(Trigger warning: this book has some elements of dark romance with an unhinged ML)
“Would you give me your surname or better take mine then? Will you be the lucky man?” I blurted out having no idea of what I was saying. My head was already in the clouds and blinded by his smile. It calmed the storm in my mind.
He laughed. Those dark abysses were truly alluring when they sparkled.
His fingers grazed my cheeks, wiping off my tears, before cupping them in his callous palms. “If you love my surname so much.”
A foolish smile graced my lips, oblivious of the fact that he wasn’t joking. “You can’t back down now, hubby. You just got a wife.”
I thought I lost everything when I walked away from Sinclair. I never imagined I’d end up as Alaric Von Duvall’s wife.
*******
Her life was written in stone. A perfect life one she always dreamt of.
Everything Cassandra wanted was within reach until one night revealed the love she’d trusted was a lie. Betrayal and deceit from those she trusted the most made every belief she had crash down.
What she didn’t expect was to stumble into a stranger’s arms, into his bed and wake up married. Alaric gave her what she thought she wanted; now she can’t take it back.
One reckless mistake became a wedding vow. Now she’s trapped inside Alaric’s empire of lies. Married to a stranger who knows more than he’s letting on
He’s dangerous. He’s charming. And in front of everyone, he claimed her as his
.
Caught between Sinclair’s obsession, Alaric’s shadowy intentions, and her family’s betrayal, Cassandra doesn’t know if this marriage will be her downfall… or her salvation.
Accidentally married to the Right Von Duvall Chapter 1 Bachelorette party
Cassandra’s POV
The music was blasting from the speaker. The DJ was definitely killing it with how buzzing the night was. My eyes darted around the floor as I wandered into the club
God, I was nervous.
My finger was twirling my hair while I forced a smile on my face, the awkward type, with my teeth feeling off.
“Come on Cassie, try to cheer up.” Aurelia cheered me, chuckling between her words. Her smile was infectious and would normally get me to relax but not tonight.
My nerves couldn’t relax. “I’m trying, sis, but what if something happens?” I whined, voicing my fears to my younger sister, Aurelia. Her smile faltered for a second. Aurelia’s sharp hazel eyes narrowed at me.
“Are you worried about Sinclair?” She asked with a pout. My lips parted then closed. She got the exact reason.
Aurelia sighed then grabbed my hand. “Geez, Cassie, you’ve got to relax. Nothing will happen to Sinclair and you will have the perfect wedding tomorrow.” She started pulling further into the club.
Her words didn’t completely ease my worries. How could I relax knowing Sinclair was having his bachelor’s party with his crazy friends? I pulled away from Aurelia causing her to spin around. Her frown deepened. “What if he drinks too much and misses the wedding?” I whined.
I didn’t like the idea of his bachelor’s party and was against it. His friends complained and called me controlling, which wasn’t the case.
The problem was that those bad influences Sinclair kept as friends.
.
Aurelia groaned, probably getting tired of my whinings. She held her face forcing me to look straight into her eyes. “Nothing will happen. Just have fun because this is the last chance you will get. Your friends are already waiting, don’t ruin the night, Cass.”
As if on cue, a familiar pitchy voice called from the side. “Cassie, you are here.” The voice chimed, her hand yanking me from Aurelia.
“Stop standing around, it’s time to party.” My best friend Rebecca screamed excitedly pulling me away to our table. Tonight was my last night being single, and the girls had planned a lot of stuff; unfortunately, I couldn’t relax.
Geez it was draining getting married. Rebecca pulled me to the reserved VIP table, filled with familiar faces. “The soon-to-be bride is here, girls. It’s time to party.” She announced.
Aurelia grabbed my other hand, “It’s time to get wild. “Her voice beamed.
There was no escaping; their cheerful demeanour eventually got to me, and I finally relaxed following the flow.
There was no need to worry even though Sinclair’s friends were jerks he was a saint and pretty responsible
We cheered and drank, having the best of the night. The DJ soon started playing some of my jams, which got me on my feet dancing with Rebecca acting as my personal hype.
