The Vow

The Vow
Ivy’s POV

Cassian’s grip on my hand tightened until my bones ached, his whisper low but dangerous as he leaned in. “Say it.”

But how could I when the word felt like a command and a rope tied around my neck at the same time. The priest’s voice blurred around us, the crowd shifting in their seats as though they were expecting a drama to unfold. “Ivy Sinclair,” the priest said again, slower this time as his eyes flickered nervously between us. 

“Do you take this man—?”

I stared at Cassian as a dangerous look appeared in his eyes— cold, possessive, and
For a fleeting moment, I thought of Adrain. The way he’d held me that night in the cabin and whispered that he was never going to lose me again.

But the selfish bastard left me all alone when I needed him the most, left me with nothing but pain. I exhaled shakily and before I could stop myself, I whispered the lie.

“Yes, I do.”

The room exhaled in unison, just as I did, and the priest too, who smiled, relief washing over him as he parted his lips to speak. “Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

“You may now kiss your bride,” the priest added.” Cassian’s lips curved into a slow, satisfied smirk and he didn’t hesitate the moment the priest said those words. 

He took my face in his hands and pressed his lips into mine, kissing me hard. It was immediately followed by loud applause from the crowd.

I stood there, still as stone, drowning under the weight of the moment. “I can’t wait to make you mine tonight,” he whispered against my ear as he finally pulled back.

The words sank in like poison and my fingers trembled where they touched his suit, but I managed to fake a smile because everyone believed we were the perfect couple. But inside, I felt like I was bleeding all over again.



One hour later, it was the grand reception of our wedding. The reception was alive — music, laughter, and champagne glasses clinking together. A perfect celebration for a perfect lie.

I sat beside Cassian at the long table, my hands clasped on my lap so no one could see them shaking as people came to congratulate us, with those hollow words and fake smiles on their faces..

Every time someone said congratulations, it felt like another nail being driven into my chest, “Smile, my love,” Cassian whispered the moment his hand rested over mine, not taking his eyes off the crowd.

And I did smile, because that’s what perfect brides do. The announcer’s voice echoed across the room as he began speaking with the microphone, “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our newlyweds, Cassian and Ivy Wolfe, to the dance floor.”

The crowd erupted in applause as Cassian stood up, holding out his hand. “Come on,” he said softly. I quickly forced a smile and placed my hand in his, and let him lead me into the center of the room.

His arm wrapped around my waist, drawing me close. “Look at me,” he murmured. Without hesitating for a moment I looked into his eyes, because not looking would be worse. “See? This is how it should’ve always been.” His dark eyes pierced into mine.

He spun me, slow and deliberate as his hands trailed down lower to my waist. All the guests did was dance to the music while watching and smiling, believing this was love.

But all I could think of was Adrian — my eyes darted across the room, scanning every face as if I would see his own face. He’ll come, I told myself. He has to come.

But the room stayed full of strangers and no one burst through the door. Just Cassian’s breath against my ear, “Who are you looking for?” he whispered.

My mind blanked out for a second as I looked for the right words or rather best lie to say,  “No one,” I lied quickly. “Just… the guests. There are so many people.”

A wide smile formed at his lips, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “You seem rather distracted.” But then I managed to force out a laugh, so that he wouldn’t suspect anything. “I’m just… overwhelmed. Everything’s perfect, It feels unreal.”

He stopped dancing for a second, holding me there under the chandelier light as he whispered, “What do you mean by unreal?” he echoed.

I swallowed hard. “I…I mean it in a good way.” He searched my face, as if weighing whether I was telling the truth or not, Then his smile returned — slow, dangerous. 

“You’re still trembling,” he said softly as he traced my wrist with his fingers, “Are you nervous, Mrs. Wolfe?” I bit back the wave of nausea the name brought. “Just tired,” I said. “It’s been a long day.”

“Hmm.” He leaned in, his lips grazing my ear just enough to send a shiver through me. “Don’t worry. I’ll help you relax tonight.”

I felt the words like ice sliding down my spine as the room seemed to close in — the laughter, the music, the soft click of glasses. Every sound twisted tighter in my head and I wanted to scream, tear off the damn wedding dress, and run until my lungs burst.

Instead, I smiled so perfectly that even Damian, watching from the corner, gave a small nod of approval. I could feel his eyes too — studying me, he knew something wasn’t right about the way I agreed to marry Cassian easily.

After what felt like forever the song finally ended, Cassian bowed slightly, his hand resting at the small of my back. “See?” he murmured. “You belong here. With me.”

“Yes,” I shot back. My voice was steady but inside, everything was cracking, because while I stood there in that perfect hall, under the glittering chandelier lights.

I made a silent vow to myself that this wasn’t the end. That somewhere, Adrian was still breathing, even though part of me hated him so much for betraying me.

Before I could finish my thoughts Cassian leaned in to kiss me again for the cameras, the only thing I could do was to smile through the flash of lights, through the taste of his kiss on my lips.