Semua Bab The CEO's Untamed Contract Bride: Bab 21 - Bab 30

Vivienne POV~•~I sat on the edge of the hotel bed with my phone in my hand, staring at the screen like it might suddenly change. A notification from my bank had come through, and when I opened it, my breath nearly stopped. The digits stared back at me, far more than I had ever seen sitting in my account. Catherine had kept her word.Money like this could wipe away part of my struggle, but under Damon’s contract, what use did I truly have for it? My needs, my expenses, all of it was already spoken for. This money didn’t belong to me, but for someone else, it could mean everything.Without letting myself think too long, I opened the banking app again and wired it straight into my mother’s account. My heart pounded as I hit confirm, as though I was doing something criminal.The transfer went through, and minutes later my phone rang. My mother’s name lit up the screen.“Mom,” I answered quickly.Her voice burst through, high and breathless. “Vivienne! Tell me this is a mistake. Did you

Vivienne POV~•~I stood at the edge of the grand cathedral with my thoughts spinning from that run-in with William back in the dressing room. His nasty words kept playing over and over in my head, pulling me away from everything around me. I couldn’t focus on the now; all I could think about was what came next. Would this marriage keep Liam and me safe, or would it just drag us into more trouble? The big doors creaked open, and there was my father, slipping his arm through mine. It felt more like a business deal than anything warm or real. He started walking me down the aisle, taking his time, almost like he was putting on a show. His chest stuck out, full of that proud look that said he’d finally hit the jackpot with money and status. I could feel how much he expected from this, like I was some kind of trade-off. But I shoved that down and tried to look at the people staring back at us. Behind me, the flower girls tossed petals in soft little waves, their laughs so light and happy

The master of ceremonies announced our arrival with a voice that boomed through the hall, bouncing off the walls like we were royalty. The room was stunning with ceilings so high they seemed to touch the sky and curtains flowing down like soft rivers, brushing the shiny marble floor. Tables were scattered around, covered in white linens with bold red ribbons, giving a spark of fire to the fancy setup. The guests looked like they stepped out of a magazine and everyone spoke in low tones. I spotted faces I’d only seen in headlines here to honor Damon and the Langford name. It hit me hard that this was my world now, a place I’d only dreamed of, and it felt thrilling but scary, like I was stepping into something with strings I couldn’t yet see.We were led to the head table, front and center, where it felt like every eye was on us. An older man stepped to the podium, his voice warm and full of memories. “I knew Damon’s father, Edward, for decades,” he started, smiling. “A true visionary.

Vivienne POV~•~Without Damon and Catherine, the air felt heavy, like everyone was watching me too closely. I tried to avoid their stares, but it was no use. I was the center of attraction, the new Langford bride, and every move I made pulled whispers and looks from the crowd. I caught the sharp eyes of the woman that had walked in with Damien staring at me, probably his wife. Her eyes were cold and mean like I’d done something just by being here. I could feel the fight over money and power behind it, making me a target in a war I didn’t want. All I wanted was to keep Liam safe, but this deal with Damon was starting to feel dangerous, like it could pull us both into something deadly.The woman walked over, her steps smooth but calculated, her hand out with a fake smile. “Congratulations, Vivienne,” she said, her voice sugary but sharp. “Welcome to the family.”I forced a smile, matching her tone. “Thank you. It’s… quite the family to join.”Her eyes narrowed, her smile tightening.

Vivienne POV~•~I woke up with my heart in my throat. The bed next to me was empty—no Liam. My mind went straight to the worst: had he wandered off in this giant house, or had someone taken him? I threw on a robe, my bare feet hitting the cold marble as I rushed out, whispering, “Liam? Liam, where are you?”The mansion felt too big, too strange. Damon’s enemies, or even his friends, could see Liam as a weak spot. I wasn’t ready for him to roam free yet. Catherine had pushed for this fancy school with her son, all top security to keep the media away after they’d already put Liam’s face online. I needed him ready, dressed sharp, to fit into this new life. I hurried through hallways, past doors hiding who-knows-what, until I bumped into a young maid in a crisp uniform. She curtsied low, almost scared. “Good morning, Madam,” she said, her voice shaky.“Have you seen my son?” I asked, my words spilling out fast. “Liam, five years old, curly hair, probably in pajamas?”Her eyes lit up. “O