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Cradling the bouquet between my legs, I grip the reins tight.
“Let’s go get married,” I say with a grin, trying to ease the tension in the air. Except the tension isinsideof me there’s not a single joke in the world that can reach it.
We ride in a group through the cypress trees.He said these were supposed to be calming.I suck in a big gulp of air.
It does nothing for my nerves.
When we reach the top of the hill overlooking the venue, I nearly fall off my horse.What the hell? How many people are down there?Multiple helicopters and boats—no, yachts—are parked like giant bugs in the distance. There have to be at least three hundred people in the valley. One of the girls with me claps. The others copy her. It’s meant to draw attention—and it succeeds.
A wave of heads turn until everyone is staring at me.
I’m going to black out.If I do, will they cancel the wedding?
“It’s time,” someone whispers at my elbow.
Sitting up as tall as I can manage, I tap the stallion with my heels. Music serenades the valley as my horse begins the descent. I can’t help but remember the last time I was here—how Konstantin chased me down, hoisting me onto his horse.
The way he made me come apart …
Clenching my thighs around the burst of wet heat, I can feel the emotions warring inside of me as I look at the sea of faces. Some are smiling happily, while others judge me in their cups.
Alla, sitting at the front of the row of benches, doesn’t bother hiding her disdain for me.
Don’t be intimidated by her. Just get this over with.Jutting out my jaw, I do my best to look as regal as I think someone marrying a man like Konstantin should look.
It’s funny,I think, as I trot over the layer of yellow flower petals someone has laid out.All these people ... and I don’t know a single one of them.
I wish Nadia is here.
Nadia …
I’m overcome with shame as I think about howI’mgetting married before her.
What kind of friend pulls a stunt like this?
Nothing about this wedding has anything to do with me.I remind myself.It’s all so that Konstantin can get whathewants.
Even if he kisses me like he cares, even if he touches me like he cares, and even if he wipes my tears away gently. I can’t forget that fact.
But sometimes, I dare to imagine otherwise.
My heart thuds against my chest at the thought and I shake my head sharply.
I just have to smile and play my part.
Look convincing.
Make them all believe it’s real.
After all, I’m already starting to believe it is.
I lift my eyes and sees Konstantin standing at the end of the natural path that forms the aisle, and I feel my hands tighten against the reins. My horse snorts, retreating and starting to rear.
“Easy, easy,” I soothe him.
The sight of Konstantin left me dazzled.
I don’t think that will ever change.
