PTER

word. Everything about this wedding felt like a setup.

nt for your f

my heart, pounding like thunde

l. What had I gotten myself into? Why did I feel like a

iPad, fingers scrolling, focused, emotionless. His presence felt cold and intimidating. I knew he was a busi

t s

y

d I suffe

rry me fo

hought my head would burst. I turned to the window, close

going

he k

nding me into the arms of a

me over. I sneered bitterly. My father, the man who once celebrated my s

ments of my childhood-smiles, laughter, birthday cakes, bedtime

ered...Today w

tieth b

ming the most renowned doctor in the city. That was the dream I'd held onto with every fiber of my being. But h

y my father, manipulated by power, a

cakes with me, sing my favorite songs, hold my hand and dance with me.

ely down my cheeks. I had been through so much... and I ha

.. exce

nded me his handkerchief. I was startled, confused by the

ure of comfort-

a slow stop. O

still held in his. A colossal mansion stood bef

H MA

. Why was he being kind now, after threatening me

th," the workers greeted i

f my gown tightly, my

mansion was breathtaking-vast, spacious,

over us. Cheers erupted. His family was

his shoulder affectionately. He kissed her hands, and I noti

ghtly, giving me

ther called out, "Pleas

aint smile. She gestured coldly. "C

opped my hand, he walk

e, piercing look. It made my heart skip unevenly.

ull of something dark-s

alm her down. But I saw it clearly-the strangeness, the hatred bu

Aurora said politely, her voice ice-

ietly as she led me

g room. Aurora and Andrew

sher on her," Zinnia-Levande

n's signal. Chill..."

s are dangerous,I agree. But she de

a said gently, placing

't know. This all feels... wrong. The girl-

oftly, one of Levander's aunts. "S

ons spiraled. She slammed her phone hard

, reaching for her-but Zi

"Laura was innocent! And still, Gabriel raped her. He killed her! And

nia'

e intensity of my emotions. Seeing her-Gabriel's dau

nd. My shield. The only wom

ackwood. I watched the video-saw him stab her again and ag

s. When the truth finally

fought for her, sought justi

o justice. And he didn't know Levander was behind the case,or els

eal to boost his business in exchan

y bas

ed by Laura's screams. And now, Gabriel's daug

o her embrace. "Your brother knows what he's doing.

rts so much. Levi... he never told Laura how m

he room. His cold

ng," he sa

, face soak

how emotions. I warned you!" he b

" I shouted back

ed slightly. I

ly. Their father watched sil

ver loved anyon

said finally, voi

rks her r

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