I stood out on the dance floor with my tiara and sash, reading bride to be which was quirky, but the girls had insisted.
Song after song changed and the night was just starting.
While singing out loud and dancing my fave ice spice song did it first, I caught sight of Aurelia sneaking off the dance fall to answer a call.
I shrugged. She was an adult and I didn’t need to be in her business.
Time slowly went by and 30 minutes had gone by. ” I need to take a break,” I told Rebecca, feeling my feet go numb.
“Sure, try resting, the Gigolos will be joining us soon.” Rebecca winked at me and I almost choked on my spit.
My eyes shot her a look saying. ‘ Why was I just finding out about this?’ Rebecca chuckled then shoved to the table. I sat down and started watching the others having a good time but my nerves started acting up again. My fingers were twitching from habit.
It wasn’t because of Rebecca’s tease, Aurelia was taking too long. My brows furrowed as my thoughts strayed, thinking of the worst possible situation, which made my stomach churn.
What if she ran into some bad guys? Unable to sit still, I snuck off when Rebecca wasn’t watching to find Aurelia.
“Where am I going to start from?” I contemplated trying to weave my way through the crowd. The restrooms were closed and a bit quiet compared to out here. Aurelia might be there.
After escaping the chaotic dance floor I found myself in a quieter hallway. The restroom was down the hall. I rushed down, not wishing to waste any time.
“Of course, you have the cutest smile.” A voice carrying a half-teasing, flirty tone drifted to my ears from a sharp turn on the left. My pace slowed down subconsciously, and I could feel my heartbeat slow down.
An obvious frown played between my brows. That voice was so familiar it made me restless. No… I shook my head.
That could not be the case, Sinclair was with his friends on the other side of the city. There was no way he could be here.
Even if he came to this club, why didn’t he inform me?
I clutched my dress, my body urged me to charge forward. Just before I could turn, another familiar voice caught my attention.
And just like cold water was poured on me my entire body froze. Her voice was soft and teasing. She giggled sweetly. “Even prettier than your fiancĂ©.” She asked
My heart beat, which dropped earlier, spiked up immediately. The sound drumming in my earlier.
No this can’t be.
Maybe it was just someone who had a similar voice. A part of me wanted to go back to the club and forget this. Maybe it was because I already knew whatever lies ahead would break me.
My body acted on its own ignoring my mind and heart which could not bear it
I forced a lump down my throat and peeked from the corner of the wall to confirm my doubt.
“Can we not talk about her? In my eyes, you are the prettiest, if not because of Dad, I won’t bother being with that screw.” The male voice said his tone was contentious.
“But you are still marrying her.” Aurelia pouted.
The scene before me left me struck. Just staring blankly, my heart racing so fast it felt like it would fall out.
I should have screamed or cried. At least done something to let them notice my presence. My brain just froze and they didn’t seem to notice me.
His back was against me, he had Aurelia in his arms against the wall. His large frame shadowed her while his neck was crooked around her neck, kissing her skin slowly as if he was savouring the taste of her…
I couldn’t see his face but I was certain it was the man I was getting married to tomorrow. The same one I dated since freshman year. He was even wearing the same customised leather jacket I got for him on his last birthday.
The words Cassie is my favourite sin were written on it. It was cheesy and his friend taunted him about it. He didn’t care and loved wearing it.
Sinclair von Duvall, my devoted fiancĂ©, was secretly making out with my blood sister on our wedding eve. “I don’t have much of a choice but to marry your boring sister…” He hissed, while his hand slowly lifted her gown crawling towards her panties
She moaned, clinging to him. Her eyes drifted from Sinclair.
A glimpse of fear crossed those eyes before it turned into a provocative smile. She saw me, instead of being scared she looked smug like she won. “You are so bad. Cassie might catch us, aren’t you scared?”
.
He nibbled her ears, then trailed down his tongue behind his ears, drawing out a startled cry. Aurelia’s eyes rolled shut, her fingers dug into her coat. Sinclair chuckled.
