h

l's

dad's persistent demands to get married, but instead

y I inherited from my father. On paper, I have everything-a powerf

cial expressions, not even my own family's. All I see are features that blur together, like pieces of a puzzle I can

resignation and frustration. I had more important things to do, yet

his whole thing. To him, a marriage was a strategic alliance, n

ouldn't even see my own face clearly. Just a blur of features, indistinguishable from anyone el

iven her clear instructions to arrive at the mansion before the ceremony. I needed her to help m

me from embarrassing myself in front of

terday, "I might need some last-minute paperwor

voicemail growing increasingly frustrated. She'd only st

t. I needed someone who understood the i

she shows up late," I muttered, sho

rally and figuratively. Colors didn't exist for me, and faces were just shadows. That's how it had always been. Except... for her. Miloslava was different. She wasn't just

va's desk and, unsurprisingly, found her absent. Irritated, I st

my thoughts retur

y? I'd managed perfectly we

l of the chase, the satisfaction of a deal well struck and most importa

another variable, another c

riage wasn't about affection or partnership for me. It

hange vows with a woman I hadn't even met

r sacking nearly 30 people every month. Well, don't think I'm bad-they were ju

creeched to a hal

ffeur, John, jumped o

here have you been? It's almost time for your wedding," he

up something, Dad, but

he said, lea

re a few guests were seated. I'd told Dad I didn't want a large crowd,

in front of the priest, waiting

hurch, still no sign of Miloslava. "That miss i

the door echoed, and as the guests and choi

lody, "Here comes the bri

ed to get done with this whole process and

sle, her face obscured by the delicate fabric. As she appr

flawless skin color. Wait, does it mean I can see th

ousness and defiance, with a familiar smell I lifted

ecretary? My bride? T