Semua Bab THE VENDETTA BRIDE: When the Devil says ‘I Do’ : Bab 21 - Bab 30

The vehicle screeched to a halt outside the secluded farmhouse. Vera exhaled sharply, relief flooding her as she saw Adrian already waiting at the front steps, phone still in hand. Thank God, she thought. He made it before us.Without wasting a second, she jumped out of the car and rushed around to the other side just as the driver opened the door. Dimitri groaned, his face pale and drenched in sweat, barely conscious. Vera slid her arm under his, trying to support him.Adrian’s eyes widened as he took in the sight—blood soaked through Dimitri’s suit, his steps faltering, breath shallow. Shock froze him for a beat, then instinct kicked in. He reached out, grabbing Vera’s arm and yanking her back protectively.“What the hell is going on?” he demanded, alarm rising in his voice.Vera turned to him, her expression fierce, unwavering. “Not now, brother. I can’t let him die under my watch.”She gently pulled her arms free from his grip, determination flashing in her eyes. Adrian, still ove

Vera’s hands had turned cold as she made her way to the airport. Her mind was still tangled with thoughts of Leila, Dimitri, and Adrian. She had never imagined her trip would end like this—leaving her questioning everything about her identity.Adrian had taken responsibility for everything. She never got the chance to meet Volk—she never wanted to—but still, she couldn’t help wondering: were Leila and Adrian safe? Dimitri was stable, but still unconscious. The doctor must have arrived by now to check on him.Before Volk could reach the house, Adrian had forced her to leave. She didn’t get to say goodbye to her family—it was only Adrian who saw her off. She hadn’t even had the chance to ask her father about her past—who her real mother was, and why he had hidden the truth for so long. She wanted to stay and uncover it all, to find answers. But the duties she had taken upon herself long ago wouldn’t allow it.Roman’s warning echoed in her ears. She was supposed to be home last night, bu

Vera stood in front of the full-length mirror, her eyes scanning the open wardrobe with quiet uncertainty. Dozens of gowns hung untouched, most still tagged—gifts, bribes, maybe even threats, depending on who sent them, but none of them felt like she owned them.Her fingers hovered over a shimmering silver dress, then a deep maroon, before she finally settled on a muted midnight blue gown. It wasn’t flashy. It didn’t scream for attention. It flowed gently down her figure, clinging to her waist, with a subtle slit that revealed just enough leg without feeling exposed. The neckline was modest yet elegant, held in place by thin straps that left her shoulders bare. Against her skin, the blue made her look even fairer, her complexion glowing without effort.She checked herself again—no bruises, no marks, no reminders of Roman on her body. At least tonight, her skin was her own. She reached for a small pair of earrings and slipped them in with shaky fingers, giving herself one last glance b

Vera pushed open the door to the restroom. She headed straight for the sink, both hands gripping the porcelain edge as she tried to steady her breathing. Her chest rose and fell too fast, and her reflection was already beginning to blur.She bit her lower lip hard, but the sting in her chest beat the pain in her mouth. "Don’t cry here, not because of him." she said to herself.But her body betrayed her. Tears spilled, clouding her vision. She hated that she cracked, hated that he still had the power to make her feel small. In a room full of strangers, his silence cut the deepest.Her throat tightened. She turned her face from the mirror and closed her eyes, willing herself to pull it together. When she opened them again, her lashes were wet. The door behind her creaked, sensing someone heading inside. She straightened up quickly and darted into the nearest stall, locking it without a sound. Her back pressed against the cubicle wall, one hand over her mouth to hold back any sound. She

She sat before him quiet, like a shadow of who she used to be. Her eyes moved once—just a flicker—but there was nothing behind them giving no emotions, no fear, no light.Roman watched her closely. Her hand lifted slowly as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. It wasn’t out of habit or nerves. It felt mechanical—like her body moved without her soul.“I… I don’t know how to,” she said quietly, unintentionally pointing to whatever he was trying to impose on her. Her lips were slightly parted, her breath unsteady as she looked up at him. There was no flirtation in her gaze just pure confusion and silence.Roman stared down at her, his jaw tight. He could see how her lips trembled, how she tried to breathe normally. Slowly, he reached out and dragged his thumb across her lips, smudging her scarlet lipstick from her pouty lips. He didn’t do it gently. It was rough, almost like he wanted to smear away her innocence.Her lips opened a little under the pressure. She let him touch her w