Chapter 4

The cathedral looked like it was drowning in white. Thousands of imported roses and calla lilies covering every surface, the scent thick enough to choke on.

I sat on a swing made entirely of white orchids, the wedding dress weighing me down—crystals and pearls sewn into every inch like armor I couldn't take off.

The livestream had been running for twenty minutes. Red recording lights hidden behind flower arrangements, tucked into the altar decorations.

"She's gorgeous!"

"This is the most insane wedding I've ever seen!"

"Marco's one lucky bastard!"

I watched the comments scroll past, my smile calculated down to the millimeter.

"Thank you so much," I said into the hidden mic in my bouquet, my voice sugary sweet. "This really is the most important day of my life."

My phone buzzed against my thigh, hidden in the folds of silk. Bianca's messages came rapid-fire:

You look like a whore playing dress-up.

He was with me last night. Said fucking you is like fucking a corpse.

You think this means anything? He's mine. Always has been.

Watch. He'll be back in my bed before the honeymoon's over.

I kept smiling for the camera, reading viewer comments out loud, my expression never slipping.

Good. Let her spiral. Soon she'd see who the real joke was.

The burner phone buzzed. Dante: Target in position.

My pulse kicked up. I pulled out my regular phone, typed a message to Marco, making my voice breathy and sweet for the livestream. "Oh, I just realized—I left my mother's pearl bracelet in the bridal suite. The one she wore at her wedding. I need it before the ceremony starts."

I hit send.

Every second waiting for his response felt like standing on a ledge.

Then: On my way, beautiful. Anything for you.

I beamed at the camera like a woman in love sharing a secret. "You guys want to see something special? Marco decorated the bridal suite himself. Said he wanted to give me a memory that would last forever." I tilted my head, playing coy. "Should we go take a peek?"

The comments exploded.

"YES! Show us!"

"He's so romantic!"

"This is gonna be amazing!"

I watched them scroll past, that cold smile tugging at my lips. They had no idea what they were about to see.

"Okay then," I stood, lifting my skirts. "Let's go surprise him. He'll love it, right?"

The comments went wild with excitement.

I walked slowly, deliberately, the camera following me. My heels clicked on marble, then went silent on plush carpet. Each step perfectly timed.

The bridal suite door got closer. Heavy oak, our initials carved into it. I'd commissioned that myself, thought it meant something.

I could hear my heartbeat. Could also hear sounds from inside the room—rustling fabric, muffled laughter, and something else.

I stopped at the door, gave the camera one last perfect smile. My eyes bright with carefully measured excitement.

"Everyone ready? I can't wait to share this with you."

"OPEN IT!"

"DO IT!"

"BEST WEDDING EVER!"

I reached out. Pushed the door open.

The sounds hit first. Heavy breathing broadcast through the high-sensitivity audio Dante had installed.

"Harder, Marco—" Bianca's voice, breathy and desperate. "That stupid bitch is probably waiting for you right now... She has no idea... God, you feel so good..."

Then Marco's voice, rough and strained: "You're so bad, baby... Here it comes..."

The comments section went dead silent. Then erupted.

"WHAT THE FUCK"

"OH MY GOD"

"IS THIS REAL?!"

I stood there frozen, letting shock wash over my face. Let all the color drain out. My hand on the doorframe trembled—then "accidentally" pushed the door wider.