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Author: S.K Hart
last update Last Updated: 2025-07-01 07:00:59

Morning came, Roman woke up, his head pounding from the aftereffects of last night’s alcohol. He blinked against the sharp light filtering through the open curtains—sunlight stabbing into the room like tiny needles.

He noticed a shift in the air before he saw her.

She was already up, moving quietly around the room. He watched her without saying a word. She didn’t look at him, didn’t acknowledge he was awake. Instead, she sat near the dresser, unwrapping the bandage from her hand with steady fingers.

Roman’s jaw tightened as he saw the raw skin beneath. She reached for the ointment and applied it herself. A soft hiss escaped her lips, the only sound in the room.

Through the mirror, her eyes briefly met his—but only for a second. She looked away just as quickly.

He got up and walked to her without speaking. Kneeling in front of her, he gently took her injured hand. She tried to pull away, but he didn’t let her. His grip wasn’t harsh—just firm enough to stop her resistance.

She didn’t un
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  • THE VENDETTA BRIDE: When the Devil says ‘I Do’    76

    The morning sun was pale as it filtered through the sheer curtains, casting soft light across Vera’s bed. She stirred quietly, the weight of sleep still heavy in her limbs, but her mind already thinking ahead.Roman had left early—she hadn’t heard him go.She dressed in her usual soft gowns, tying her hair in a loose braid, and stepped out of the villa. The air was crisp, with the scent of wet earth from last night’s rain still lingering.As the car pulled up in front of her NGO, Vera spotted them immediately.Two men in civilian clothes—postured straight, alert eyes behind tinted sunglasses, earpieces barely visible. They stood by a black SUV parked just across the street, not saying a word, but their presence spoke volumes.Vera exhaled quietly and walked over to them.“I appreciate that you’re here,” she said, her voice firm but polite. “But I don’t want the children inside to feel like something’s wrong.”The younger one, likely the lead, gave a slight nod. “We’ll keep our distanc

  • THE VENDETTA BRIDE: When the Devil says ‘I Do’    75

    The time Vera stepped out of the cab and pushed open the old iron gate of the NGO, the sun was already low in the sky, bathing the yard in gold. The children’s laughter rang from the back garden, a sound that never failed to soften the edges of even her most anxious thoughts.Rose was sitting by the porch steps, a clipboard in hand, going over the weekly expense sheets. She looked up and frowned when she saw Vera’s expression. “You’ve got that look.”Vera cracked a breathless smile. “What look?”“The I-did-something-crazy-and-it-worked look.”Vera held up a rolled set of papers in one hand. “I got us the funding.”Rose’s eyes widened. “Wait, what? Already?”Vera nodded. “Orion Enterprises approved our proposal. They’re transferring the full amount by tomorrow morning.”Rose shot up. “You’re serious?”“As a heart attack.” There was a moment of stunned silence before Leila grabbed her in a sudden hug. “Vera! This is huge!”They pulled apart as some of the other volunteers came rushing o

  • THE VENDETTA BRIDE: When the Devil says ‘I Do’    74

    The next morning, Vera arrived at the NGO a little later than usual. Her head was pounding from lack of sleep, but the moment she stepped inside the modest two-story building, the familiar sound of children’s laughter drifted down the hallway. It always grounded her.This wasn’t just a job. These kids—many of them with stories not unlike her own—were her anchor. Her reason.She greeted a few of the caregivers on the way in, offered a small smile to a boy struggling with a school bag zipper, then finally stepped into the small office space in the back. She had barely set down her bag when her colleague, Rose, walked in holding a clipboard.“Morning,” she said, a bit more cautiously than usual. “You have a minute?” Vera nodded, already sensing something was off.Rose closed the door behind her and didn’t bother with small talk. “We got word from the audit team this morning. The primary donor’s account is under review—compliance stuff, apparently. Routine, they say. But the funds are fro

  • THE VENDETTA BRIDE: When the Devil says ‘I Do’    73

    Vera splashed cold water on her face, gripping the sink’s edge as she stared at her reflection. Kade’s voice still rang in her ears.I don’t plan on losing again.Her fingers clenched the marble. The air had felt too heavy. It wasn’t just fear. It was something deeper—history she had buried. A version of herself she never wanted to face again. She dried her face and stepped out quietly.The house was quieter. She entered the bedroom, shutting the door behind her, and froze. Someone was sitting on the edge of her bed.Her breath caught. His jacket was off, sleeves rolled to his forearms. He sat like he was waiting. Not impatient—but purposeful.“Sorry,” she said quietly, still trying to calm her heart. “You scared me.”He didn’t respond right away. Just looked at her.“You disappeared during the event,” he said.“I needed a moment.” Roman nodded slowly, as if he’d expected that. Then his gaze sharpened. “You looked... uncomfortable with Kade.”Vera moved to the vanity, pretending to ch

  • THE VENDETTA BRIDE: When the Devil says ‘I Do’    72

    Vera’s voice slipped out before she could stop it, "You…”Roman’s gaze flicked to her. Then, without missing a beat, he stepped forward, smooth and composed, his arm loosely circling her waist.“This is Mr. Kade. He’s managing the expansion in the East.”Kade extended a hand. “A pleasure, Mrs. Benedetti.”Vera hesitated for the briefest second. Her fingers curled involuntarily, her instincts telling her not to touch him—but she forced herself to take his hand. She pulled back quickly.“She seems like a tough one,” Kade said, looking at Roman with a faint grin. “Not many can stand beside a man like you and stay upright, let alone look this composed.” He looked at Vera again. “That takes a certain kind of talent.”Vera’s spine straightened. Her jaw tightened slightly. The compliment wasn’t really a compliment. There was something veiled in it—like he was speaking in code. Roman let out a dry breath of amusement, but his hand didn’t move from her waist. His thumb pressed lightly against

  • THE VENDETTA BRIDE: When the Devil says ‘I Do’    71

    The music shifted to a melodic tone, meant for couples. Guests were now gathering around the floor, dancing in pairs while the newlyweds continued to sway in the center. Vera was still seated, lost in the warmth of Roman’s touch when he stood and extended his hand toward her. “Come.” Her eyes widened slightly. “What?” He didn’t repeat himself. Just kept his hand outstretched. Vera hesitated, glancing around at the crowded floor, the elegance of the guests, and the formality of the setting. “I don’t think I can dance like that,” she said under her breath, unsure of his gesture. “Not in front of everyone.” Roman leaned down, “Then don’t think. Just follow me.” Her lips parted to protest, but the look in his eyes stilled her. There was no pressure, no mockery. Only quiet intensity. And something deeper—something that made her chest tighten. She placed her hand in his. He led her gently toward the stage, cutting through the soft light and crowd as if none of it mattered. And mayb

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