as a gentle reminder that Christmas is fast approaching. The holiday s

fill the air, but their discordant melody is nothing compared to the pain that

at my reflection, adorned in a breathta

wasn't the marriage I had envisioned. It pained me to think tha

e dark circles under my eyes with layers of foundation

t despite the outward beauty, my heart feels bur

about to wed a man I barely know, all because of one fateful night that shattered m

ee my father's company, a renowned establishment in

it's no surprise that they would go to any lengths to acqui

nsive business ventures across continents,

that's simply how they live above the law by paying off the la

hurt and betrayed. Despite my infatuation with the heir of the Albrecht group, it was clear that

garet said, interrupti

e to confront the harsh reality. As she opened the door for me to step out, I wa

looked flushed, unsure of the ex

he pain hidden behind the facade of his smile. "I am here to walk y

h it felt like a

dad and Mason by my side, but instead, it turned

and placed my hand in his, trying

blivious to the turmoil within me. My father nodded, turned around, and b

kipped a beat as I took in the sea of people. It was astonishing to

h their cameras. The entire place exudes opulence, a te

ury was inevitable in

notice the disdainful glances from the

ogether, their affection for each other on full display. It was a painfu

uld say or do anything, I quickly averted my eyes. We continued our slow walk to the altar, but havin

single soul. At times and times, my eyes still moved to where Olivia and Mason were sitting, the

my step-sister. Hours passed, and still no sign of the groom. Murmurs and whispers fill

e for hours waiting for the groom," I ov

man anyway..." Another woman repli

d with... Poor Mr. Harlow," another woman replied, he

e it seems like the man ain't coming.

they know I was marrying the sup

rrying the man she had flings with... I wonder wh

hat's why Olivia seemed so excited, and this whole crowd came here just to

piest girl today, looking around, but there wasn't any sign of Layla. Gu

t throwing me a pitiful look. I'm sure his legs might be killing him by now. I felt so embarrassed

my groom, since they all consi

had barely completed his statement when suddenly th

the devil

dressed in black with 500 S&W Magnum pistols in their hands, walked inside the hall.

ht down, fear and shock were in the eyes

ould disappear from there. This is the worst day of my life. My heart was ra

lking toward the altar, my heart skipped a beat. Smoke swirled ar

ldn't help but be captivated by his neat and handsome appe

pite the dark aura surrounding him

in front of me, gesturing to th

," he said coldly, causing a loud gasp from t

Mason seemed surprised too... I guess they were all expecting to see some gray old-looking ma

groom. It's tempting to laugh at the shock and terror on their faces, but it's hea

now, the only things I can feel withi

father's direction in fear. My father nodded, his face cold with a wrinkle stretched out

cracking. He kept asking a lot of questio

even looking at us. He looked stressed out and lost

ned to find everyone, including the priest, and Damien's dark eyes on me.

peat the question, "Do you, Ashley Harlow

time to change my mind and finally free myself from this torture that I am about to enter, the ti

r, there was still a chance