As I dress in my tux, I clip my cufflinks, staring in the mirror. Mere hours remain till nothing and no one can separate her from me.
Finishing clasping my watch, I step out of the suite with my sister by my side.
She loops her arm around my elbow, and my men dip their chins toward her, then follow me. In my family, no one has dared question me. I introduced her as my sister, and everyone welcomed her. I told them to spread the news so no one gets any ideas.
“Maintain order. If problems arise, you know what you have to do,” I inform them.
They nod.
I warned both sides. It’s up to them.
Inside the classic Rolls-Royce, the drive is silent, both of us deep in thought.
Once the driver parks in front of the church, I climb out and turn to wait for Evie.
It’s a sunny day in June, a prelude to the upcoming hot summer. A handful of clouds linger, a reminder of the shadow over our union.
Inside the church, the priest waits at the altar while visitors fill the pews. Decorated with white peonies and candles that illuminate the altar and the corridor, the church interior is romantic.
Our wedding planner did an exceptional job, and Viviana could have just avoided getting involved, but we both wanted to. It gave me an excuse to see her, be near her.
She played her role as an enthusiastic bride so well that I almost forgot it was a ruse until Amanda spoke to us, only for Viviana to glare at me every time she looked away.
When the children’s choir begins to sing, my eyes dart toward the entry.
She’s out of this world beautiful, and emotions overwhelm me. Her angelic presence could convert me into a believer.
Viviana walks down the aisle toward me, and I swallow hard. She doesn’t take my breath away, she snatches my fucking soul.
Keep it together, I urge myself, plastering on my poker face.
A smirk lifts in the corner of my mouth as I notice the veil trailing for miles—a symbol of purity. Damn, she’s terrific at pretending. There’s nothing innocent left after I corrupted her, but you’d never know that, witnessing her shy smile.
Her father gives her away, and I take her hand in mine. “You look breathtaking.”
“Enough for you to die?” she whisper-snarls, keeping that smile on.
A grin splits my face. “From too much love? It could happen.”
She rolls her eyes hard enough that they roll back in their sockets.
As the priest proceeds with the ceremony, I can’t take my eyes off her. Can’t look away—enraptured as I say my vows, including the obeying part that makes her eyes bug out.
I believe in fairness. If she is to obey me, then I will obey her too. Marriage is not a one-way street, or at least I will not stand for that. We’re partners—equal partners.
She recites her vows, and I catch the significance registering with her with every word. Marriage is serious. For life.
I slide the wedding band next to her engagement ring. And she does the same.
The exchange of rings marks the final act as we join in marriage.
I’ll never take it off. And she better not either.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God united, no man can separate.”
I lift her veil and lean into her, whispering, “It’s like I get to unwrap you for a second time. Thank you.”
She glares at me.
