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Da will die.
"We'll take our business elsewhere," Tynan declares.
"No!" I shake my head. There's no point in going through this twice. I square my shoulders and tell Father Michael, "My answer's not changed. Now, can we get on with this?"
He hesitates but finally starts again.
I barely hear him say the vows that Tynan repeats. My insides tremble. My hands shake, and Tynan holds them tighter, but I feel like I might pass out.
Father Michael turns toward me and speaks. I force myself to listen and somehow manage to repeat every word he says, vowing my loyalty, to love and honor the man in front of me, whom I can't stand.
It comes time for the rings, and I once again barely hear what Father Michael says. As Tynan slides it on my finger, it's like an anchor pulling me underwater.
"Maeve?" Father Michael shakes his hand with the gold ring in front of me.
I glance at it and realize he wants me to put my father's ring on Tynan's finger. My stomach flips faster.
I can't.
I have to.
I take a deep breath, grab the ring, and shove it on Tynan's finger.
I hate that it fits. I wish it didn't, but it couldn't fit any better. I blink back tears, knowing Da will never have it on his finger again. And I wish I could feel the happiness I'm sure my ma felt the day that he put her ring on her finger, but I can't.
I'm marrying a monster. I know it, and all I can do is hope I figure out a way to eventually divorce him.
Father Michael booms, "By the power vested in me, you may kiss your bride."
Reality hits me again.
Tynan tugs me toward him, sliding his hand through my hair, holding my head firmly, and pressing his lips against mine.
I try to object, knowing I should avoid contact with him. I don't trust myself. His touches give me sensations I'm not used to feeling.
Yet I can't escape his lips. He slides his tongue in my mouth, swirling it around mine until I can't resist anymore. I'm forced to show him the same affection back.
Then my knees buckle from the power of his kiss, and I hate myself.
Instead of letting me go, he tugs me closer, continuing to deepen the kiss.
When I feel like I can't breathe, he finally pulls back with an arrogant, heated expression. He says nothing else to Father Michael, guides me down the aisle, and steers me outside into the cold, wet air.
The thick fog makes visibility almost impossible. We make it to the car, and I get in. The door shuts, and I stare at my finger.
The gold's so tarnished it barely gleams, making it fitting based on how I feel. This should be the happiest day of my life. Instead, it's just confusing.
I hate my husband.
Yet I also despise myself for reacting to him.
I turn toward the window when he gets in next to me, wondering what the rest of my life will be like now that I'm legally his.
He revs the engine and drives through the city. It only takes a little while until he pulls up to a curb.
I glance at the valet, who walks toward me and opens my door. Anxiety builds in my chest. I don't move except to turn my head toward Tynan, asking, "What are we doing here?"
"We're staying here for our wedding night. Nothing but the best for my bride," Tynan taunts, then winks and gets out of the car.
