Chapter 5 Replacement Bride

Aria p.o.v I arrived at home, I wasn’t too stunned by the scene before. It wasn’t unusual to see cars in front of our house, as dad sometimes have his business partners over. But I was stunned by the giant men in all black suit standing in front of our house, guiding the front door with an equally intimidating black glasses on. Hand behind their backs and staring straight ahead. As I stepped out of my car, the giant men in black suits turned to face me, their expressions unreadable behind their sunglasses. I felt a shiver run down my spine as they scrutinized me, their gazes lingering on me for a moment before they nodded curtly and returned to their posts. I took a deep breath and made my way towards the front door, my heart pounding in my chest. What was going on? Why were they guarding our house? Is he trying to imprison us in our own home? As I entered the house, I was immediately struck by the tense atmosphere. My parents were seated in the living room, their faces pale and worried. Vaughn Slade, a man I'd only heard of in whispers, sat across from them on dad’s personal chair which nobody was allowed to sit on, his back was facing me so I couldn’t see his face yet. Vaughn Slade was a legend in our world, a man rumored to have unparalleled power and influence. His presence in our house could only mean one thing: something big was going down. "Aria, thank goodness you're home," my mom said, her voice trembling as she rose to her feet. “What’s going on, mom.” I whispered as I got to mom, my voice firm despite the turmoil brewing inside me. She hastily grasped on my arms, pulling into her side."Vaughn Slade has... um... has arrived." I nodded curtly, my eyes locked on Vaughn Slade, who was too busy to acknowledge us. Seeing him for the first time, I was stunned. Contrary, to what people had assumed him to be, he’s a perfect example of god’s masterpiece. His chiseled features evoked the classical beauty of a Greek god. His face was a masterpiece of rugged elegance: sharp jawline, high cheekbones that are luring me to trace my fingers over them. Piercing blue eyes gleaming with cold steams, seemed to bore into those he met, as if sizing them up for acquisition. His dark hair, styled perfectly, full lips, firm and unyielding are curled into a thin line. I could just died from staring at him for too long. Where in gods name did they come up with the idea that’s he’s ugly or disfigured? I thought. “Where is Sophia?” He spoke, and damn that baritone is to kill for. But his words registered in my head, giving me a harsh reality check up. I snapped out of whatever spell I was in, back to present. Dad squirmed uncomfortably, as he look for the right words to use in order not to get him angry. His presence only was already choking us up, this man is not to be messed with. That I’ve confirmed by the dominance aura radiating off him, plus I’ve looked him up before on the internet. “I don’t do well with lies, so think properly before you reply.” Vaughn warned. Dad couldn’t respond, either he was too scared to or he didn’t know how to respond. Mom’s grip on me tightened, a clear indication that she was nervous too. I am nervous as well, I didn’t realize the depth of the situation Sophia had put us in until now. “Explain to me why I got an information from f your daughter fleeing from the airport?” Vaughn spoke again, when we couldn’t respond. This time Dad paled, I did too. He was aware? That explains why he’s here, but why didn’t he stopped her when could have instead of coming to ask for explanation. I thought to myself as I dare not voice it out. “We have no idea, she would run away. Hence, I would have done everything within my power to stop her from leaving.” Dad explained hurriedly, in hopes of relieving the situation. Vaughn lift his gaze from his phone for the first time since I arrived, his harsh and cold eyes flared at dad. His eyes were too cold for a human being, almost as if there are dead. “I suppose I will be withdrawing shares from your company.” He stated coldly and stood up, his imposing frame easily towering over 6’3. “Aria will replace her as your bride.” Dad fumbled over his words. “Aria here will be your wife in place of her elder sister.” I was left speechless at how easily dad had given me up to this man. But I let it slide as I had already decided to marry him, hence I would have objected to his face. Vaughn look over his shoulder, straight at me. Our eyes locked, I felt a cold shiver descend down my spine and I let out the most embarrassing hiccups in history. I was only be scared and nervous. His lips curled into a calculating smile, a smile that had me wondering if I had made the right decision. “No more fun stunts, or there will be consequences.” He threatened, all the while his stare unwavering from mine. He was pointly directing the threat to me, reminding me that he could have easily stopped Sophia from escaping and if I’m to something like that again. He will come for me. He turned around and left, only then was I able to breath properly. I send a glare at dad before storming of to my room.