Chapter 5 FIVE

The wedding dress felt like armor.

Silk stitched in silence. Pearls like tears threaded across the bodice. It was beautiful-too beautiful for something that felt like a funeral.

Emilia stared at her reflection. Pale skin. Red lips. Eyes that no longer sparkled. She looked like a bride, yes, but not his bride. Not anyone's.

There was no music in her soul. Only the steady beat of resolve.

The estate was a fortress-stone walls veined with ivy, iron gates that whispered of power and old secrets. Security guards stood like statues. Paparazzi circled like vultures outside the perimeter, desperate for a glimpse of the monster's bride.

She stepped out of the car alone.

No bridesmaids. No bouquet. No father to walk her down the aisle-he couldn't bear it. Emilia didn't blame him. This wasn't a wedding. It was a transaction wrapped in lace.

The ceremony was private. Luca waited beneath a marble arch in the garden, dressed in black, like always. Even the sky was grey, as if the heavens disapproved.

He didn't smile when she approached.

"Are you ready?" he asked.

"No," she answered honestly.

He gave a small nod, as if he respected that.

There were no vows. No romantic promises. Just a signature on a marriage certificate and a ring slipped onto her finger. Cold metal. Heavy.

The moment it clicked into place, she knew: she belonged to him now.

Not as a lover. Not yet.

As a symbol.

A shield.

A debt repaid.

Luca offered his arm. "You'll stay at the estate. I'll give you space. Freedom, within reason. I don't expect anything more than appearances."

Emilia hesitated, then slipped her hand around his arm. "Do I smile for the cameras?"