6

A MONTH LATER

Sophia's POV

Life often leads us down unexpected paths, forcing us to confront realities we never imagined.

This is my reality.

I scrawled those words on a scrap of paper in the dressing room before stepping out into the moment that would change everything.

This isn't the life I dreamed of. It's the complete opposite of what I envisioned for myself and my future.

I’ve always believed in love—real, deep love—because I’ve felt its magic in fleeting moments. Marrying without love? That was something I never thought I’d consider, let alone experience. But here I am, about to do exactly that.

The sound of applause swells and then fades into a distant hum as I walk toward the arbor. My gaze locks onto the man waiting for me at the end of the aisle.

Dante's.

Today, I’ll become his bride—not because we’re in love, but because life demands sacrifices.

I’m doing this for my father. To see him stand tall again, to restore the pride and strength he once carried. To help him rebuild what was lost. And, perhaps most satisfyingly, for revenge—revenge against Liam and Clara.

This isn’t about restoring my family’s wealth. But if helping my father recover his business leads us back to financial stability, so be it. My mother, beaming in the crowd, certainly believes this is the solution to all our problems.

For me, the thought of revenge is sweeter. I will see Liam and Clara grovel before me, begging for forgiveness.

And let’s be honest: who wouldn’t envy a woman marrying the city’s youngest billionaire? It’s the ultimate power move.

Every step I take toward Dante's feels like a victory march. The humiliation Liam and Clara will feel when they see me as Mrs. Lorenzo makes my heart race. This isn’t just a wedding—it’s my statement to the world.

Dante's doesn’t know it yet, but I’m not someone he can control. I’ve ensured that with the marriage contract we’ll sign tonight. He may think he’s the one making the rules, but I have my plans too.

When I’m close enough, I offer Dante's my brightest smile. His expression is like stone—cold and unyielding.

The veil drapes lightly over my face, concealing the decorative braids and curls in my hair. I lift the hem of my dress slightly, careful not to trip as I reach him. The little flower girl at my side hands me my bouquet, and I accept it with a nod.

The crowd's applause fades, and the priest steps forward with a serene smile.

I glance briefly around. There’s no bridesmaid by my side, no maid of honor. Clara and Liam were my closest friends—until they betrayed me. Their friends, naturally, sided with them, leaving me with no one.

Interestingly, Dante's doesn’t have a best man either. Is it because he knew I’d be standing here alone, or does he also lack close friends?

“Dearly beloved,” the priest begins, drawing my focus back to the moment. “We are gathered here today to join Dante Lorenzo and Sophia Adams in holy matrimony before God and man. Marriage is a sacred bond, a commitment to stand by each other through life’s trials and triumphs…”

The priest’s voice becomes a backdrop to my thoughts. My gaze shifts to the ring bearer, a young boy dressed like a miniature priest. I stifle a chuckle—how fitting that Dante didn’t even bother with a proper best man.

When the priest offers Dante's the first ring, he takes it with a calm confidence that annoys me.

Dante's turns to me, his left hand open for mine. The other holds the diamond ring—a shimmering symbol of wealth and power.

This is the moment my mother has been waiting for. She must be holding her breath, hoping I won’t do anything to ruin this union. She knows my rebellious streak well.

But I won’t disrupt this ceremony. I have too much to gain.

Slowly, I place my hand in Dante'’s, and he begins his vows with a steady voice.

“In the name of God, I, Dante's Lorenzo, take you, Sophia Adams, as my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.”

The diamond ring slides onto my finger with ease.

The words sound so sincere, almost emotional, but I know better.

It’s my turn now. The priest holds out the second ring, and my hands tremble as I take it. Reality hits me hard—I’m truly marrying a man I don’t love.

This isn’t Liam.

Liam, my first love. The man I dreamed of marrying. I wanted him to propose out of love, without prompting, without interference.

But he betrayed me. And now I’m here, pledging my life to someone else.

“In the name of God, I, Sophia Adams, take you, Dante Lorenzo, as my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.”

I slip the ring onto his finger, noticing a faint sigh of relief from him.

The priest’s voice booms again, declaring, “With the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”

Panic flares within me. Kiss? No!

Before I can react, Dante's lifts my veil, his face mere inches from mine. His scent—expensive cologne—fills my senses, grounding me.

I can’t let this happen.

As he leans in, I tilt my head away. His lips graze my cheek instead of my mouth.

The crowd erupts into applause, but Dante's glare is sharp, almost venomous.

I meet his eyes and grin. Victory.