Sound track for this chapter: "Is This the Way You Get To Hell?" by Stitched Up Heart (this band isn't very well known, but they're one of my favorites. ^u^ ): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDxZOOAaASU

*Sam's PoV*

I slowly opened my eyes and sat up, my cheek sticking briefly to the tear-and-mascara-soaked pillow. I winced as I moved my legs, my hips and thighs lighting up in pain. I sighed.

*TRIGGER WARNING: BRIEF MENTION OF SELF HARM IN THE NEXT PARAGRAPH*

I walked slowly into the bathroom, moving carefully so as not to reopen the cuts. Last night, after my father told me about my engagement, I did the same thing I always do to deal with stress. I cut. It's not something I'm proud of, but it's the only way I can keep in control. It's my way of punishing myself.

I changed the gauze on my hips and thighs, then brushed my teeth and dragged a brush through my hair. Then I went back to my bed and lay down, curling up in a little ball as a fresh stream of tears pricked at my eyes.

I was startled by the sound of my phone going off. I sighed, picking it up. 17 new messages. All from Jace. He was worried about me. I bit my lip, then decided to ignore him. I was marrying someone else.

I was curled up on my bed, listening to Evanescence, when my father slammed open my door. He had cleaned up -- his blonde hair was combed, his beard shaved, and he wore a clean button up shirt. He gave me a cruel smile. "Get ready, bitch. Your fiance's on his way over."

I dragged myself out of bed and over to the closet. I selected a pair of black skinny jeans, a black tank top, and a big black sweatshirt with the Sleeping With Sirens logo on it. I found it fitting, since black is the color of mourning. I straightened my hair and teased it slightly, then put on winged eyeliner. Might as well let my "fiance" see what he was in for.

My dad opened the door. "Sam, Andrew will be here in five minutes." He frowned when he saw my appearance. "You look like some kind of goth, emo whore."

"Good." I spat. "I hope Andrew hates me."

"You don't make it very hard for him." My father growled, punching my shoulder. "Be good while he's here. Or else." He glared threateningly before grabbing my wrist and literally dragging me downstairs.

He pushed me down on the couch, glaring. I tucked my feet under me and pulled out my iPod, putting my headphones in and turning up "Sweet Sacrifice" by Evanescence and singing along under my breath. I closed my eyes, allowing myself to get lost in the music.

I suddenly felt a warm hand resting on my arm. I opened my eyes to find myself meeting an intense blue gaze. I gasped, yanking my arm away. "Who the hell are you?!"

He chuckled, his oddly familiar face breaking into a small grin. "I'm Andrew Biersack. Call me Andy."

I stared at him, feeling slightly sick. "You're the lead singer for Black Veil Brides."

He smiled. "So, you're a fan?"

"I was." I hissed. "Before you ruined my life."

His smile fell slightly. "Ruined..."

Just then, my dad walked in. He smiled politely. "Oh, good. You two have met. Andrew, this is Samantha. Samantha, Andrew."

"It's Sam." I snapped. I knew I was being a total bee-otch, but can you really blame me?

"Whatever." My dad rolled his eyes.

I turned away, putting my headphones back on as my dad and Andy started talking over details. I guess they were discussing plans for my wedding/funeral. They were interrupted by a knock on the door. Andy got up to answer it.

*Jace's PoV*

I knocked frantically on Sam's front door. She hadn't been replying to any of my messages, and I was worried. What if her dad did something?

The door opened, and a guy stared curiously at me. He had blonde hair and a lot of tatoos. And I was pretty sure I'd seen him somewhere before, but I wasn't sure where.

I raised one eyebrow. "Who are you?"

"Andy. And you are?"

"I'm Jace. Sam's boyfriend. Is Sam here?"

Andy frowned, leaning against the door frame. "Her 'bofriend'. Really."

I nodded, confused. "Yeah, man. Are you a family friend or something?"

"I'm Sam's fiance."

"What?!"

*Sam's PoV*

I walked up behind Andy, curiously to see who was at the door. I saw Jace's confused face, just as I heard Andy say that he was my fiance.

"What?!" Jace's eyes clouded with confusion and... anger?

"Jace!" I pushed past Andy, throwing my arms around the boy I loved. Jace hugged me back and kissed my forehead before frowning at me in confusion. "Sam, what the hell is going on here?"

"Jace." I felt my eyes filling with tears. Gosh, I'd been crying a lot lately. "It's..." I took a deep breath. "My dad told me last night. I'm engaged. He... he arranged it. And I have to. I have no choice."

"Oh baby." Jace held me tightly. "It's okay. I'm here."

I smiled into his chest. I always felt better when he was around. I was yanked back, Andy's hand gripping my shoulder. He pulled me back, wrapping his arm around my shoulders and glaring at Jace.

"Dude, what's your problem?" Jace glared back, managing to look pretty intimidating despite the fact that he was about four inches shorter than Andy.

"My problem," Andy growled, "Is that you have your paws all over my fiance."

"You're 'fiance'-" Jace made air quotes around the word "- is my girlfriend. And if you think I'm going to give her up without a fight, you're dead wrong."

Notes

Semi-cliffhanger. Whoo. ^u^

I feel like Andy seems like kind of a douche in this chapter, but I promise he's going to get better. Just bear with me.

As always, I would love to get feedback from my readers. I love hearing from you guys! <3