all the grandeur one would expect fr

opulence and elegance. White roses adorned every surface, crystal chandeliers sparkled

er gown was a masterpiece of silk and lace, custom-made by a famous designer, and her hair and makeup had been done by the

le and diamonds, Vanessa

g away from the mirror with a dramatic flourish o

of champagne. She didn't seem at all surprised by her daughter's outburst. I

up with a sigh. "Alexander Drake is not a monster. He's a powerful man, yes, but that's exactly wha

er. He's terrifying. And those rumors about him... They say he can't even stan

. You've been betrothed to him for years. The time has come to fulfill your duty. Besides, onc

inced. The closer the wedding day

if they were mere pawns in a game only he understood. The idea of being married

ling her hands away. "I

slightly, but she quick

The guests are already arriving. If you don't marry him, there

the wedding now would ruin their family's reputation. But then, an idea began

t. "No one would know until it was too late. She's also Father's daughter, after all. And who cares

ought about it, the more it seemed like the perfect solution. Sophie was, after all, the quieter, less noticeab

Sophie to agree to this?" Clari

choice. We'll tell her it's for the good of the family-and if that doesn't work, I'll tell he

properly, it could work. They could avoid the scandal, Sophie would be out of the

do it your way. But remember, this must be done discreet

t worry, Mother. Sophie will be th

ie in the small, plain room that had always been hers, far away from the luxury Vanessa

fake concern, "there's been a change of plan

rowed in confusion. "What do y

. "I know, but something's come up

ened in shock. "Pr

ing at her mother for support. "Mother and I have decided

? But I'm not-Vanessa, I can't marry Ale

the only way to save our family from disgrace. You've always been the res

rong on so many levels. But the pleading look in Vanessa's eyes, t

s, and she knew that if she refused

, and this was just one more sacrifice she would have to make. Maybe, just maybe, life with

said finally, her voice tr

h. They wasted no time in preparing Sophie for the ceremony, rushing

ar and strange. She was about to marry a man she had n

g through a dream-or perhaps a nightmare. The guests didn't seem to notice the sw

e as he waited for his bride. Her heart pounded as she came to stand beside him, th

teady breaths.She wasn't marrying Alexander by choice, but maybe, just

s for the first time. His gaze was intense, cold, and unwavering, sending a

or worse, and she could only hope that she