5

The next day, Amelie woke up with puffy eyes, having slept restlessly all night. This morning, she had already decided what answer to give Mr. Aaron. She was willing to marry him, solely to protect Rossie, her daughter. Meanwhile, she had called her friend Sandra and asked her to bring Rossie to the Vargas mansion. *** The large church felt cold and quiet. The sunlight coming through the stained glass windows seemed pale, as if reluctant to illuminate the event that was taking place. Amelie stood in front of the altar, the white dress she was wearing feeling like a shroud enveloping her soul. She looked at Aaron, the man standing beside her, the man who had taken away her freedom and forced her to make sacred vows in this place. Aaron's face was calm, almost expressionless. The well-built man wore a black suit that made him look even more powerful and intimidating. His gaze occasionally glanced at Amelie, but there was no warmth or love there. But deep down, he felt a storm brewing inside him, a sense of guilt for not being able to save his wife Laura made him have a strong desire to protect Amelie. However, Aaron's ego was too high for him to express what he was feeling. In the front seat sat Rossie, his beloved daughter. Her face was gloomy and her eyes were teary. Amelie knew that Rossie did not understand why her mother had to marry a man she didn't even know. She knew that Rossie felt abandoned and betrayed. Last night, Rossie had a slight fever and was delirious, calling out Tom's name, her father's. Amelie's heart ached to see her daughter like that. She wanted to run to her, hold her tightly, and tell her that everything would be okay. But she couldn't. Amelie was bound by the promise she had made, a promise to protect Rossie no matter what. The pastor began to read the wedding vows. The words felt bland and meaningless to Amelie. She felt no happiness or hope, only fear and despair. "Amelie," said the pastor, looking at her gently. "Do you take Aaron to be your husband, to love him, honor him, and cherish him in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, until death do you part?" Amelie paused for a moment. She looked at Aaron, her eyes searching for signs of kindness or remorse. But she found nothing. There was only hidden anxiety. Amelie turned to Rossie, seeking strength and courage. The beautiful brown-haired woman saw her daughter looking at her expectantly. Amelie knew she had to do this for Rossie. "Yes," Amelie replied, her voice trembling. "I do." The pastor smiled slightly. "Aaron," he said, looking at Aaron. "Are you willing to take Amelie as your wife, to love her, honor her, and protect her in good times and bad, in wealth and poverty, in health and sickness, until death do you part?" Aaron looked at Amelie with an unreadable expression. He paused for a moment, as if considering something. "Yes," Aaron replied, his voice firm and without hesitation. "I do." The pastor smiled broadly. "I now pronounce you husband and wife," he said. "You may kiss the bride." Aaron approached Amelie. He lifted the veil covering her face and looked at her intently. Amelie felt her heart pounding. She didn't know what Aaron was going to do. Aaron brought his face close to Amelie's. His lips touched Amelie's softly. The kiss was cold but gentle and emotionless. There was no love or passion there. Only formality. After the kiss ended, Aaron released Amelie and looked at her with a sharp, meaningful gaze. "Welcome to the Vargas family, Amelie," he said, his voice flat. Amelie didn't answer. She could only stare at Aaron with a blank look. She felt like she had lost everything. Her husband had just died, and now she had to become Aaron Vargas's wife. After the wedding ceremony was over, Amelie and Aaron walked out of the church. They were greeted by cheers and applause from the guests. Some of the guests, who were Laura's friends, gossiped cynically. They spoke loudly enough for Amelie to hear. "I think the woman Aaron loves will suffer; she won't get true love from Aaron because Aaron only loves Laura forever." "I'm sure Aaron married her only because she looks like Laura." The woman who spoke cynically was named Eva; she was Laura's best friend. Amelie heard Eva's words, of course. She tried to remain silent and smile wryly, but her heart felt broken. They got into the limousine that was waiting in front of the church. Aaron sat next to Amelie, but there was no conversation between them. The atmosphere in the car felt tense and awkward. "Rossie will be staying with us," Aaron said, breaking the silence. Amelie turned to Aaron, her gaze fixed on his handsome face. "I hope you won't mind Rossie, she's just an innocent little girl," she said sadly. "Of course I won't be bothered," Aaron replied. "She is part of our family now." "Rossie will also receive the best treatment from my friend's hospital. She must grow up to be a strong child." Amelie felt relieved to hear Aaron's words. She was happy that Rossie would be staying with her because that way she could always look after her daughter. However, she was also worried about how Rossie would adapt to her new life with the Vargas family. "I will try my best to do what is best for her," said Amelie, sincerely. Aaron looked at Amelie with an unreadable expression. "I hope so, and if Rossie needs anything, just let me know," he said firmly. Amelie was stunned. She was confused by Aaron's concern for Rossie, but it made her feel much calmer. The limousine drove towards the Vargas mansion. Amelie looked out the window, watching the cityscape pass by. She felt like she was entering a new and unfamiliar world. When they arrived at the Vargas mansion, Amelie was once again amazed by the luxury and elegance of the place. The house looked like a palace, with a large garden and a sparkling swimming pool. Even though she was working as a maid there, she spent most of her time taking care of the back rooms where the kitchen was located. Aaron guided Amelie into the house. They were greeted by servants who bowed respectfully. Amelie felt awkward and uncomfortable. She was not used to all this luxury and attention. Especially since she had previously been part of the servants, even if only for one day. Aaron took Amelie to her private room. The room was very large and luxurious, with a large bed and expensive furniture. Amelie felt intimidated by all this luxury. "This is your room," said Aaron, his voice flat. "You can do whatever you want here." Amelie looked at Aaron with a confused expression. "What do you mean?" she asked. "I mean, you are free to do whatever you want," Aaron replied. "As long as you don't break my rules." Amelie felt a chill down her spine upon hearing Aaron's words. She knew she had entered a dangerous world full of intrigue. "What are the rules?" Amelie asked, her voice trembling. Aaron approached Amelie and looked at her with a sharp gaze. "The main rule is, never betray me," he said, his voice whispering but full of threat. "If you do that, you will regret it for the rest of your life." Amelie swallowed hard. She knew she had to be careful. She had to do whatever it took to protect herself and Rossie. Aaron turned and walked toward the bathroom. Amelie stared at his back with a look full of fear and hatred. Amelie knew her life would never be the same again. She was trapped in a web of vengeance and danger, and she didn't know how to escape. However, she promised herself she wouldn't give up. She would find a way to uncover the truth and seek revenge for everything Aaron had done to her. And most importantly, she would do whatever it took to protect Rossie, her beloved daughter.