THE BILLIONAIRE'S VOW MISTAKE

Alexander's POV.The merger documents lay spread across my desk like battle plans. Thorne Industries acquiring Westvale Fashion. On paper, it looked clean. Professional. A strategic expansion into luxury goods.In reality, it was a rescue mission dressed as a business deal."The numbers don't lie," Sophia said from the leather chair across from me. My sister's voice carried the sharp edge that made board members flinch. "Westvale is hemorrhaging money. Has been for two years."I signed another page without looking up. "I'm aware.""Then why save them?"Because Evelyn Westvale had called me three months ago, her voice breaking as she begged for help. Because their family's legacy deserved better than bankruptcy court. Because sometimes mercy was good business.Because Elena Westvale existed in their world, and I wasn't ready to watch it crumble."The fashion industry is undervalued," I said instead. "This acquisition positions us perfectly for the luxury market expansion."Sophia's lau

Alexander's POV.The rehearsal dinner had been a performance. Smiles for photographers, toasts that meant nothing, my hand on Vivian's back as we moved through choreographed moments. She'd been distracted all evening, checking her phone between courses, her laughter too bright and brittle.Now, alone in my study at midnight, I couldn't escape the feeling that I was standing at the edge of a cliff.The wedding was in fourteen hours.I poured scotch and opened the Westvale acquisition files again, though I knew every clause by memory. Sometimes the familiar rhythm of business could quiet the chaos in my head. Tonight wasn't one of those times.My phone buzzed. A text from an unknown number: "She's not who you think she is."I stared at the screen. Corporate espionage wasn't unusual in my world—competitors often tried psychological warfare before major deals. But something about this message felt different. Personal.I deleted it and tried to focus on market projections.Another buzz. Sa

*Alexander's POV* The morning light streaming through Westvale Manor's windows caught Elena like a spotlight, illuminating every detail I'd memorized over seven years of careful observation. She stood frozen beside her mother, still in yesterday's clothes, her dark hair escaping its ponytail in soft waves that Vivian never allowed. "Alexander." Evelyn recovered first, her voice pitched too high. "What a lovely surprise. We weren't expecting you until—" "The ceremony." I stepped further into the morning room, my eyes never leaving Elena's face. She looked terrified. Guilty. Beautiful in a way that made my chest tight. "I came to discuss final arrangements." Elena's throat worked as she swallowed. When she spoke, her voice carried Vivian's confident tone, but her hands trembled. "Darling, you shouldn't see me before the wedding. It's bad luck." Darling. The endearment sounded foreign in her mouth, practiced rather than natural. Vivian had called me that countless times, usually