“Even if she catches us there is nothing she can do.” He sneered, his voice turned sharp. “Dear Cassie is too uptight and spineless. I am the only one who would want someone like her. At times, I have to picture you in my mind to get my dick up just to fuck her.”
My fingers twitched, and I could feel the subtle sting in my eyes. Was that how he saw me?
Aurelia chuckled, happy at his reply. She tipped her toes, wrapping her hands over his shoulders to pull him in.
Their lips smashed and she started kissing him hungrily. Sinclair moaned into her mouth, and he pushed her against the wall, kissing her back with the same intensity.
Every nerve in me screamed to storm over and tear them apart, but my legs betrayed me. Maybe Sinclair was right ‘ Cassandra Sterling was a coward.’
My vision blurred with tears I refused to shed. Then Sinclair’s voice cut through me like glass. “Let’s sneak out of here, I miss your cute moans.” That was the final straw.
I ran away like a coward. My head was a complete mess. I couldn’t run straight before I knew it, my heels broke In an instant, I lost balance.
My phone flew from my hand, clattering on the floor with a loud notification sound echoing.
I froze, breath caught in my throat, terror flooding me
Accidentally married to the Right Von Duvall Chapter 2 I’m not spineless
Cassandra’s POV
The loud notification sound almost gave me a heart attack. Their laughs died down, “someone’s there,” Aurelia gasped urging Sinclair to check it out
She was acting as if she didn’t see me earlier. Footsteps started to approach
Before my weak heart gave out, I grabbed my phone and the broken heels and bolted away. I never knew I could run this fast with a broken heel.
I tripped again on my unbalanced heel. It felt like all the emotions I tried to bottle up threatened to spill. A lone tear escaped my eyes and I felt my throat tighten. My frail lips parted, but nothing came out, not even a cry.
Years of dating and planning to settle down with him but… but… He had promised me so why…
“No, ” A whisper finally slipped off my lips, and I shook my head. It can’t be true. I…I think I heard wrong and….
‘Stand up, Cassandra,’ my thoughts yelled, and with my last strength, I scrambled off the floor and ran, half staggering, towards the door.
I should run away from him. Away from where he could see how broken I am
The door was pushed open, and my heart was still thudding, too scared to be found out. I knew I should have confronted them but I didn’t want them to see me break. Triumphant smirk on Aurelia’s face was etched in my mind.
Where had I gone wrong? She was always my sweet little sister.
The floor was still in complete chaos, and someone bumped into me, pushing me off balance. My ankle twisted and the second heel broke.
“Ahh,” a startled scream escaped my lips as I fell, colliding straight into someone else. The door leading to the hallway was pushed open before Sinclair could step out. I turned around and hugged the innocent victim I bumped into.
‘What the hell was I doing?’ my thoughts screamed at my pathetic attempt to hide from Sinclair. Wasn’t he scared of being found out?
Thud
Thud, the rhythm of my heart beat slowed down. My face was buried in the stranger’s embrace. His strong masculine cologne filled my nostrils. An exotic mix of spices and wild flowers.
I knew I wasn’t supposed to know what he smelled like, but somehow, I found myself sniffing him. This was wrong, my mind whispered, but why?
Why did it feel that way when Sinclair didn’t care while fucking my sister? Did he ever wonder how I felt? His scent was expensive. It wasn’t like Sinclair’s cologne which always made my heart race. His scent was calm as if it could wash away the tremors in my heart.
“Are you done sniffing? Your pusher is gone..” A deep baritone voice sneered. His voice was alluring sounding hypnotic.
My heart skipped a beat, “…Miss bride to be..” he added sarcastically
My head jerked backwards to the door; it was still open. Call it bad luck, Sinclair and Aurelia were about to step out.
Shit!
I shrank back hiding once again in his embrace. He was a jerk. His soft chuckle drifted to my ears. He was laughing so heartily that each one felt like a jab.
His irritating laugh weirdly cleared my chaotic mind like a numbing mind. What was so amusing about this scenario? His laugh didn’t die off. I pinched his nipple. He hissed irritably in response.
Feeling like an achiever, I glanced at him with a triumphant smirk.
