ian

ngements and the polished marble floors. Every detail was meticulously planned, every expense spared nothing. This was the wedding Holden had envisioned, a spectacle designed to solidify his status in New

h each step, the intricate lace train trailing behind me. My heart hammered, but my expression remained serene, a ma

eated in the front row, offered a tearful, proud smile-a gesture so unexpectedly tender it caught me off gu

the altar, resplendent in his bespoke tuxedo, his back to me. He had been adjusting his cufflinks, a picture of confident masculini

f something akin to smug satisfaction, quickly masked by a practiced, charming smile. He excused himself with a soft murmur to Darrin Whitney, his best man,

alcove's curved stone walls carried his words s

he curved walls. "Holden! You promised! You said we' d do it today! My dad' s lawyer is here, he just needs your signature on the pre

had overheard. My gaze met his for a split second, and I saw a flash of surprise, then something that resembled fleeti

ey, calm down. Of course, I' m doing it today. I just... I have a small engagement

ything finalized before he leaves. You said you'd prioritize me! You said I

other groomsman, exchanged uneasy glances. They were clearly aware of Kenley and her father's importance to Holden's latest multi-bill

his... this is just a formality, a business arrangement. A necessary inconvenience.

tting things moving with her father's investment. It's a huge deal for the firm, boys. We need her father's capital, desperately." His eyes flickered t

vigorously. "Of course, Holden. T

ng to leave Adriana hanging? At her own wedding?" A fai

the aisle, playing her part. She's a professional. She knows the stakes. Besides," he lowered his voice, "s

ore important." He turned, his eyes meeting mine across the length of the aisle. A cold, knowing smirk spread across his face. He knew he was twisting the knife

ipped his arm around my waist for a staged embrace, and leaned in, his voice a sibilant whisper. "Smile, Adriana. For the cameras. Remember

ic. "An urgent business matter has arisen. The ceremony will commence shortly. Please enjoy the refresh

ambling to follow him. He moved with a speed that belied his earlier calm, clearly eager to get to Ken

ce cutting through the polite

still a mask of arrogant control, anticipating some desperate plea, som

firm, devoid of the emotion he probably expect

to me professionally, you're tied to me personally. You gave up everything for me. You have no one else. Don't tell me you actually think you have options." He s

ways have, always will. You'll wait for me. You always do. And when I come back, you'll be gr

ust a quick detour to secure our future. Keep the guests entertained, darling." And with that, he vanished, t

genuine note of concern in his

o save face for his friend. "Just a quick bu

uxury car peeling away from the curb echoing

elling like funeral flowers. The photographer lowered his camera, his face a picture of awkward embarrassment.

den' s diamond had been gleamed back at me, a stark contrast to the subtle gold band Ja

of his life. And now, I would burn