LOGINANGELA’S POVI stood there for a second, staring at the room like it might suddenly shift or disappear, and then my scalp reminded me that I had pins digging into it for hours. With a soft groan, I reached up and began tugging them free one by one, each clink against the dresser top sounding like tiny sighs of freedom. My hair tumbled down around my shoulders in soft waves, smelling faintly of hairspray and jasmine.“Finally,” I muttered under my breath, shaking it loose.The wedding dress was next. I slid the zipper down and stepped carefully out of the heavy fabric, letting it pool at my feet. It was beautiful, don’t get me wrong, but also the most exhausting piece of clothing I had ever worn. After hanging it neatly on the wardrobe door, I padded barefoot into the bathroom.Warm light spilled over the marble tiles, soft and golden. I turned on the faucet, letting the tub fill until the water rose high enough to steam. The scent of lavender from the bath oil drifted up, and I climbe
Angela’s POVThe drive through the forest was quiet, the kind of silence that hums between the trees and presses softly against the windows. Moonlight poured through the canopy, turning the road ahead into a shadowy pattern.I watched the familiar path twist and bend, the leaves whispering above as if they recognized me. Isn't it funny how a place can feel so different depending on who you're with? The last time I’d been here, I was just a driver in Rainey’s car, dropping Aaron off. Now, sitting beside him in his own car as his pretend wife, I could feel a lump rise in my throat.My pulse quickened without my permission. Aaron must have felt it because his thumb brushed gently over the back of my hand. He didn’t say a word, but that small squeeze of reassurance spoke louder than any sentence. I looked at him briefly, and his eyes seemed to say what his lips didn’t: You’re safe. I’m right here.When the tall gates came into view, they slid open without a sound, and the mansion appeared
ANGELA’S POVSoon, the wedding party was finally winding down. The music had softened into something slow and tender, you know? Guests were hugging and laughing; a few were definitely tipsy from all the wine and good cheer. It was just strange, standing there while everyone came to say goodbye, showering us with all these warm wishes that didn’t feel entirely real to me yet.Mom pulled me into her arms first, holding me so tight I could barely breathe. “Be happy, sweetie,” she whispered, her voice trembling a little. “And promise me you’ll take care of each other, alright?”“I will, Mom,” I murmured. But a part of me was still wondering what each other was even supposed to mean for us.Then Dad was next. He didn’t say much, just kissed my forehead and muttered, “You did good, kiddo.” But when he turned to Aaron, his tone grew steady and serious. “She’s our only daughter. Be good to her.”Aaron just nodded, his face completely solemn. “You have my word, sir.”And then came my so-called
ANGELA’S POVHonestly, the whole ceremony just passed in a blur. One minute I’m saying “I do,” and the next, his mouth is on mine. It was warm, a little rough, and so real. Way more real than I was prepared for. You know how you expect one of those simple, polite kisses for the crowd? A harmless little moment? Well, he kissed me like he absolutely meant every second of it.When we finally pulled apart, the hall erupted. My mom was crying, Rainey was squealing about “true love,” and Aunt Laila had her hands pressed over her mouth like she’d just seen a miracle. I tried to smile for them, I really did, but my heart was hammering in my chest and wouldn’t quit.And then Aaron looked at me. His eyes were dark but soft around the edges. He was still bleeding near his temple, a thin line of red that, for some reason, no one else seemed to notice.“Angela,” he whispered, just for me, as people started to swarm us. “Stay close, alright?”I just nodded, still feeling a little stunned. “Are you
AARON’S POVOkay, I was dressed. Every button done, every crease perfect. But honestly, this tie felt like a noose. I didn’t loosen it though. My hands were shaking, which was stupid. It’s not like this was a real wedding, right? So why were my nerves going crazy?But then I pictured Angela. Waiting. Her eyes searching the crowd, her breath caught somewhere between hope and pure fear. That image was the only thing holding me together. I’d promised her I wouldn’t be late. Not today. But you know how it is; fate just loves to mess with your plans.“So you’re really doing this?” Mr. Smith’s voice came from the doorway.“Yes, I am,” I shot back without even thinking. No hesitation.He sighed, walking further into the room until he was right in front of me. “You really are your father’s son. Just as bullheaded.”I had to smile at that. “I’ll take it as a compliment.”I snatched my keys from the nightstand and headed out. The moment my car turned onto that forest road leading to the ceremon
ANGELA’S POVThe minutes dragged like hours. The laughter and music outside had started to fade, replaced by uneasy whispers that slipped through the walls like cold air. Every time the door opened, my heart jumped, hoping someone had come to tell me he was here. But it was never him, and each time my stomach sank a little deeper.My hands would not stop shaking. The bouquet Jace brought earlier suddenly felt too heavy, the stems slippery in my trembling fingers. The petals did not even look pretty anymore. Mom was pacing the room with her phone glued to her ear, muttering something I could not hear, while Dad stood by the window pretending to stay calm. But I knew that look. He was worried too.And honestly, I couldn’t help but think something had happened to him. What if it was because of me? What if getting him involved in my lie had put him in danger? Maybe he had changed his mind, maybe he had realized this was all too much. No. I refused to let my mind go there. He couldn’t be g







