On the day Nadine was supposed to marry the man she loved, her life changed in an instant. Just before the ceremony began, a black car stopped in front of the church, and a group of armed men kidnapped her without explanation. The man behind the abduction was Rafael Montgomery Sinclair-a ruthless underworld king who ruled the city with an iron grip. Not only did he possess wealth and power, but he also had the freedom to do whatever he pleased, untouched by the law. "I don't care who you were supposed to marry. From this moment on, you're mine," Rafael declared coldly, his eyes filled with possession. Forced into a marriage with a man she'd never met, Nadine found herself trapped in a terrifying reality. Her hatred for Rafael grew, but the more she got to know him, the more she realized he carried secrets darker than she could have ever imagined. Yet, amidst it all, one question haunted her-why did Rafael want her? Was this just about power, or was there a hidden reason she had yet to uncover?
Chapter 1 Stolen Vows
Nadine Monroe had always believed in love-the kind that made hearts race and souls intertwine, the kind that made every struggle worthwhile. And today was supposed to be the happiest day of her life. The church was adorned with fresh white roses, their scent mingling with the crisp morning air. The golden sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting a warm glow on the guests who had gathered to witness her union with the man she had loved for years.
Standing in front of the mirror in the bridal suite, she took a deep breath, smoothing down the intricate lace of her wedding gown. Her reflection stared back at her, eyes brimming with emotion, lips trembling with nervous anticipation.
"You look beautiful," her best friend, Olivia, whispered, adjusting the delicate veil over her blonde waves. "Eric is going to lose his mind when he sees you."
Nadine smiled softly. "I hope so. This feels like a dream."
But dreams had a way of shattering. And this one would, in the most brutal way possible.
A sharp knock on the door made them both jump. Before either could react, the door was flung open, revealing three imposing men dressed in black. Their faces were unreadable, their movements swift and precise.
Panic flared in Nadine's chest. "Who-"
Before she could finish, strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her away from Olivia's reach. A gloved hand clamped over her mouth, muffling her scream.
"Stay quiet, and no one gets hurt," a deep, commanding voice murmured into her ear.
Terror surged through her veins as she struggled, kicking against her captor's grip, but it was useless. He was too strong. Olivia screamed, but one of the men grabbed her, silencing her with a sharp glare.
Nadine's heart pounded wildly as they dragged her down the empty corridor, her white gown trailing behind her like a ghostly shadow. The elegant church, once filled with laughter and love, now felt suffocating, its sacred walls unable to protect her from the nightmare unfolding.
The moment they stepped outside, the cold wind hit her face, but the chill was nothing compared to the icy dread creeping through her body. A sleek black car was parked just beyond the church entrance, the back door already open, waiting.
"No! Let me go!" Nadine thrashed against the firm grip, but the man holding her didn't even flinch.
A second later, she was shoved into the car, her body landing against the leather seats. The door slammed shut behind her, cutting off the sound of Olivia's desperate cries.
Gasping for breath, she spun around-only to find herself face-to-face with the man who had orchestrated it all.
Rafael Montgomery Sinclair.
The name was infamous, whispered in hushed tones across the city. The ruthless king of the underworld. The man who controlled everything-from the politicians in their high offices to the criminals lurking in the dark alleyways. He was untouchable. Unforgiving.
And now, he was staring at her like she belonged to him.
Nadine's breath caught in her throat. His presence was suffocating, his aura drenched in danger and dominance. He was devastatingly handsome, in a way that felt almost cruel. Sharp jawline, piercing blue eyes, and a cold, unreadable expression that sent shivers down her spine.
She forced herself to speak, her voice shaking. "Who the hell do you think you are? You can't just-"
"I can do whatever I want," he interrupted smoothly, his voice deep, laced with quiet menace.
Her fists clenched. "I was getting married."
A flicker of something-amusement, perhaps-crossed his face. "Not anymore."
Her stomach twisted violently. "Why? Why are you doing this?"
Rafael leaned closer, his gaze never leaving hers. When he spoke, his words were soft, yet they carried a weight that made her blood run cold.
"Because you were supposed to belong to someone else. And I don't like losing what's mine."
Nadine's world tilted on its axis. This couldn't be real. This had to be some kind of twisted mistake.
But as the car sped away, leaving the church-and the life she had known-far behind, she realized the horrifying truth.
She was no longer a bride. She was a prisoner.
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