Chapter 3

Autumn

I was trying hard to maintain my rigid posture as it would be seen by anyone standing next to me if I ever even fumble. Unfortunately, only Ian was standing beside me, and he could clearly see what I was going through.

“As I said, the papers will be signed at 12 a.m. sharp. I want their marital life to start with a new day, a new beginning. Till then, enjoy the party,” said Simon and turned off the mic. Then Simon went to talk with my dad. They even hugged each other, and those smiles I saw on their faces made me feel sadder than before. Looking at Ada and Mom, it felt like they had already discussed everything.

No, I had to put this drama to an end. I didn’t want to marry Ian because I just hate him. No one even asked for my consent.

I glanced at Ian, who heaved a sigh and said, “They didn’t even ask for my consent.”

So he wasn’t aware of it as well. It was fully planned by our respective parents. Sucking in a deep breath, I walked toward my parents.

“I will not marry Ian.”

The four pairs of eyes snapped toward me.

“What?”

“Why?”

“I knew it.”

“The announcement has already been made.”

Simon, Ada, Mom, and Dad all spoke at once.

“I said, I can’t marry Ian. My consent wasn’t taken for this when you planned it.”

“Honey, you aren’t making any sen-” I decided to interrupt Mom.

“I am sorry, Mom, but I won’t marry him,” I said sternly, crossing my arms against my chest.

“Autumn,” Dad called out, and I turned to look at him, but my eyes shifted to Ian, who was leaning against the pillar now, calmly, as if someone had given him the best present ever. “Think like a gang leader,” Dad informed me.

Giving a curt nod, I marched toward the exit, but stopped near Ian and asked, “Why aren’t you saying anything? Why are you so calm?”

Crossing his arms against his chest, he replied, “I haven’t lost my mind, Autumn. The announcement has already been made. If I were to deny it, I would lose my image in front of all the Silver and many other gangs attending this party. You may love losing your image, but I don’t.”

Rolling my eyes, I stormed out of the mansion. Standing in the garden outside the Beckett mansion, I dialed Dante’s number.

“Hey,” Dante chirped in.

I ordered, “Meet me outside, in the garden right now.”

He instantly cut the call. I knew he was on his way. After a few minutes, I heard loud footsteps. “Autumn?”

I faced him. There he was, wearing a blue suit and blond hair neatly brushed. His fair-skinned face screamed worry.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, approaching me.

I gave him a stern look and spoke up, “You heard the announcement, Dante. I cannot marry Ian so help me find a way out of this mess.”

Dante Regine has been my best friend since kindergarten and my right-hand man. He was very loyal and trustworthy. He supported me when no one did. I could always count on him.

Dante sighed before speaking, “Look, I know it was a sudden announcement. I cannot even imagine what you are going through now, but what they did is for the best. If these two gangs merge, we will be the most powerful mafia in the whole world.”

We both sat on the garden chairs as he continued, “The Silver has more power than we do. They took over the powerful gangs. So, it will be beneficial for Shadow. You must put your gang first. You have to think like a leader.”

“But why Ian out of all the people? Besides, how can he be so calm?” I pouted slightly, making him chuckle.

“Ian is smart. He is only thinking of Silver’s status. He is thinking like a boss. As soon as the announcement was made, he mentally prepared himself within a few minutes. That guy is crazy. You are letting your emotions affect you, Autumn. Be selfish, but not for yourself.”

“Why can’t I just decline the marriage, Dante?”

“If you deny it now, imagine the humiliation we will face. The Shadow won’t be able to face any of the other gangs,” he explained to me.

Sadly, he was correct. I had to think rationally. If I denied marrying Ian, the Shadow would lose its reputation.

“Thanks, buddy,” I smiled at him as I mumbled.

He returned a warm smile. “Anytime.”

***

I walked toward my parents, who were sitting at one place with Simon and Ada. Ian was sitting there drinking a glass of champagne.

I bit my lower lip before saying, “I am ready to marry Ian for the Shadow, but I have a condition.”

Simon asked, arching an eyebrow, “What condition?”

I answered with confidence, “It has to be a contract marriage. The marriage will end when I want it to end.”

“Okay. Are you okay with this, Ian?” Simon questioned his son.

Ian kept quiet for a while. Finally, he ran a hand through his hair and smirked in my direction, saying, “Autumn can have that right, but only after six months of our marriage.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, breathless as I watched him get up from his seat.

