Chapter 002

The Knights sent a sleek black limo to pick me up, and it waited silently outside like a predator. I hesitated for a moment before stepping inside, the interior plush and luxurious. The driver shot me a quick glance in the rearview mirror before pulling away, navigating the streets with alarming speed. My head hammered with nerves, but I kept repeating to myself: You can do this, Lana. You can get through today.

When the limo arrived at the Knights’ villa, I was struck by its sheer size. The mansion loomed before me, opulent and intimidating. A party was already in full swing inside, laughter and music spilling into the air like a vibrant tide.

As I stepped through the grand entrance, I scanned the room. My heart sank when I only recognized three faces: my stepmother, Vivian; my stepsister, Naomi; and my boyfriend, Jordan. The sight of them made my stomach churn. They were supposed to be my support, yet they felt more like the eyes of judgment.

A doorman approached to escort me inside, but I quickly told him I needed a few minutes to speak with someone. He shook his head firmly, his expression unyielding. “It’s an order from the Knights. I can’t let you out of my sight.”

The audacity! I felt anger flare within me, but I fought to keep my voice steady. “I’m the bride of today’s event. I have every right to speak to someone. You can’t treat me like a prisoner.”

After a moment of tense silence, he sighed, his resolve crumbling. “Fine. Just five minutes.”

I spun around and walked straight to Jordan, feeling the eyes of the party guests on me, but I refused to care.

“Hey,” I whispered into his ear, urgency lacing my words. “I need to talk to you.”

He raised an eyebrow, glancing around. “This isn’t appropriate, Lana. We shouldn’t be seen together like this—not now.”

“I don’t care,” I insisted, my voice barely above a whisper. “I missed you, and I need your reassurance right now.”

He sighed, the tension easing from his shoulders slightly. “You don’t need to worry about anything. You’re not doing anything wrong, and I understand you.”

“It just feels ridiculous marrying a complete stranger,” I admitted, my heart racing with uncertainty.

Jordan leaned in, pressing a quick kiss on my forehead. “Everything will be fine. Trust me.” He stepped back, and I watched him leave, feeling a mix of comfort and loss.

Just then, I noticed the doorman waiting patiently for me. I followed him down a long corridor, my heart pounding louder with every step. He led me to a door and nudged it open, stepping aside for me to enter.

Inside, my breath caught. Adrian lay unconscious, linked to a maze of beeping machines, a ghost of the man in the photograph. I felt an odd mix of emotions wash over me—sympathy, sadness, and a strange sense of duty. Approaching him felt awkward, and I hesitated for a moment before speaking, even though I knew he couldn’t hear me.

“Hi, Adrian,” I said softly, squeezing his hand gently. “I guess I’m your bride now.” He looked so peaceful, as if he were merely sleeping. Beautiful, even in his stillness.

Just then, the door creaked open again, and a tall man entered, holding a briefcase. His demeanor was professional and slightly intimidating.

“I’m the attorney for the Knights,” he said, his voice smooth and direct. “I need you to sign some papers.”

I glanced down at the documents he laid out on a nearby table. My heart raced as I skimmed through the terms, and there it was—the five million dollars promised for my father’s surgery.

I signed the papers, my hand shaking slightly. “Congratulations, Mrs. Knight,” the attorney said with a polite smile. “You’re officially married. Now, I advise you to go greet the other family members.”

“Thank you,” I replied, forcing a smile as he exited the room. Once alone, I turned back to Adrian. “Well, congratulations on marrying a complete stranger,” I said with a nervous laugh, even though I knew he couldn’t hear me.

Leaning against the wall, I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to catch my breath. That’s when I heard it—soft, strange sounds coming from the other room. I leaned closer, curious.

“It’s my wedding day,” I giggled to myself, shaking my head. “But it sounds like someone else is enjoying it.”

Then I froze. “I’m gonna cum. Ahhh!”

The voice was unmistakable. My heart raced, and I felt the blood drain from my face.

“Fuck, Naomi! I’m gonna cum. Ahh!”

My stomach dropped. No. This can’t be happening.