The music faded, our eyes met and I was drawn into those dark orbs. His eyes were so dark it felt like an endless abyss I could get lost in just staring. My heart squeezed. Why did Sinclair’s dark blue orbs pop into my mind?
“They are gone now, you can let go.” He said, breaking my trance. I blinked at him, then narrowed my eyes before glancing back at the door. It was shut now and there didn’t seem to be any sign of the adulterous pair.
“Am I that handsome you can’t let go?” That annoying voice chirped once again. My face scrunched up unable to hide my disgust.
“You wish,” I scoffed pulling away before clearing my throat to regain my composure.
“I am sorry about that. I was in a bit of a hitch, don’t worry, I can pay for any inconveniences caused.” I offered him fairly.
He scoffed, his lips twitching.. ” ‘You can pay for any inconveniences’ as if you can afford to pay for the damages caused.” He sneered with a condescending tone, as if I were nobody.
I might not be the richest heiress in the city but I came from a remarkable background and my fiance…Sorry, I mean that cheating scum was one of the most promising heirs in the city.
My eyes twitched.
Cassandra Sterling knew a lot of heirs, and for sure, I had never seen this ‘ guy’; he was rather handsome, the truth be told. There was no way I couldn’t remember a rich heir with this type of face. He was in his late twenties at most from his looks.
That left 2 options for him to be this arrogant and good-looking: he was either an upcoming artist or a gigolo. With this attitude, he was definitely a gigolo. I pulled out a limited black card Sinclair gave me, not ready to be humiliated by a gigolo.
“How expensive are you? You aren’t even the most expensive gigolo here. I can even pay for your services the entire night.”
Yes, I was going to use the cheating bastard money, it was the only revenge a scared chicken like me could afford. His gaze sharpened, and he snatched the black card from my hand. I gasped, stunned by his speed.
I wasn’t frightened knowing the card belonged to Sinclair. He stared at the card, his eyes narrowed at the Von Duvall surname on the card. A subtle smirk curled on his lips. “You think I am a gigolo and you’re ready to pay for my service using this card.” He asked carefully, clearly tempted by the money.
He was cheap as I expected. “You can even wipe it clean if you want. Consider our debt cleared.” I agreed without a second thought.
There was this mischievous look on his face. “Are you sure once payment is made you can’t take it back?”
I waved my hand. “Do I look like I am joking, the pin is 1997. Feel free.” I didn’t bat an eye. “Fine then.” He agreed. A wide smile was on his face. He was excited because he had just cheated the dumb rich girl out of her money.
With our deal done, it was time I left this club. My mood was completely ruined and I just wanted to sleep on it and probably cry myself to sleep for being such a scared chicken for not confronting Sinclair. For crying out loud, we were getting married tomorrow, and he decided to fuck my younger sister tonight.
He gripped my wrist and, without a word, started pulling me away. My head snapped at him, I could feel my gut twisting. “What are you doing? Isn’t the money enough?” I snapped at him, scared he wanted to kidnap me or even worse, take advantage of me.
He didn’t stop walking, and weirdly enough, no one stopped him. He matched up the stairs to the bar lounge in the gallery of the club. It was less rowdy here, which didn’t stop my gut from twisting
He stopped and I slammed straight into his back. Damn, his body felt like a wall. “What the hell are you doing?” I barked at him but the jerk didn’t give me a response and just pulled me towards the bar counter.
“Two mai tais.” He slid my card to the bartender and finally let go of my wrist.
“You paid for my services, ma’am. Going to back out now, ‘Miss Bride-to-Be’ or are you a scared little chicken?” he taunted.
“Or you are scared little chicken.”
Was he taunting me? My lips parted then closed, stunned at this man’s audacity. “I am not a scared chicken.” I retorted, God his smirk was pissing me off
“Says the person who hugged a stranger just to avoid someone.” He was trying to piss me off and it was working.
“Here are drinks “, the bartender placed two chilled glasses of cocktails. That was pretty fast. He sat on a barstool, then slid one of the glasses to me before taking a sip of his drink.
