LOGINMichael's POVAshley’s mouth opened to talk and in that single second, before any sound came out, I already knew my life was about to split cleanly down the middle.“Ashley,” Fernando warned again, his voice low and dangerous. “Don’t.”She doesn’t look at him, she only looked at me and that was when I knew she has already chosen.“Santiago is the one who kidnapped me,” she said, her voice shaking but firm.The world stopped and I don’t hear the gunfire anymore. I don’t hear the screaming servants or the shouted orders outside. All I heard was that sentence echoing in my skull like a gunshot fired inside my head.“What…?” I whispered.Henry shifted in my arms. "Michael?”I didn’t answer him, I couldn’t. My throat had closed completely, like my body was trying to stop any sound from coming out before I lose control entirely.Ashley kept going, because if she stopped now, she knew she won’t be able to continue.“He’s the one who orchestrated everything,” she says. “He’s been pretending
Michael's POVThe gunfire doesn’t stop, it only grew louder and closer as if it was slowly advancing towards the small hall where we had gathered. Sharp cracks tore through the night air outside the safe house, and whatever illusion of safety this place once had was completely gone.The walls felt thinner now, fragile, like they could shatter at any second.My arms were locked tightly around Henry.I didn’t even remember moving him closer to me. One moment he was standing beside me Ashley and me, excited about the wedding, the next I had pulled him into my chest so hard his face was buried against my neck.He was shaking so badly and it hurt that I couldn't stop whatever was causing this attack.“Michael” he whispered, his small fingers clutching my jacket like it was the only thing keeping him from falling apart. “What’s happening?”I swallow, forcing myself to breathe slowly even though my heart was slamming violently against my ribs.“It’s okay,” I murmured, over and over, like a
Fernando's POVThe moment Michael’s hand slid into mine, the world narrowed.His hand was warm, but I could feel the tension in it, the slight tremor he was trying very hard to hide. His shoulders were straight, his chin lifted, but I knew him too well. Beneath the composure was a storm of thought and doubt and fear.I tightened my grip just a little.He looked at me then, really looked at me, and his breath caught. I saw the flicker of emotion that passed through his eyes."You’re here," I thought. "You didn’t run."That alone felt like a victory.The priest cleared his throat again, his voice echoing faintly in the intimate space. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today—”I barely heard him. Instead, I leaned closer to Michael, my voice low enough that only he could hear. “Breathe.”He let out a shaky exhale. “I am.”“You’re doing well,” I murmured. “I’ve got you.”His fingers curled around mine more tightly, as if those words anchored him.The priest continued, speaking of
Michael's POVThe door hadn’t opened yet, and already my heart felt like it was trying to claw its way out of my chest.I stood there in the narrow space behind the hall, the low music from inside drifting through the thick wood like a distant pulse. Everyone was standing now, waiting for me.I adjusted my grip on Henry’s small hand for what felt like the tenth time in a minute. His palm was warm and slightly sweaty, excitement radiating off him in waves. On my other side, Ashley stood close, too close to be casual, close enough that I knew she was ready to catch me if my knees finally gave out.“You’re shaking,” she murmured.“I’m not,” I lied automatically.She squeezed my arm. “Michael.”I exhaled slowly, forcing myself to unclench my shoulders. “Okay. Maybe a little.”Henry looked up at me, his eyes wide and sparkling. “Is it my turn soon?”I smiled despite myself. “Soon, buddy.”I had caught a glimpse of Fernando earlier, just a second, just enough to lodge itself into my m
Fernando’s POVI had already dressed twice. Now, standing still before the full-length mirror, I adjusted my cufflinks for the third time.They were flawless silver, engraved, and custom-made. The suit fit me like it had been sewn directly onto my body. It didn’t restrict my movement, but it reminded me of who I was, what I carried and what I ruled.I straightened my jacket one final time and turned away from the mirror just as a knock echoed through the room. “Come in,” I said.The door opened, and Marlo stepped inside.He was already dressed as well, dark suit, immaculate lines, his posture straight and alert.Marlo had seen me at my worst and that made him invaluable.“You’re early,” he said, glancing briefly at the clock on the wall.“I don’t intend to be late to my own wedding,” I replied calmly.He huffed out a quiet breath. “You’ve checked the time six times in the last ten minutes.”“I like knowing where I stand.”His eyes flicked to me. “You like controlling where everyth
Michael’s POVI almost didn’t recognize myself. I stared at my reflection like it belonged to a stranger.The man staring back wore a tailored black suit that hugged his shoulders perfectly. The white shirt beneath was crisp, the cufflinks gleaming softly under the warm light. My hair had been styled carefully, every strand placed with intention.Fernando never tolerated imperfection and yet, no matter how flawless the image appeared, I felt like I was splintering apart from the inside.My chest felt too tight, like the air in the room had thickened. My heartbeat was loud, too loud, thudding in my ears in a frantic rhythm that refused to calm.This was happening tonight. I was about to marry Fernando.The words echoed in my head, heavy and unreal, as though saying them enough times might make them settle but they didn’t. My gaze drifted to the dresser and i saw my phone there, face down.I reached for it instinctively then froze halfway. My fingers hovered inches above the screen, tr







