Chapter 4

Vows and Velvet Lies

The garden had transformed into a fairytale of white roses and golden chairs. Soft music floated through the air as guests in designer outfits took their seats. I stood at the edge of the aisle in my emerald bridesmaid dress, bouquet trembling slightly in my hands. Everything looked perfect. Everything felt like a lie.

Mom walked down the aisle like a queen, glowing with happiness. Alexander waited at the altar, tall and devastating in his black tuxedo, his gray eyes locked on her. But when I followed behind as her only bridesmaid, those same eyes shifted to me. Just for a heartbeat. It was enough to make my steps falter.

The officiant began the ceremony. I stood to the side, watching my mother promise forever to the man who had pinned me with hungry stares less than an hour ago.

“Do you, Alexander Voss, take Lydia to be your wife?” the officiant asked.

Alexander’s voice was steady and deep. “I do.” But his gaze flicked to me again as he said it. My chest tightened.

Mom recited her vows with tears in her eyes, voice full of joy. “You’ve given me a second chance at love, Alexander. I can’t wait to build our family together.”

Family. The word hit differently now.

After the “you may kiss the bride” moment, applause erupted. Alexander kissed my mother elegant, controlled. Yet when they pulled apart and he looked straight at me while holding her hand, something twisted low in my stomach.

At the reception, the ballroom sparkled under chandeliers. I tried to lose myself in small talk with distant relatives and Mom’s friends, but Alexander found me near the champagne tower.

“Elara,” he said smoothly, appearing at my side with two glasses. He handed me one. “You look breathtaking in that color. I was right to choose it.”

I took the glass, careful not to let our fingers touch. “Thank you… Daddy.” The word still felt dangerous on my tongue. “The ceremony was beautiful. Mom looks so happy.”

“She does.” He took a sip, standing close enough that his arm brushed mine. The crowd around us made it look innocent. “And you? How are you holding up, little one?”

I forced a smile for anyone watching. “I’m fine. This is all just… a lot. One day you’re a stranger, the next you’re my stepfather.”

His low chuckle sent warmth spreading through me. “Stepfather. That word sounds wrong coming from you after last night and this morning.” He leaned in slightly under the pretense of checking the champagne. “Tell me the truth. During the vows, where was your mind?”

I glanced around nervously. Mom was laughing with guests across the room. “On how wrong this feels. On how you looked at me while promising to love her.”

His jaw clenched. “I meant every word I said to her. She deserves the world. But you…” His free hand brushed the small of my back, hidden by the crowd. “You make me question things I shouldn’t.”

“Stop,” I whispered sharply, though I didn’t step away. “People will notice. This is my mother’s wedding day, Alexander. We can’t”

“Can’t what?” he interrupted, voice velvet soft. “Can’t admit there’s something here? Can’t admit that when you called me Daddy in the kitchen, it lit a fire I haven’t been able to put out?”

My cheeks burned. I downed half my champagne in one go. “You’re married now. Officially. That should end whatever game this is.”

“It should,” he agreed, but his thumb traced a small circle on my back. “Yet here I am, unable to stay away from my own reception because my new stepdaughter is driving me insane in emerald silk.”

A server passed by, and we both straightened. Alexander smiled politely until the man left.

“I need some air,” I muttered, setting my glass down.

“I’ll escort you to the terrace,” he said immediately. “It’s what a good father would do.”

We slipped outside onto the stone terrace overlooking the gardens. Fairy lights twinkled in the trees. The music from inside became muffled.

“Better?” he asked, standing beside me at the railing. His shoulder touched mine.

“No,” I admitted, gripping the stone. “You’re making everything confusing. Yesterday I didn’t even know you. Today you’re my stepdad and you keep touching me like… like you want more.”

“I do want more.” His honesty stole my breath. He turned to face me fully. “I want to know what makes you laugh. What makes you angry. What sounds you make when” He stopped himself, running a hand through his hair. “Fuck, Elara. I’m forty-two years old. I should have better control than this.”

“Then control it,” I shot back, though my voice shook. “For Mom. For all of us.”

He stepped closer, cupping my elbow gently. “And if I can’t? If every time you say ‘Daddy’ it makes me want to lock the door and find out exactly how forbidden this can get?”

My lips parted. Before I could respond, his phone buzzed. He checked it and cursed softly.

“Cutting the cake soon. We need to go back.” He looked at me, eyes burning. “But tonight, after the guests leave… we finish this conversation properly. My office. No running away this time.”

I nodded weakly, unable to speak.

We returned inside separately. The rest of the reception passed in a blur of laughter, dancing, and toasts. I danced with Mom, then politely with Alexander for the “family dance.” His hand on my waist felt like a brand.

“You’re trembling again,” he whispered as we moved across the floor.

“Because I’m scared of what happens next,” I replied honestly.

“Good. Fear keeps you careful.” His grip tightened. “But it won’t stop me from wanting you, little girl.”

The song ended. He released me with a perfect, public smile.

Later, as guests began to leave and Mom yawned, mentioning heading upstairs, Alexander caught my eye across the emptying ballroom.

He tilted his head subtly toward the east wing his office.

My heart raced as I slipped away from the goodbyes.

The hallway to his office was dimly lit. I hesitated outside the heavy door, hand hovering.

Before I could knock, it opened.

Alexander stood there, jacket off, shirt sleeves rolled up, looking like sin and power wrapped in one.

“Inside,” he said quietly, pulling me in by my wrist and closing the door behind us with a soft, final click.

His eyes dropped to my lips.

“Now… where were we?”