I stared at the tempting glass. “Are you going to be a scared chicken or badass, miss bride to be?” I glanced at him watching the way the dim lights highlighted the edges of his face..
He was tempting indeed.
. “Dear Cassie is too uptight and spineless. I am the only one who would want someone like her. At times, I have to picture you in my mind to get my dick up just to fuck her.” Sinclair’s words rang in my ears.
I was not spineless. My lips curled into a grin and I sat on the stool before grabbing the glass. “My name is Cassandra, and not Miss Bride-to-be.” With that being said, I did the most reckless thing in my life.
I downed the glass in one brave gulp. Who are they going to call spineless now?
Accidentally married to the Right Von Duvall Chapter 3 his new obsession
Alaric’s POV
“My name is Cassandra and not ‘Miss Bride-to-Be,'” she said, downing the rest of the mai tai in one brave gulp. I fought to keep a laugh from escaping.
Who was this brave little Miss bride to be?
She slammed the glass on the counter, then shot me a provocative smile, as if finishing once the glass was a great achievement.
“Who is the scared chicken now?” She retorted, keeping up the facade, she was brave and badass, trying to hide the fact that she trembled slightly, and her eyes were lost, almost looking broken.
It wasn’t a big deal, but a huge improvement. It wasn’t my style to intervene in others’ lives, but not every night you run into a bride-to-be looking completely lost like the sash and crown didn’t mean anything on a random Friday night.
She probably has a bachelorette party somewhere close by, and it would have been better to let her go back to her friend, but she wasn’t the only one who needed company today.
Once again, I was no saint if not the most selfish person I know.
“Definitely not Cassandra,” I chimed, playing along, then beckoned the bartender to bring another glass. The bartender immediately placed the glass beside her, he was doing his absolute best to keep a straight face.
A rare sight, it was for the owner to show up at the bar with a woman.
Cassandra blinked, her hazel eyes dazed as the second glass appeared. “I thought it was just one,” she blurted, pouting.
I took a quick sip of my drink, the sweet top note gave way to a clean, sharp burn of the alcohol base that woke my head
“But we are just starting. The night is still young.” I replied placing the glass back on the counter while rubbing my finger along the edges of the glass.
Her gaze was fixated on me. Once I glanced at her side, she averted her eyes, scared to hold my gaze.
My gaze lingered on her side profile for a bit, tracing the edges of her face, from her battling lashes to her pouted pink lips.
Her brows were knotted together; deep in thought, like the cocktail was some type of poison. Her naivety was her biggest charm.
“I’m not good at holding my drinks,” she finally said. A reluctant sigh escaped my lips, “It’s fine then, too bad the night is wasted after spending a fortune on such a handsome gigolo.” I said disappointedly. The bartender almost choked on his spit
His face flushed, his awkward laugh was out of place.
Cassandra blinked once more as if letting my words sink in. A rare smirk graced her lips. “You are right, I would not let this opportunity go to waste, and besides, it is meant to be my bachelorette party.” She declared, grabbing the glass to down it.
My lips parted and closed, I should have stopped her, warning her she wasn’t meant to drink it all up at once, or she might get drunk despite the cocktail being rather sweet…I didn’t
I was still on my first and she was done with her second. She slammed the glass on the counter, her eyes were a bit drowsy, the alcohol was slowly kicking in and her confidence got boosted.
“What next ?” Her expectant gaze met mine. I finally finished my mai tai. “Are you up for some shots?” She didn’t give a verbal answer and just smiled completely carefree.
The night just started indeed. The bartender started lining up the shots. Cassandra, suddenly fearless, kept downing them one after another like it was a fruit punch.
Her hands stopped trembling with whatever emotions she was hiding, and her laughs were louder like we were the only ones that mattered. “You really didn’t,” she laughed at a random joke I said to lighten the mood.
“Never knew someone like you could have just an audacity.” There seemed to be something in her laugh which made everything seem brighter. She was not the type who rambled on about her life while drunk. No that wasn’t Cassandra, it felt like the drink made her forget her troubles for the moment.
