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Chapter 3

Liam’s POV

The moment Elijah got into the room and asked that question, I didn't know what to do... . I didn’t have a choice. And for some reason my whole body seemed drawn to him, but my mind screamed at me to resist him.

I had to do what I did, of course, for my sister to save her from marrying that man. Elijah is ruthless, fearless, and merciless—he wouldn’t spare anyone. I couldn’t allow Ella to marry someone who didn’t care for her.

If she had gotten married to him, it would be the end of her, because he has a lot of mistresses and would mistreat her as a girl… and I could never forgive myself. So I made my decision…I would do everything I could to protect her, even if it means risking my own life.

The moment he said we were actually getting married without even trying to deny it or cancel the marriage because that was what I was expecting, I had no room to refuse.

My sister tried everything possible to convince the both of us, especially me, not to go with him…her voice sounded so broken, and her hands were shaking as she pleaded with me in tears.

But I couldn’t allow her to go into this hell called marriage.... . So when Elijah told my sister to dress up and wait for his instructions and then turned to me and told me to get dressed, I felt my stomach knotted with fear and somehow—desire.

I didn’t turn to look at my sister when he left because she would try to stop me again, so I went straight into my room. I almost passed out in shock when I saw someone in a black suit facing backwards in my room!

When I got closer and saw the badge logo on his suit… I found out that it was one of Elijah’s men. He has a duffle bag on his knee, and I clearly saw a gun in there.

He turned slowly at me; his face was completely serious, not even a trace of warmth or a smile. “What are you doing in my room? Who are you?” I asked, my voice wavering slightly.

He adjusted his dark glasses and finally pulled it off… His eyes were cold and piercing. “I am Miguel, the boss’s right-hand man. Don Elijah asked me to bring these clothes for you to dress up for your wedding. Do it in five minutes. I will be waiting outside to take you to the venue with your sister.”

And with that, he turned and left without another word.

I stood there, frozen for a moment. I had nothing to say ... of course I shouldn't have a say here. I am just his pawn, his plaything, and he knew it; I couldn’t decide anything for myself again… I lost my freedom the moment I agreed to be his bride.

But I couldn’t seem to shake off that feeling that Miguel hated me…because the way his face twisted in anger and the way he spoke to me was filled with disdain.

It was like he had a personal grudge against me, or was I just overthinking everything? His expression was sharp, more like I took what belongs to him or something, and the thought of that made my skin prickle.

I waved off the thought immediately and quickly dressed up… I wouldn't want to keep him waiting, or he would take out the anger on my sister or family instead.

I opened the box on my bed and found out that it was a perfectly golden tailored suit, the same style as Elijah’s own suit, and for a brief moment, I allowed myself to wonder—does that mean he planned this wedding ahead of time? Because there is no way he can be this fast to get my actual size and the same suit in just a few minutes!

It only means one thing: he had me in mind all along; he actually planned to ruin my life! No wonder he said that I shouldn't get married until instructed.

I pushed the thought aside, combed my hair meticulously by the side, and checked myself in the mirror one more time. I looked good, professional, and presentable…but inside, I felt exposed and afraid.

Soon enough, I finished dressing up and walked to where my sister was… She was already dressed up like she was going to be the bride, and I couldn't help but wonder what exactly he was planning.

Miguel escorted both of us to the venue of the wedding, which wasn't far from home. When we got there I was instructed to hold my sister's hand and take her down the aisle, and I did.

But just as we were about to go, Miguel came closer to me and whispered into my ear. “You should know one thing… I love Elijah. I’ve loved him all my life, even if he’s my boss. You can’t replace me, even if you get married to him. Just get that into your head.”

I swallowed hard, trying not to respond; his words were filled with venom and raw hatred. But I tried to brighten my face and smile as my sister noticed my uneasiness. What did he mean by that?

The whole field where the wedding was to be held was decorated lavishly, with white flowers cascading from golden arches, and soft music was playing in the background.

Everyone was seated, murmuring quietly… I could see my father smiling from where he was seated…. I knew that smile was mixed with pain. Mr. Ronaldo, Elijah’s father, was seated beside my father, waving at everyone who arrived happily. Only God knew how much I hated that man!

I held Ella’s hand tightly. Tears rolled down her eyes as she stared at me without saying a word. I whispered softly, trying to reassure her, “Don’t cry, Ella. Don’t spoil the plan. Remember, Father doesn’t know about this.”

