s voice a calm and steady anchor in the

n's scrutiny, a palpable pressure even though he was looking at the reverend. He was trying to solve the p

past life's wedding day-the one she was supposed to have with Braden. The memory

was a transaction. A strategic alliance. And it was th

, take this woman, Chloe Beaumont, to be your lawfully we

imperceptibly. They all knew the stories. They were waiting for hi

pressure of his family, who had been terrified of his coldness and his scars. He had expected Chloe to b

r a fraction of a second,

" Dami

t vibrated through the silent room. It was

her knees weaken for a second. The first part of the al

do you, Chloe Beaumont, take this man, Damian Mo

supposed to say "I don't" and flee into Braden's treacherous arms.

nched. A desperate, foolish hope flickered in his eyes.

hat Chloe's nerve would fail her when faced with t

ould even finish the

d

, and filled with an unmist

The guests murmured in surprise. This was not the voice of a reluctant, terrified bride

extinguished. Her enthusiastic "I do"

y a flash of venomous anger. This

by one of genuine, undisguised curiosity. Why was she so eager? Was this part of an act? Or was there something about him, about t

mly. "Then by the power vested in me by the State

mian. "You may

moment of hesitation, a loud, jarring crackle eru

d made