Emily’s Dilemma: Seduced by Billionaire Brothers

The lavish chapel stood as a testament to the extravagant tastes of the Hatton family. Its marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers. Elaborate floral arrangements adorned every corner, emanating fragrances that mingled with the anticipation in the air. The chapel was massive, and designer clad guests trooped in one by one filling the polished wooden chairs.

Carefully selected elite guests, whispering among themselves with their eyes darting around the room in search of intrigue.

At the center of attention stood the bride as she trailed the middle of the chapel, a vision of elegance in her ivory lace gown. Her cascading veil, delicately embellished with pearls, framed her radiant face, and her eyes held a glimmer of both uncertainty and determination. Even though her thoughts swirled with a mix of trepidation and suppressed longing for a genuine connection, deep down she knew her role. There was no love here, even though somehow she yearned for more.

Emily walked the aisle alone with Cheryl trailing behind her, her bouquet firmly tucked in her shaky hands, her eyes dancing with nervousness as she took slow steps towards Ethan who couldn’t help but stare at her, her dress. The bodice hugging her figure carelessly, accentuating her curves with the flowing skirt cascading in layers of luxurious silk which created a mesmerizing effect as she moved. Her veil trailing behind her like a gossamer cloud, adding an ethereal touch to the ensemble. Her flowing curls swept up into an elegant updo, little curls falling about her delicate face. Her make-up was flawlessly applied done by the best in New York City, highlighting her natural beauty with a soft, rosy glow and a hint of shimmer on her eyelids. Her eyes dancing as she locked eyes with Ethan, her heart hammering in her chest. Was she really about to do this?

On the other side of the grand chapel, Ethan stood gallant although nervous awaiting the arrival of his contractual partner as she delicately walked the aisle. His stoic expression masked the intricate thoughts that churned within him, he couldn’t mask the lingering unease that danced in the depth of his eyes, somehow his heart remained distant, he wanted to love her but yet something held him back, he wasn’t sure what. But still he fixed his gaze on her, her grace, her ethereal beauty, simple but glowed with every step she took. Beneath his composed demeanor a flicker of admiration ignited in him. His thoughts were confusing.

She reached him and he took her delicate and whispering softly in her ears “You look absolutely beautiful”

“Thank you Ethan” she said blushing, her eyes danced around in a secret search for Jackson, but instead a strange face replaced his as the best man, he was nowhere in sight and her heart sank. She didn’t want to come in between them and she knew better not to ask.

The wedding progressed and they took their vows, offering appropriate response to the questions of the officiating priest. Their gaze unwavering, locked on each other as they both whispered I do. They exchanged their scripted vows, their words laden with the bitter knowledge that they were mere actors in the stage play at matrimony. Each syllable they spoke held a weight that only they understood, a shared secret binding them together.

She was Mrs. Hatton now, and she confirmed it with the nodding approval of the wedding guests smiling at her, none of them she knew because she had no one, not even her grandmother showed. Her mind went reeling back to the phone call she received from someone who claimed to be her mother. She had called back, but it went straight to voicemail, severally but the automated voice of the receiver kept screaming back at her, forcing her to starve her delusions and she had no choice, it could have been a dirty prank.

She walked through the rain of sprayed confetti, her arms linked with her husband now, people cheering at them but the nervous pit at her stomach forbade her from enjoying the attention. Something was happening, but she didn’t understand it and her face wasn’t hiding it either.

“Try to enjoy it Emily, it’s your wedding too” Ethan told her, noticing her downcast expression as they moved through a throng of people.

“I’m sorry” she looked at him “I’m just nervous, I don’t know anybody here”

“You know me” he said squeezing her hands in assurance “And that’s all that matters”

The wedding reception commenced immediately after with the sun dipping into the horizon. Emily changed out of her wedding dress into a resplendent ball gown gliding across the floor like a graceful swan. Her dress, a masterpiece of couture, seemed to defy gravity as layers of flowing silk organza billowed elegantly with each step. The gown’s neckline plunging in a sophisticated yet daring manner, accentuating her collar bones, while the form-fitting bodice hugged her curves in all the right places. As she glided into the ball room, arm in arm with Ethan she stared in awe at the luxuriousness of everything. The ball room was expansive, even bigger than the one at The Luxe. High ceilings adorned with complex plasterwork and gold leaf accents. The walls were draped in sumptuous fabrics, ranging from the finest silk to the richest velvet, creating a backdrop of sophistication and warmth that set Emily in total awe.

As the melodious strains filled of the music filled the air, Ethan took Emily into his arms where the boundaries of their contract melted away. His gaze locked into Emily’s, and with voice filled with admiration, he whispered “You look absolutely stunning”

Emily blushed, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of surprise and delight “Thank you, Ethan. You look dashing yourself”

As they moved gracefully across the dance floor, their steps perfectly synchronized, their eyes locked n and a sense of chemistry beginning to blossom within Ethan.

But just as the dance reached its crescendo, the lights suddenly flickered and dimmed. A moment of confusion and panic passed between Ethan and Emily, setting across the room, their hearts pounding with a mix of anticipation and unease. Then, in the blink of an eye, the lights went out completely.

When the lights came back on, Ethan’s heart skipped a beat.

Emily was gone.

Panic surged through his veins as he frantically scanned the room searching for any sign of her.

Where was she?