Whispers of betrayal

over the gown that hung by the door-a cruel reminder of the decision she had made in less than twenty-four hours. She had agreed to mar

The silk and lace of the bridal gown gleamed in the morning light, exquisite and pristine. It was a maste

e ceremony loomed, an inevit

ent slow, as though drawing out the final mome

the church, the world ar

ntoro stood at the altar, unreadable, detached-like a man fulfilling a contract rather than stepping into a marriage. His black tuxedo was tailored to perfection,

r, her chin tilted just enough to feign confidence. If t

extended his hand, his gr

at faint Italian lilt she had noticed the day before. The words were

n lips forming a polite, restrained

priest's words blending into the

take Luca Santoro as your

le

heavier, pressing down on her lungs. Then, the faintest brush of Luca's thumb

d

nfamiliar, but once spoken,

fleeting expression of obligation. His eyes met hers-just for

ike that,

ns that blurred together. Maeve stood at the edge of the room, fingers skimming the rim of her untouched

y. Would she demand answers? Or would she accept that she had marri

t tha

r. Deep, smooth, and

n she had never seen before. He stood just a few feet away, posture

awline that carried the faintest hint of mischief. His suit, though impeccable, was

ked, her tone sharp

holding it for a while, but you haven't taken a sip. Either you hate the ta

ard, then let out a small,

men did, but as if he was studying her, reading something beyond the surface. "A

aking his hand. His grip was warm,

n't strike me as someone who enjoys glittering spectacles. I

much to reveal. "It's... a

something closer to understanding. "Let me gue

ame. His observation was too pr

nd, a voice cut throug

ae

ere shifted

ession unreadable, but there was a s

n. "Luca," he greeted smoothly, raising his glass in a lazy toast. "You

his voice remained calm. "S

ismissal. Without another glance at Adrian, he place

drian remained where he stood, his gaze linge

uca's estate was

loomed in the darkness-grand,

g, its cold elegance doing little to

woman waited. Young, striking,

ri

but something about

re of you," Luca sa

her pulse rising. "

ave

assurances. He simply turned

t Maeve caught the flicker of something

see your room?" M

the stairs, each step

beautiful, yet i

small details, her presence careful. "The fir

d. "You've wor

use. "You'll learn

ay she said it sent a

e window, staring into the darkness

en it

was

the room. Not ju

o

had no i