THE CARETAKER BRIDE
I straightened, turning away before the moment could stretch into something more.
Faro was the first to approach after the ceremony, clapping a hand on my shoulder with his signature smirk. “And? How was the first taste of your young bride?”
I scowled, my silence enough of an answer. Undeterred, Faro turned his attention to Isabella, offering a playful bow. She returned his smile, open and unguarded. It was too easy to see her youth in moments like this—her naivety.
My eyes flicked to the sunflowers woven into her hair. They felt wrong, juvenile, a stark contrast to the diamond earrings I’d sent her. Leaning down, I spoke quietly, my tone firm. “Why didn’t you wear the earrings I bought?”