And I hated that my heart reacted to him.
This wasn’t supposed to happen.
I wasn’t supposed to be here.
The priest’s voice drifted through the cathedral, but I barely heard it over the roaring in my ears.
This was a mistake.
A terrible, irreversible mistake.
But there was no turning back.
And then, the words that sealed my fate fell from the priest’s lips.
"You may now kiss the bride."
My breath hitched.
Duke turned to me, his expression softening.
His hands reached out.
This was it.
I had lied my way to this moment.
And now… now I had to kiss him.
Loud shouts erupted from outside the church. My eyes widened as muffled chaos stirred beyond the grand doors.
A rally.
A PROTEST.
On my wedding day.
But why?
And then—just as Duke’s lips brushed against mine
A loud gunshot rang through the air.
I barely had time to react before Duke’s lips crashed against mine.
My breath caught in my throat as his firm grip settled on my waist, pulling me closer. His lips were warm, demanding, yet controlled, as if he were claiming what was already his. My entire body tensed, my hands hovering midair, unsure whether to push him away or play my part.
I chose the latter.