Emily’s POV

The wedding hall was beautiful, Mum did her thing. It was adorned with white roses, candles, and golden ribbons around every pillar. Hundreds of guests were in attendance, many strangers to me. All eyes were fixed on us as I walked down the aisle.

My father did everything to make the ceremony perfect. This wasn't just a wedding, it was a proclamation of power, a merger that would be celebrated in the business world. And at the center of it, I stood , a pawn in the game.

Oxford Williams waited for me at the altar, his face with that expression I hated so much. His dark eyes looked at every step I took, not in admiration, but with the satisfaction of a predator watching its prey.

I stopped in front of him, my hands holding the bouquet tightly to not lose my cool. He stretched out his hands, and I paused, but with my father's cold expression at the front row , I reluctantly placed my hand in Oxford’s.

The officiant's voice echoed through the hall, reciting the vows like they were some sort of corporate contract. Each word felt heavier than the last, I still couldn't come to terms with the fact that I was marrying Oxford Williams, my high school bully and rival.

"For better or for worse," he said, his voice soft.

Oxford's eyes looked into mine as he repeated those words "For better or for worse."

Anything was better than this, this was worse. So much worse.

When it was my turn, I forced the voice out, my voice firm, as I tried to hide the irritation. "For better or for worse."

"I now declare you husband and wife" I heard the officiant say.

I barely managed to keep my expression neutral. Oxford leaned in, his lips touching mine briefly. It was the coldest kiss imaginable. It was just to please the guests, it contained no emotion and nothing more than a formality.

As we turned to face the crowd, an applause was let out. I looked over to my father, and his face filled with triumph, while my mum clapped softly.

Oxford leaned in closer, I could feel his warm breath on my ear. "Smile, Mrs. Williams. You wouldn't want to disappoint your guests, would you?"

I forced a smile. I forced a smile so hard it hurt.

*********

After the ceremony, my "husband" and I were taken to Williams Estate with a Limousin. The ride to the estate was silent and suffocating. I looked out the window, watching the road and the city as we left the hall.

When the car finally pulled up to the estate, my heart skipped a beat. The big mansion was proof of Oxford’s wealth and power. The garden, the glass walls, the fountain and the statues almost seemed too perfect to be real. For a man like Oxford, he does have a good sense of taste.

"Welcome home," Oxford said, his voice calm, like he didn't just ruin my entire life.

I stepped out of the car. "It's....excessive"

"No one asked you though.... but excessive is subjective" he replied rudely.

Inside, the estate was even more overwhelming. The entrance alone was bigger than some apartments, with high ceilings, chandeliers and a beautiful staircase that curled upward, like something from a fairy tale.

"Your room is upstairs," Oxford said, pointing towards the staircase. "First door on the left. And don't worry, mine is at the end of the hall."

"Separate rooms?" I asked, raising a brow.

"Don't act disappointed." He smiled slightly.

I rolled my eyes, walking past him as I headed upstairs. My new bedroom was beautiful, but despite the beauty, the room felt scary. It lacked warmth and brought back memories of Oxford in high school. It was like a cage and I was the prisoner.

*********

The next morning, I found Oxford seated at the dining table, dressed in his black tailored suit. A cup of coffee was in his hand, and a tablet was on the table in front of him.

"Good morning, Mrs Williams," he said, still focused on his tablet.

"Don't call me that," I shouted, pouring myself a cup of coffee.

He laughed, looking up at me. "You'll get used to it."

I sat across him, ignoring the breakfast dished on the table before us. I didn't have an appetite.

"By the way," Oxford said, "I'd suggest focusing on Davis Enterprises. Something is soon to happen and you'll want to be prepared."

I put the cup down, focusing more on him.

"What is soon to happen?"

He paused, his expression now firm. "You'll see soon enough".

A chill ran down my spine. I knew Oxford was planning something. And I wouldn't wait around to find out what it was. I needed to act fast.

*********

That night, I waited until the estate was silent, the staff had retired for the evening. Oxford had gone into his office hours ago, and I assumed he was still there.

I instantly went out of the room, moving silently down the hall towards his office. The door was slightly open, and I paused listening for any sign of movement inside. I heard none, so I went in.

The room was as organized as the rest of the house. His desk was spotless, just a laptop and a few folders. I looked through the drawers, but I found nothing important until I reached the bottom drawer.

It was locked.

I took a pin from my hair, and pushed it down, pushing it into the lock. After a few moments, it opened.

Inside it was a single folder, with the label

PROJECT TITAN

My heart raced as I pulled it out, going through the pages. The details were unclear, but it showed signs of an acquisition that could wipe out Davis Enterprises.

"So this is what you've been hiding," I whispered. My mind was filled with questions.

"What exactly do you think you're doing, Mrs. Williams?"

I heard Oxford’s voice behind me. Slowly, I turned and found him standing in the doorway, his arms crossed, with a confused expression on his face.

"Curiosity will get you in trouble," he said, stepping into the room.

"I knew you were planning something," I said, holding up the folder. "What is Project Titan?"

He laughed slightly. "Why don't you tell me what you've learned?"

I looked at him, refusing to back down. "You think you're so clever don't you?"

"And you think you're so righteous," he said, moving closer. "Digging through my things in the middle of the night. Bold move, Mrs. Williams."

"I'd do whatever it takes to protect my company," I said, my voice firm.

"Good," he said. "Because so will I."

The tension between us was so obvious.

"This isn't over," I said, walking past him as I stormed out of the office.

"No," he called out. "It's just getting started”