Chapter 2

Orion stepped out of the car, exuding an aura of power and authority. His rugged one-arm tattoo was a striking feature, but his expression told a different story, one of trouble and menace. As he walked down the hall, his eyes fixed intently on Hazel. The atmosphere turned tense as his gang members drew their guns, pointing them at the terrified guests. Orion's fist connected with Nathaniel's jaw, sending him crashing to the ground. Nathaniel struggled to his feet, his nose bleeding, but he was no match for Orion's brute strength. A vicious blow from Orion's gun sent Nathaniel tumbling to the floor once more. "This marriage is canceled," Orion declared, his voice dripping with malice. "Anyone who opposes my decision will be killed." Hazel's expression transformed from fear to shock, her eyes wide with terror. The guests cowered in fear, aware of Orion's ruthless reputation. He was a man who killed without remorse, striking fear into the hearts of all who crossed him. Orion's gaze locked onto Hazel, his eyes burning with intensity. "You won't be marrying him," he growled, his voice laced with possession. "Do you understand?" Hazel's face contorted in shock, her voice trembling as she asked, "Wh…Why would you say that?" Orion's response sent a chill down Hazel's spine. "He's not good for you, baby girl. He's lying to you." Tears streamed down Hazel's face as she protested, "He loves me, why are you doing this? He's your cousin, for goodness sake!" Orion's expression remained unyielding. "He has never loved you." Hazel's world was crumbling around her. Orion's words cut deep, but she refused to believe them. "It's a lie," she sobbed, her body shaking with fear. "You can't just decide anything because people fear you." Orion's voice dropped to a menacing whisper. "Now, I'm going to make this clear, baby girl. You'll marry me, right here and right now, or I'll kill everyone in this place immediately." Hazel's eyes widened in horror as Orion signal one of his men, he grabbed her father, holding a gun to his head. Hazel's face contorted in terror as she begged, "Please, I'll do anything you want, just let my parents go." Tears streamed down her face, her body shaking uncontrollably as she pleaded for mercy. As Orion's man held a gun to her father's head, Hazel's world seemed to collapse around her. She was forced to make an impossible choice, marry the ruthless Orion or risk the lives of her loved ones. Orion's voice cut through the air, his tone cold and calculating. "Pastor, please proceed with the vows. We have a wedding to complete." The pastor, visibly shaken, nodded hesitantly and began to speak. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Orion and Hazel in holy matrimony..." Hazel's eyes welled up with tears as she listened to the pastor's words. She felt like she was living in a nightmare, unable to wake up. Nathaniel on the other hand was standing there, guns point to his head, his expression was filled with hatred. He could not do anything to stop the wedding. Hazel’s mother, overcome with grief, sobbed uncontrollably beside her. Hazel's heart ached as she watched her mother's tears fall, feeling helpless to comfort her. Orion, however, seemed unmoved by the emotional scene unfolding before him. His eyes remained fixed on Hazel, his gaze burning with an unnerving intensity. As the pastor continued with the vows, Hazel felt a sense of detachment wash over her. She was going through the motions, but her heart was not in it. She was being forced to marry a man she didn't love, a man who had torn her life apart. When the pastor asked her to repeat her vows, Hazel's voice trembled as she spoke the words. She felt like she was betraying herself, her heart, and her loved ones. As she exchanged rings with Orion, Hazel's eyes met her mother's, and she saw the deep sadness and concern reflected back at her. She knew that her mother was trying to be strong for her, but Hazel could see the fear and worry etched on her face. As the ceremony came to a close, Orion's grip on Hazel's hand tightened, his eyes gleaming with a possessive intensity. "It's time to take you home, wife," he said, his voice low and husky. But before they could take a step, Hazel's father intervened, his voice shaking with emotion. "Orion, please...I'm begging you...don't hurt my daughter. Treat her well, she's a good girl, soft and kind. She doesn't deserve to be treated roughly." Orion's expression was soft for a second, like he is trying to hide his emotions but Hazel's father continued, his words pouring out in a desperate plea. "I know you've taken her by force, but please...have mercy. If anything happens to my daughter, I swear on my life that I will find a way to kill you." The air was thick with tension as Orion's gaze locked onto Hazel's father. For a moment, it seemed like time stood still, the only sound the heavy breathing of the guests. Just as it seemed like Orion was about to respond, a commotion outside broke the silence. Five black cars screeched to a halt outside the venue, their tires smoking as they took the corners. The doors burst open, and a team of suited men poured out, their guns and knives at the ready. They formed a semi-circle around the entrance, their eyes scanning the room with a mixture of curiosity and hostility. And then, from the lead car, a figure emerged. He was tall, with a tattoo of a snake coiled around his neck, its eyes seeming to gleam in the light. An eyeglass perched on the end of his nose, giving him an air of sophistication that belied the danger emanating from him. His aura was even more intimidating than Orion's, and Hazel felt a shiver run down her spine as their eyes met. Who was this man, and what did he want?