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BELLA
Ihave been dreading this day for an entire month, the longest month of my life. And my suspicions about Isiah and his intentions toward my family have only grown exponentially since seeing the board in his London apartment and then learning he was involved in the fire in the basement of Insignia.
And yet, the last one I can’t help but admire him for. He risked everything to save innocent children, an oddly selfless act for a man who always appears cold and aloof.
Even so, I’ve voiced my concerns about Isiah’s reason for marrying me to my father over and over, and every time he dismisses me. I know deep down Isiah is hiding something huge.
Today I’m going to be forced to walk down the aisle and say “I do” to a man who clearly has it out for my family.
I stand in front of my dressing mirror, barely able to recognize the woman staring back. In a month, it feels like my whole world has been turned upside down, and all because of one man. A man I hate.
All I want to do is run far away and never look back, but I’m not stupid enough to believe I’d make it very far. Both my dad’s and Isiah’s powers and influence are too much to contend with.
A soft knock sounds at the door and Nina opens it, giving me a sad smile. “I can’t believe this is happening,” she mutters.
I shake my head. “Me neither.”
Her eyes travel the length of my body, taking in the sight of my wedding dress. “You look absolutely stunning.”
It’s a beautiful dress, made from a soft white tulle fabric adorned with intricate ivory floral lace applique. My waistline has been cinched by an exquisitely beaded band of exquisite crystal beadwork along the edges and throughout the bodice. The sleeves are long and fitted to my arms, constructed from layers of lace and cascading over each shoulder. Meanwhile, the skirt falls to floor length in a light silhouette that sweeps gracefully as I walk. It truly is a gorgeous dress and I can’t help but feel sad that I’m wearing it to marry Isiah Darcy, a man I despise.
Nina is wearing a beautiful pale pink dress as my bridesmaid.
“How are you feeling?”
I give her a look that says don’t ask.
She nods. “I thought as much.” Walking forward, she sighs heavily. “It’s ironic, isn’t it?” she asks.
“What is?”
“You don’t want to marry Isiah and you have to and I wanted to be with Cathal and he doesn’t want me.” She shakes her head. “Are we doomed to never get what we want?”
I know that ever since Cathal broke things off with Nina, she’s been spiraling into darkness again. He made her better when he was around, but now...I hate to think what will happen when I’m no longer living here, thousands of miles away.
“Yeah, pretty fucking shitty, if you ask me.”
She laughs, but it’s humorless, placing her hands gently on my shoulders as she tries to console me.
“Come on,” she says. “Let’s go and get this over and done with.”
I swallow hard. “I’m being married to a monster.”
“Did you ever expect any different?”
As I think about that question, I realize this is what I’ve expected all my life, so why does it feel so wrong?
Taking a deep breath, I shake my head. “No, I supposed I didn’t.”
I grab the bouquet of white roses and then walk out into the hallway with Nina.
The sound of the organ music fills my ears and sends a chill down my spine.
The wedding venue is nothing short of stunningly beautiful; it looks as if it’s been taken right out of a fairytale book. The walls are draped in white silk fabric with golden accents adorning every corner, while crystal chandeliers provide a soft glow to the already romantic atmosphere. A red carpet leads us to where Isiah stands alongside Cathal, who he asked to be his best man.
I know it’s difficult for Nina to see him, as she barely looks in his direction.
The look in Isiah’s eyes is cold, yet calculating as he watches me approach him with Nina close to my side.
