The Unwanted Wife She Will Be Loved

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, business, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. Do not distribute, publish, transmit, modify, display or create derivative works from or exploit the contents of this story in any way. Please obtain permission.

Content & Trigger Warning: This story contains mature themes, including explicit content, strong language, graphic violence, and other potentially distressing material. Reader discretion is advised. I do not promote, support, or romanticize any of the crimes or red flags depicted in this story-they are included solely for narrative purposes. Please approach these themes with an open mind while being mindful of potential triggers. Your well-being is important, so remember to take care of yourself before, during, and after reading.

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Prologue.

Lara's gaze remained fixated on Lucas ever since the wedding ceremony. Even as they moved to the grand reception hall, her eyes lingered on him, absorbing every detail-the sharp lines of his face, the way his dark hair fell perfectly in place, the cold, unreadable expression he always wore.

The reality of being married to him felt surreal-like a dream she never thought would come true.

She had spent years loving him from afar, dreaming of this moment. And now, here she was-his wife. The words sent a flutter through her heart, a warmth spreading in her chest.

A teasing chuckle broke her daze.

"If you keep staring like that, Lucas might just melt under your gaze," Ali, her best friend, quipped, nudging her playfully.

Lara's cheeks burned as she quickly looked away, flustered. "Stop teasing me," she muttered, pouting.

Ali laughed, shaking her head. "Well, I can't really blame you. You're literally married to the man of your dreams. You must be over the moon."

A soft smile crept onto Lara's lips as she stole another glance at Lucas. He stood among his friends, his presence effortlessly commanding attention. Even in a room full of people, he was the only one she could see. With his sharp jawline, piercing eyes, and composed demeanor, he was strikingly perfect. And now, he's mine.

Ali rolled her eyes at Lara's obvious admiration. "God, stop smiling like a love-sick puppy."

Lara shot her a playful glare, biting her lip to contain her giddy expression. "I can't help it! Just look at him, Ali. That handsome man. He's my husband. My husband."

Ali snorted. "You're so dramatic. You're lucky I actually like you, or I'd throw my drink at you."

Lara pouted. "Stop raining on my parade."

Ali smirked but then nudged her shoulder. "Oh? Looks like Prince Charming just glanced this way."

Lara's breath hitched as she turned to Lucas. Sure enough, his sharp gaze was on her. But the moment their eyes met, he swiftly looked away, returning his attention to his friends. They seemed to be teasing him, but he remained unreadable-expression blank, posture stiff.

Ali scoffed. "Wow. Not even a smile? Are you sure he's your husband? He looks more like a man forced into a prison sentence."

Lara forced a chuckle, masking the sting in her chest. "Lucas isn't the expressive type. Cut him some slack."

Ali folded her arms, unconvinced. "Still, he could at least pretend to be happy. It's his wedding day too, you know."

Lara bit her lip, but instead of dwelling on Ali's words, she chose to brush it off. Tonight was supposed to be a celebration, not a moment to question things she already knew the answers to.

Ali sighed, sensing the shift in Lara's mood. "Fine, fine. I'll stop ruining your fairytale.  Let's just enjoy the night. Especially you, since it's your wedding day. And-" with a mischievous grin, she added, "-you have a honeymoon to look forward to. You'll thank me for my gift later."

Lara narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Why would I be thankful?"

Ali smirked. "It's a secret. You'll find out when you open my gift tomorrow."

Lara groaned. "I swear, if it's another one of your troublesome gifts-"

"You'll love it," Ali cut in with a wink. "Now, come on. Enjoy the night! It's your wedding day, after all."

Despite her earlier thoughts, Lara nodded. She allowed Ali to drag her toward the drinks, reluctantly accepting a glass of something light. She wasn't one to drink much, and tonight, she had no intention of getting drunk. She wanted to stay clear-headed. She still planned to talk to Lucas later. She didn't want to face him while slurring her words.

But just as she was about to search for him, she noticed something.

Lucas was leaving.

A frown creased her brows as she watched him exit the reception hall. Without a second thought, she placed her drink down.

"I'll be back," she told Ali.

"Where are you going?"