r end of the Martinelli family estate. Its ivory stone walls were kissed by creeping

e the world itself was holding its

ached to the elegant ivory gown she'd been dressed in. The dress, selected by one of Lorenzo's personal stylists, fit her

his voice carrying the same calm profes

more like a groomsman than an assistant.

owed, the

ll ever be," sh

The massive doors opened with a low creak, re

hom Ivy had not been introduced to. Yet she could feel their stares

e were no bridesmaids or flower girls. This was not a traditional wedding. It was bu

sion unreadable. He looked like something out of a fashion editorial: handsome, poised, and dist

ceremony began immediately. Latin prayers echoed beneath the high ceilings, the scent of ince

Ivy thought to herself. You're marrying

he vows, Lorenzo's voi

vy Giselle Wesley, to be my wife. To honor

or a breath bef

o Martinelli, to be my husband. To stand by you,

anged them. When he announced them husband and wife, Lorenzo leaned in

It felt more like the closing of a busine

ral where a marriage certificate lay waiting on a heavy mahogany desk. Lorenzo

. She took it and signed her name with

said as he collected the

h twisted into knots. She turned to

cool and unreadable.

-----

wedding photos. She was left to navigate her way to the formal sitting ro

udge

talian accent, motioning down a corridor lined with oil painti

smile. She stepped into the grand salon, an elegant room drenched in warm golds an

nter of the room, her silver-streaked hair pulled back

p as the wine that bore her family na

een gown that clashed intentionally with Brenda's understated cream ensemble, while Giulia twirl

he family," G

ing warmth into her voice.

es narrowed, studying Ivy as if she were

" Olivia asked, the words la

came alone. I don't have a

la murmured, lifting a c

weight of the past," Ivy said evenly,

"You're not intimidated easily. That'

throwing shade," Ivy replied, earning a quiet snort f

hind him. His eyes scanned the gathering and landed on Ivy,

word, Lorenzo,"

ack before following his mother into a side room.

miling sweetly. "Do you know how ma

reality show, I imagine

ef second, the tension cracked.

last," she

l enjoy the ride,"

out, her expression unreadable. Lorenzo

ivia announced for Ivy's benefit. "Let's see how

ung from vaulted ceilings. A long oak table stretched across the room, already set with gol

su, Olivia made several pointed remarks about loyalty, legacy, and the importance of kn

nd she was beginning to understa