“Autumn, you can call off the marriage anytime you want but only after six months have passed. Till then, you have to stay as my wife,” he said, taking a step toward me, while I stayed in my place.

“That’s perfect then. I will add it to the contract,” Simon said, leaving to do so. My dad decided to leave with him.

Ian took another step toward me.

“Here are the rings.” Ada handed each of us a box. “Rosalie and I spent a lot of time searching for just the right one. Make sure you wear them. Since the marriage will be just on paper, you won’t get time to exchange rings. Exchange your rings personally, okay? It will be more romantic.”

I wanted to deny it, but I couldn’t hurt them so I took the box and smiled at them.

“Wanna dance again, fiancée?” he inquired.

I rolled my eyes, seeing Ian offer his hand to me. “Why do you think I will-” I stopped midway when the song changed, and my favorite song started to play.

It was ‘Beauty and the Beast’. I loved that song. Now was my chance to dance on it.

Having no other choice, I said, “Okay.” I took his hand, and we entered the dance floor. I placed my arm on his shoulder while he held my waist.

Those eyes of his were piercing through mine. This time, while we were dancing, neither of us said a word; it was as if the song was speaking for us.

He twirled me, and I landed in Dante’s arms. When I saw Ian, he was dancing with Brianna. Her hand was on his shoulder.

“So, you agreed, right?” Dante asked. I nodded, but my eyes never left Ian’s. “The clock is about to hit twelve, be ready. And- Oh, congratulations! This ring is really the most beautiful I have ever seen!”

This time, I looked at Dante. My eyebrows raised in confusion. I asked, “What are you saying?”

He pointed toward my finger and said, “Your wedding ring is really very beautiful.”

I looked at my hand. A simple yet elegant diamond ring was on my ring finger. The small stones illuminated the bigger one. It really was marvelous. I couldn’t help but gasp at the beauty of the ring.

When I searched for Ian, he was not on the dance floor anymore.

When did he slip this ring on my hand? Was this why he offered me a second dance?

He put the wedding ring on me while dancing to my favorite song. That was cute.

Stop it, Autumn!

“Thanks, Dante,” I mumbled and left the dance floor as well. Surprisingly, Ian was nowhere to be found. The song ended, and it was midnight already.

“Are you ready, dear?” my mom asked as I hummed in response, getting nervous.

I sensed that Ian was in the middle of the room because we would sign the wedding papers there. So, I stopped looking for him and went to the center as well. Everyone was gathered around there. I made my way and stood next to Ian, who was looking at me intensely. After a while, he averted his gaze.

Simon already made the announcement, so now Ian and I were standing in front of the table which had the contract papers. Just one signature and we will be married.

Ian didn’t look at me anymore. He swiftly signed the paper while everyone cheered and handed it to me.

I took the pen in my hand.

Just a signature. I gulped. I am getting married. It’s all for the Shadow. It’s all for my people, I tried to assure myself. It took my whole being, but I finally forced myself to print my name on the piece of paper.

As soon as I signed on the paper, gunshots were heard. Everyone celebrated the happy occasion.

“Congratulations, Mrs. Autumn Beckett,” Ian whispered.

My heartbeat fastened as I got goosebumps. I handed him his wedding ring, which was still in my hand, and grumbled, “Put it on yourself.”

“You are supposed to put it on your husband’s finger, not throw it in his hand,” he protested.

Rolling my eyes, I retorted, “Husband only on paper.”

He narrowed his eyes but kept quiet. Soon, Ada handed us the knife to cut the wedding cake.

“I am keeping this ring with me for this moment, but I will make sure you’d be the one to put it on me,” he mumbled while we were cutting the cake. He further whispered, “Get ready to move in tomorrow.”

“What?” I almost yelled but managed to cover it with a cough.

Mom was next to me, and she whispered, “Dear, you are moving to the Beckett mansion tomorrow. Once we return home, pack everything, alright?”

“Mom...” I couldn’t even say no. I was married, so I had to stay with him. I was really not prepared for my life to turn into a nightmare. Having no other choice, I sighed in defeat. “Okay.”

Ian chuckled. He turned to me and said, “Welcome to my life, Ms. Autumn Emerson – oops. Now you are Mrs. Autumn Beckett. Let’s see if the gang leader who rules the Shadow can rule over me.”