Chapter 1 THE WEDDING THAT NEVER WAS

The church bells tolled, loud and steady, as Isabella Moretti walked down the aisle.

Her heart pounded-not from love, but from nerves.

Today was supposed to be her happily-ever-after.

The flowers, the glittering chandeliers, the whispers of admiration from the guests-all of it should have felt magical.

But something inside her whispered: This is wrong.

Her fiancé, Daniel Rossi, smiled at her from the altar. He was handsome, successful, and every parent's dream son-in-law. Their families had known each other for years. On paper, this marriage was perfect.

So why did her fingers tremble around the bouquet?

She forced a smile, pushing the unease aside. Her mother's eyes gleamed with pride, her friends cheered softly, and the priest's voice echoed:

"Do you, Isabella Moretti, take this man-"

The heavy oak doors of the church slammed open with a deafening BANG.

Every head turned. Gasps spread like wildfire.

A man walked in. Tall. Broad-shouldered. His black suit was sharp as a blade, his presence radiating raw danger. His dark eyes scanned the room until they landed on her-like a predator spotting prey.

Isabella froze.

He didn't hesitate, didn't falter. Surrounded by men in black, armed and merciless, he strode straight down the aisle.

Daniel stepped forward protectively.

"Who the hell are you?"

The stranger's lips curled into the coldest smile Isabella had ever seen.

"I'm the man who's here to collect what belongs to me."

Gasps filled the church. Murmurs rippled through the guests.

He reached Isabella before anyone could stop him. His hand clamped around her wrist, strong, unyielding.

"Let me go!" she gasped, pulling back. "You can't do this!"

His voice was low, dangerous, sending chills down her spine.

"Oh, but I can. You were promised to me long before this pathetic wedding."

"Promised?!" Isabella's eyes widened in shock. "That's a lie!"

Daniel tried to pull her back, but one of the man's guards shoved him to the ground. Chaos erupted-screams, shouts, panic.

The stranger leaned close to Isabella, his breath brushing her ear.

"Remember my name. Damian DeLuca. From this moment on, Isabella, you are mine."

And before she could scream again, he swept her into his arms and carried her out of the church-

leaving behind a trail of shattered vows and broken hearts.