chapter three

**Vanessa's POV**

"No, I won't do it," I said, ignoring the gasp from my mother and the sharp intake of breath from my father.

"What do you mean you won't do it?" His glare was icy as he fixed his gaze on me.

"I won't be Evenly's substitute," I shook my head, still looking at the floor.

"Do you think you have a say? He promised to destroy our house and villages, and you think it's best to be selfish right now?"

"You call this selfish, huh?" I blinked back tears. "Why do I have to be the one to suffer for her own mistakes and your people's greediness?" I yelled.

"You will do it, and that is final. You won't be the reason for the downfall of this village," he said, as if it were my fault from the start. "Get dressed."

Forced into wearing the dress my mom claimed looked pretty on me, we arrived at the palace, disembarked from the carriage, and ventured inside.

"The wedding will be immediate so you won't have a chance to run away," my mother whispered, fueling resentment towards her and my father.

Led into the dressing room, I glanced around while my mother went out to fetch the maids. The door opened and closed behind me.

I turned, facing a strange elderly man standing by the door.

"You must be the bride," he nodded, assessing me.

"And who are you?" I asked, ignoring the fact he was intensely staring into my eyes. He commanded a presence that transcended mere physicality. Despite the weight of years etched upon his weathered face, his piercing gaze held an unwavering strength that demanded respect. His silvered mane cascaded in waves around his broad shoulders, a testament to the wisdom accumulated over a lifetime of experiences. Deep furrows lined his forehead, etched by countless tales of triumphs and hardships, each one adding depth to his profound wisdom. Despite the stoop of age, his stature remained imposing, and his every movement exuded a quiet authority that spoke volumes without a word. 

"I am an elder of this pack," he answered. I had heard of something like that before, but this was my first encounter. 

"I came to warn you against trying to run away, don't even think about it."

What's with these people assuming I'll flee just because of a marriage of convenience?

"And don't try to jeopardize the wedding; else, your family will face the consequences," he left without giving me a moment to respond.

After some time had passed since he left, my mother returned with a few other maids.

"Change into these," she handed me a red gown, urging me into the closet. I took off my dress and wore the one I was asked to.

Looking at the mirror, the dress was tight around the waist, forming a corset, then flowing over my hips.

I walked out, met with an exaggerated gasp from my mum's lips. "Look at how beautiful you look." I would laugh at how much fakeness she could fit into one sentence, but I just wanted this to be over with.

"Can we please get this over with?" I sat in the chair as they worked on my makeup and hair.

**Vanessa POV**

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The atmosphere was tense as I walked into the hall, all eyes fixated on me. My father rushed to my side, guiding me to the altar.

I gazed at the man standing in a suit, his hair the darkest shade of black I had ever seen. His grey eyes showed no interest, and I felt a strange pull as I approached the altar. The moon goddess had apparently decided to make this man my second-chance mate out of convenience.

If he felt the tug, he didn't show it. His expression remained unchanged, and he didn't utter a word.

My father left me at the altar and returned to sit at the front row with my overly excited mum.

The deacon began the ceremony, uttering words I couldn't comprehend, while I remained fixated on my soon-to-be husband.

"Do you, Lorenzo Ruzzo, take Vanessa Miller to be your legally wedded wife?" The deacon's words were directed at the man in front of me.

"I do," he gruffly replied, his face passive.

"And do you, Vanessa Miller, take Lorenzo Ruzzo to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

I could've chosen to say no, but the warning from the elder lingered in my mind.

His eyes twitched at my delayed response, the first reaction I'd seen from him since our encounter.

I glanced at my father, staring angrily, while my mother pleaded with her eyes.

Taking a deep breath, I looked at my soon-to-be husband. "I do."

The hall erupted in cheers, and people stood clapping.

"I now pronounce you Husband and Wife," the deacon stepped aside. "You may now kiss the bride."

In that moment, my heart burst into fireworks, and I forgot how to breathe.

He leaned down to kiss me, The moment our lips brushed, an electric current seemed to surge between us. It was as if the air crackled with an unspoken understanding, a magnetic pull drawing us closer. My heart quickened its pace, syncopating with the rhythm of an unfamiliar but thrilling dance. In that fleeting touch, time paused, allowing a flood of unspoken emotions and uncharted connections to weave between us, setting the stage for an unexplored journey yet to unfold. It was as if the universe paused just for us. There was a soft, tentative exploration, a delicate dance of uncertainty giving way to an overwhelming rush of emotions. The sensation of their breath mingling with mine sent a shiver down my spine, igniting a fire within. Time seemed to stretch, allowing every heartbeat to echo the intensity of that singular moment, a fusion of longing and exhilaration. In that first kiss, a new chapter unfurled, etching an indelible mark on the canvas of our intertwined destinies.

Quickly, he recoiled, leaving me standing there with flushed cheeks, embarrassed.