She nodded her head slowly as one of the maidens dabbed her tears so as not to ruin her makeup…she smiled, and the both of us walked down the aisle slowly as soft violin music played.

When we got there, the priest was already waiting at the front, his face filled with a calm and solemn smile. I slowly released Ella’s hand as we approached, trying to steady my own racing heart. That’s when I saw Elijah… He kept the wine he was drinking and smirked at me.

He walked to the center meant for the bride and groom and stood there with a commanding posture. His gaze didn’t leave mine, and my chest tightened immediately… This almost looked like a dream wedding, but reality struck me again.

Suddenly, he stepped between as everyone clapped, but the smiling faces were filled with terror the moment he took my hands instead of Ella’s.Gasps filled the air; Ella cried and stared at me for a while before she left and stood by the other side.

Only his presence beside me was almost like I was suffocating… he said with a loud and cold voice. “Everyone, as we all know, today is my wedding day. Welcome to Elijah’s wedding day. And Liam Sabasto here is my groom—let’s just say my wife.”

Gasps rippled through the crowd as the audience murmured with shock and disbelief on their faces. My father’s face turned pale; his mouth opened and closed as if any word he said would fail him. Mr. Ronaldo’s jaw tightened as his eyes widened in surprise.

I lowered my gaze immediately because I didn’t want them to see the panic and confusion in my eyes. My heart pounded as I glanced at Miguel, who was staring hard at me while sipping his wine.

I quickly remembered the venom in his eyes when he first delivered the suit to me; it was clear he never liked me, even for a bit, as his eyes radiated between anger and hatred.

“Unbelievable!” my father shouted, his voice cracking. “You’re trying to say that my son is your bride? You're getting married to my only son? How is that possible!?”

“No, no, no! Elijah,” Mr. Ronaldo said, waving his hand frantically. “You must be joking. This is serious. This ceremony is important, and you don’t have to spoil it because you are going to be the Don of this gang. This is…this is unacceptable.”

Whispers spread through the crowd like wildfire.

“The Don is getting married to a man!?”

“Despicable!”

“This is definitely a shame to the mafia world!”

“A same-sex marriage? In this city? In our world?”

I could hear every murmur and gasp, but I just stood there, refusing to lift my gaze because my father's glare could kill.

I said nothing, and my throat went dry immediately… My hands were already trembling slightly. I prayed silently that the contract would be called off, that someone would intervene, and that this would all vanish like a nightmare.

“This is not happening, Liam,” my father barked. “You are not going to be a bride to the son of my best friend…. Gay marriage is not allowed! Mr. Ronaldo, please stop this stupidity from happening. That is my son, and you are…you are molesting this arrangement. This is not what we discussed!”

Elijah’s father’s face darkened, and he shouted at his son. “Stop this nonsense immediately ... what has gotten into your head? Your wife is Ella!”

And just as the chaos was going on, a man from Elijah’s gang who was sitting stood up immediately in anger. “Don? You call yourself a leader, but you end up destroying through rules! Our gang will be a laughingstock because our boss is marrying a man. This is despicable!”

Before he could finish, a gunshot rang out, straight to his forehead…. Everyone froze in shock. I covered my mouth in horror as the man dropped to the ground, blood bubbling from his mouth and nose.

Elijah had shot him before everyone's eyes, though I'm not too surprised, but I was afraid of his determination. The crowd was like water poured into a fire instantly, as there was total dead silence in fear. No one dared move, speak, or even breathe.

Elijah stepped forward, steadying his hand on his gun hand. He approached his father, pointing the gun at him now with a brutal face. His heart is so dark that he can even kill his own father?

“Father, you have no say in this. Check the contract yourself. It says I can marry any child of the Sebastian family. It doesn’t specify daughter or son. Both of us are getting married today. Nothing can stop us! Do you understand? I am marrying Liam Sabasto, and no one—not even your mafia world…will stop me.”

Mr. Ronaldo snatched the contract from Miguel and scanned the pages frantically, and to my greatest surprise, his face went from shock to disbelief. “No, no, this can’t happen. I was sure it said daughter, not any child. Who changed this contract? And even if it is changed, I am still the boss. I have a say here, and you are not getting married to him!”

Elijah’s eyes were icy, and he laughed out loudly.

“Did you forget what you said three days ago, two days ago? You said it yourself that I am the new boss of this gang. You cannot go back on your word now. This marriage is happening, and there is nothing you can do to stop it.”

My heart flipped.