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As soon as we reached the venue, Antonio’s men separated us, and she was taken to join everyone else. I was ushered up to a separate room to touch up my hair and makeup before being led back down.

Now, I was confronted with two large white doors guarded by two men in black suits.

Anxiety rattled my spine and I relieved the tightness in my chest by exhaling a shaky breath. Sweaty palms and fingers curled around the bouquet that felt like bricks tied together by a string.

A tall brunette with a clipboard approached us, her smile nearly blinding me. “You ready?”

“No.” I shook my head and she chuckled.

“Well, you look beautiful, and you’re getting married to the man you love, so you have nothing to worry about.” She rested a gentle hand on my arm and I could almost laugh.

I could hear the pianist, violinist and everyone collectively rising to their feet on the other side. I noticed the song to be Can’t Help Falling In Love by André Rieu.

The brunette smiled and nodded at both men who then reached over, pulling both doors open at the same time. Oh, fuck, I’m really doing this. Well, it’s not like you have a choice, Nirah. Now is not the time, little voice in my head. Fine, we’ll shut up. But don’t come running back when you need to consult us over issues with your deranged husband.

With every step I took down the aisle, it was as though I was stepping into quicksand. I forced my legs to move, feeling heavier with each step.

All eyes were on me, but mine were locked on the bane of my existence.

Wrapped in expensive Tom Ford he was the devil in sheep’s clothing, and right now, I was sealing my fate.

I reached the altar, and handed my bouquet to Silvia before facing Antonio entirely. My manicured fingers rested in his hands, and the green in his eyes had been washed away, only allowing darkness to stare back at me.

“Please be seated.” The officiant announced, looking out at the crowd. “We are gathered here today, to celebrate the joining of Nirah and Antonio.” He began but my raging heart overpowered the sound of his voice.

All I could focus on was the roughness of Antonio’s hands against my skin, his rich scent and the heat climbing up my nape and wrapping around my throat.

Everything passed in a blur, but I was snapped back to reality when the officiant neared the end of the ceremony.

“We don’t have to kiss,” I whispered to Antonio. “I won’t be offended,” I added.

“Antonio De Luca, you may now kiss the bride.” The officiant stepped back.

“Mhm.” Antonio’s hand gripped the side of my throat as he pulled me closer.

Before I could protest his lips pressed to mine and everyone around us erupted into applause, cheering us on.

Squeezing my eyes shut I fought the voices, and alarm bells ringing in my head. My head pounded as everything inside of me demanded I step back—pull away. But I couldn’t. He wouldn’t let me.

His free hand slipped to the low of my back as he kept my body pressed to his. My hands flew to the sides of his arms as I dug my nails into his biceps.

I let out a groan of disapproval, knowing he could feel my resistance, and he finally pulled back. “Till death do us part, tesoro.”

My scowl didn’t phase him and he simply wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me to his side as we faced everyone. What I’d give to rip the skin from my lips right now.

My thoughts were interrupted when my eyes landed on Mr. and Mrs. De Luca.

As expected, Bruno, his father, made no effort to express his strong distaste for me. His eyes shot daggers right through me, but when I met Mrs. De Luca’s eyes… guilt gnawed at me.

Although she tried to portray pure anger and a strong dislike for me, all I could see was hurt. Betrayal.

“Smile.” Antonio’s fingers dug into my skin.

He stepped forward and with his strong hold on me, I didn’t have much choice.

We made our way down the aisle and with the amount of smiles and cheering, you’d think we were a happily in love couple.

Besides his parents, Silvia, and a handful of his men that I recognised, I didn’t know anyone else here.