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
*