ed marble floor. Guests filled the room, their eyes following the bride as she made her way down the aisle. But for Livi

was Damian standing at the altar-calm, distant

acher's voice broke the silen

ing in her throat. Her voice was soft but clear. "I, Li

ng even a trace of warmth. "I, Damian Alexande

ve. No tender wor

the bitter truth settling deep in her c

this was a marriage envied by many women across the country. Smiles and congratulations came her way,

dress, her face carefully adorned with a smile.

some confidence in his tailored suit, draw

aned close and whispered in her ear, "Keep

bediently. "I just need

act

ealized just how powerfu

Her right hand was clenched into a f

ughter-wore a satisfied smile. The com

d to finally rid herself of the g

s. When their father had offered both their photos to Damian, she'd been certain she'd be the obvious choice-sty

ld only watch as her less glamorous sister stood

Lisa's, filled

.

David, Livia's half-brother, though born from a different mother, cared deeply for her. He

avid walked briskly through the corridor and stepped into an empty loung

ly, startled to find her sitti

garden lights spilled a warm, golden hue into the room, brushing against her white weddin

urrowed. "Are t

closer, one of the

ickly, her voice calm but firm.

him. "Apologies, young lady." They bowed sli

oment his fingers touched hers, he felt it

sitting alone lik

d. "Damian said I looked tired. Told me to get

ightened. "I'

ked. "Fo

om our father's greed... If going bankrupt meant you d

ice dropping. "David, don't say things

he accepts a girl as debt payment? N

othing back his hair like she used to whe

e hears me call him ou

someday. You don't understand the kind of man he is, Dav

less and aching. "How

he whispered. "Bu

guards stepped forward. "Young lady, the yo

folding her handke

ll, brave smile. "Come on. Smile, wa

*