“I tricked you out of all your money. Didn’t I?” I placed the shot back on the counter. Damn, she was still dead on thinking I was a gigolo, it still baffles me what made her think that way.
Her lips pouted, then she waved off. “I don’t care about the money, you can keep it.” The song on the speaker changed, and she started humming. It was ‘Did It First’ by Ice Spice.
Her singing was off and I was barely holding back my laugh. She didn’t care about my stiffening smile. Cassandra got on from her seat and started dancing and singing out loud.
The onlookers gave her curious glances, and some laughed at her. This wasn’t the club downstairs, and she wasn’t meant to dance here, but who was going to stop her when I made the rules?
Cassandra kept on spinning and dancing, laughing in between her lyrics. I didn’t even realise my lips were curled up. If it wasn’t enough to make herself the centre of attention, she rushed towards me to pull me out of my seat.
“You don’t plan on making only me dance. Do you?” She asked, pulling me directly to the middle of the room, where she started dancing around me. My brow arched at her.
The laughs grew louder, and she tossed away her sash, reading bride to be before pulling me by the collar to her eye level.
“Stop standing rigid and dance Mr pretty boy. I paid for you, if I start running around naked, you’d better run along. Do you understand?” Someone was now a little boss lady.
“Yes ma’am. Your wish is my command.” I agree holding back my laugh. She was the boss, although if she got drunk enough to run around naked, I would throw her over my shoulders. There was no way I would let anyone see her naked.
“Good then,” she chimed and started leading the dance, luckily for me, I had a few moves to match her vibe. Song after song she got wilder by the second. I had to signal the guards to send everyone off the floor to give us a bit more privacy.
She owned the floor now. A slow song started playing, but she wasn’t any less energetic. She took the initiative, placing my hand on her slender waist, which felt fragile in my grasp. I was a bit reluctant to get too close, scared of my control wavering
She didn’t see the signs and leaned on me. Her bosoms pressed against my chest. Her muffled voice teased. “Now who is the chicken?” She taunted having no idea what her soft frame was doing to me or how intoxicating she smelled.
I still kept the grin, ignoring the subtle twitching from my slacks. I dug this pit for myself…
Cassandra laughed once more, she definitely felt my hardness. It was baffling how she found it funny instead of being scared. My lips could only twitch.
Her laugh died. Her gaze flicked away, and she hid her face against my shirt, pain trembling through her. My chest tightened; I pulled her closer, desperate to offer some small comfort.
Her little hand clutched my shirt, her face buried in my dark shirt. We continued dancing in a sombre mood. She didn’t laugh again, instead, subtle whimpers escaped from her lips. Everything she was bottling up was now pouring out.
She didn’t stop dancing, nor did her cries stop. Each sob was tearing me apart. I didn’t have any words to say so I just let her. She wiggled in my hold, then slowly glanced up with those teary eyes, which almost made me weak in the knees.
Her lower lip was between her teeth. Her lips slowly parted. “Am I so boring you could never marry me?” That wasn’t a casual question. Her eyes looked like her world depended on the answer.
I shook my head then leaned down. “You are many things but boring. Any man would be privileged to have you.” The words came out naturally.
Her eyes glimmered with hope. “Really,” she squealed excitedly. I nodded without a second thought. She hopped to grab my collar, pushing me against a nearby wall. Our foreheads were touching. “Would you give me your surname or better take mine then? Will you be the lucky man?” She asked, completely wasted and probably rumbling.
I laughed unable to hold it back any more. Can she get any bolder?
My fingers grazed her cheeks, wiping off her tears, before cupping them in my palms. “If you love my surname so much.”
She smiled, and even the tears looked stunning. “You can’t back down now, hubby. You just got a wife.”
Still pondering on how lovely the word hubby sounded on the tip of her lips, something soft clashed against my lips, throwing every other thought out the window.
Her lips weren’t gentle. They were fierce and hungry like the flames of hell consuming completely. She grabbed my hair and hauled me closer.
Fuck it.
I just found my new cravings and obsession I don’t think I can ever get enough of.