Chapter 10

Our wedding transformed the conex Markond estate into a breathtaking spectacle. Orchids cascaded from the centuries-old walls.

Castro and Oriana arrived, their presence a muted, almost ominous counterpoint to the celebration. Castro, his leg in a cast, leaned heavily on Oriana as she navigated the crowded space.

“Why invite them?” I whispered to Alexander.

His lips curved into that dangerous smile. “Games, my dear. To keep your enemies close.”

“You magnificent sadist,” William muttered, observing the assembled wedding guests.

During our vows, chaos erupted. Castro shoved Oriana, the impact sending her sprawling against a table, tearing her pale silk Valentino gown. He didn’t spare her a glance; he’d phoned my cell that night, consumed by his own obsession.

When he lunged forward, security intervened swiftly, their suits rippling as they restrained him. The cacophony of celebratory sounds drowned out his muffled protests.

After the ceremony, I approached them. Looking at Oriana’s devastated face, I asked softly, “Tell me, do we really share such a resemblance?”

She laughed through tears. “It doesn’t matter. He never truly loved either of us.”

“Lies!” Castro’s cultured facade shattered. “You were my past, but Aveline—Aveline is my everything now. You destroyed it all by returning!”

“Enough delusions, Castro,” I said, my voice gentle but firm. “I found your study. I saw everything.”

He collapsed, finally silenced.

Alexander guided me away, his lips brushing my ear with wicked promises about our wedding night. I feigned outrage, but melted when he captured my lips in a possessive kiss.

The aftermath unfolded like a Greek tragedy. Castro’s obsession twisted into cruel revenge against Oriana, systematically destroying her career and reputation until something within her snapped. She rammed his Mercedes with her car, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. When the Harrison family unleashed their legal resources, she jumped from the Harrison Industries tower. The scandal consumed the company. Share prices plummeted as investors fled, until the mighty Harrison empire crumbled.

Alexander made one call, ensuring Castro received the finest medical care.

When I raised an eyebrow, he pulled me close, his smile darkly playful. “I promised him a lifetime of watching your happiness, darling. Death would be too merciful an escape.”

William was right—my darling husband is quite a scheming man.

But I knew with absolute certainty that his darkness would only ever protect our light.