Chapter 1

Geraldine’s Point of View

For most women, a wedding is one of the most treasured milestones in life. It is the moment they have dreamed of, the celebration of love with the man they hold dearest. But for me, things were never that simple. A wedding is not about the romance or the fantasy. It is about the mission.

Today, as I walked down the aisle, my eyes locked on the groom waiting at the altar. His smile widened the closer I came, and instinctively, I curved my lips into one as well. It was a performance, after all.

When I finally reached him, he took my hand and gently pressed a kiss to the back of it.

“Baby,” he whispered with a trembling smile, “at last. I’m so lucky to have you in my life.”

“Yes,” I answered smoothly, though my chest remained calm and cold. “I never thought we’d finally make it here, my Senator.”

He chuckled softly at my words, pride shining in his eyes.

“Before anything else,” he said, reaching for the microphone at his side, “I’d like to say something first.”

The guests grew curious, whispers rising, while I tilted my head, pretending to be intrigued. He tested the mic with a grin.

“Testing, my check, my check. Ah, perfect.”

Laughter rippled through the hall. But I did not laugh. I already knew what was coming next. It was my cue.

“One last message,” I said as I took the mic from him, “before I run away from this wedding.”

Gasps filled the church. The Senator’s smile faltered. His eyes widened, darting nervously from me to the crowd.

“What do you mean?” he stammered.

Poor man. I had spent three months luring him, teasing him, letting him believe he had me wrapped around his finger. He was so easy. Too easy.

“Josh Forger,” I said with a smirk, my voice steady, “let’s end this here, baby.”

“Baby, what? Why?” His voice cracked. He clutched my hand desperately, panic rising in his eyes. “Did I do something wrong? Tell me what you want. I’ll kneel right here if that’s what it takes. Please, if you’ve heard rumors, none of them are true. Let me explain.”

And then, in front of everyone, the Senator fell to his knees.

The crowd erupted in chaos. Guests murmured in shock, some trying to calm him, others staring at me in disbelief. But I did not flinch. My face was devoid of emotion as I let out a soft sigh.

“You want to apologize?” I said quietly, leaning down so only he could hear. “Don’t apologize to me. Apologize to them.”

I pointed toward the back.

Five pregnant women stood trembling with fury, tears streaking their faces. Each carried the weight of betrayal, and behind them, uniformed officers and enraged family members stepped forward.

“Panagutan mo kami, Senator!” one of the women screamed. “You used us, left us, and now you think you can marry her as if nothing happened?”

The color drained from his face. Sweat broke on his forehead. He turned back to me, eyes pleading, but I only smiled.

“My mission here is finished. Face your women, Senator. Face your children. Face the justice you tried to escape.”

I placed my bouquet in his trembling hands.

“Give this to your victims,” I whispered.

And then I walked away.

The hall erupted into chaos behind me. Shouts, cries, the Senator’s desperate voice calling my name. But I did not look back. I pressed a finger to my earpiece.

“Mission accomplished,” I said coolly.

“Excellent work, Agent,” my chief’s voice replied, calm and satisfied. “You’ve exposed him before everyone and destroyed his reputation. The women got the justice they wanted. Police will take care of the rest.”

“He deserved it,” I muttered. “A womanizing politician like him. Caught on camera, no less. Perfect. Now I deserve a week of sleep, right?”

“You’ll get more than sleep,” he chuckled. “Pack your bags. You’ve got a ticket to Europe. Flight leaves tomorrow at noon. Consider it a vacation until your next assignment.”

I almost squealed. My chief always knew how to reward me.

I was about to leave when a commotion near the other aisle caught my attention. A bride was humiliating her groom right there in front of all their guests.

“I will never marry you,” she sneered at the man seated in a wheelchair. “You’re crippled now. You can’t even walk. I’ve found someone better.”

Her lover stepped forward, smug, taking her hand. The guests buzzed, scandalized. The man in the chair, Michael, said nothing. His face was pale, his silence louder than words.

My chest tightened. He didn’t deserve that kind of cruelty. It wasn’t his fault fate had placed him there.

And then I made a choice.

I tore off my wig, letting my long hair cascade down my back. I stripped away the disguise piece by piece until only a simple white dress remained. Then I marched toward the stage, my heart pounding.

“Mikeeeey!” I cried out.

The crowd froze. Michael lifted his head, his sharp features striking, even in pain. My breath caught in my throat. Damn it. He was far too handsome.

Professional, Geraldine. Be professional.

I ran toward him, shoving the gold-digging bride aside.

“Why would you marry a woman like her?” I demanded, clutching his hand. “It’s me you love, isn’t it? I realized I love you too. I can’t let you marry someone else.”

He stared at me, confused, but when I gave him a subtle signal, he understood. Slowly, he nodded.

“This woman doesn’t deserve you,” I said fiercely. “I accept you completely, wheelchair and all. I’ll love you until death, even if it means carrying you everywhere.”

“Who the hell are you?” the bride snapped, red with rage.

“Does it matter?” I smirked. “All you need to know is that you’ve lost. He’s mine now.”

I waved at the guards, who quickly escorted her and her lover out.

Michael’s gaze never left me. Then, before I could react, he pulled me into his lap.

I froze. “Hey, you shouldn’t—”

But he did not let go. His grip was strong, determined.

“You’re mine?” he murmured, eyes locked on mine. “If you claim me, then you belong to me too, Mrs. Muller.”

And before I could protest, his lips crashed against mine.

The crowd erupted in applause.

My mind spun. My heart pounded wildly in my chest. This wasn’t part of the mission. This wasn’t supposed to happen.

God help me… that was my first kiss.

And it was with him.

*****

LMCD22