roared but I simply threw her a lazy gaze.

"I don't know what you are talking about, Zelda," I informed her, removing the dress from my body and placing it beside me.

Her expression changed to horror, "Are those words for me?" She asked in disbelief but I didn't answer her.

"Are you deaf now?!" She shouted, rushing towards me and she started pulling my hair.

"Let go," I demanded, trying to free myself from her, "You should have thought of that before playing your stupid pranks on me," she said, through her gritted teeth.

My whole scalp was burning, I pushed her with all my strength and she fell backward on the floor. The door opened and Beulah walked in.

"Ahh," Zelda wailed on the floor and she swiftly bent to help her up, "Oh Mum, she has been bullying me," she lied smoothly, tears streaming down her face.

Beulah's face showed fury, being a brown skin, her expression was very dark, "Is that true?" She asked in a menacing tone but I clenched my fist beside me.

Talking or defending myself wouldn't change anything, "Are you defying me now?" She demanded as her palm collided with my ear. My ear sting, and for the next few seconds, I couldn't hear anything.

"You little witch! How dare you lay your filthy hands on my daughter!" She fumed, pushing me to the bed and started hitting me. I never for once retaliated, my heart ached in my chest as tears streamed down my face.

"Can't you talk?! Talk!" I always do this, and it raged her even more when I kept mute instead of saying something.

When she had had enough, she got off me and asked Zelda what happened, "Mum, she burnt my dress. Liam will be here any moment from now, what would I tell him?" She whined, stamping her foot.

This finally made sense to me, for the past few days, she has been anticipating for this day to come. Her boyfriend, Leonidas, who I have never met before, wants to introduce her to his family. I supposed the Liam guy should be his PA or driver.

"Sweetie, that shouldn't be a problem. We have a few minutes to spare. I will get you a new dress, more beautiful compared to this," Beulah assured her, while stroking her hair.

"She did this intentionally..." Zelda's voice faded away as she whined, walking out of my room. Beulah threw me a disgusting look and I looked down at my fingers, "You are a disgrace," she spat out before walking out of the room.

I dropped my face in my palms, weeping silently. I really do not have an idea about how the dress got burnt. I know this must be one of Zelda's handiwork to get back at me.

I wiped my tears and went to check if they had gone out, the whole living room was empty and I sighed in relief. I have the kitchen for myself, I was about to head to the kitchen when a knock on the door paused my movement.