Playing The Game - Book Four in The WSU Series

- Chapter Thirty-Five -

Asking Roma Carter to escort Lizzie down the aisle was one of the easiest decisions I've ever made.

I knew her, despite how hard Lizzie refuses to see it— I know her better than anyone. I also know that she would be a bundle of nerves, and there's no way that piece of shit for a father would lead her down the aisle. Lizzie deserved a hell of a lot better than that. She deserved the wedding she wanted, she deserved to marry a man she loved. When I was younger I always knew I'd never marry, it wasn't for me. As I glance at Kai I realize that he'll never change his mind about the concept of tying yourself to one person for the rest of your life.

I loved Lizzie, I truly did, but with time as it does with everything else the love faded. Yet, when I moved to Pullman and a year later my eyes landed on hers at that party, I knew the love wasn't gone. Like a flame, it ignited inside of me once again as I watched her walk back into my life. The life I swore I couldn't live without her in it.

God, I'd rather die than live without Lizzie. That's why I betrayed her because as much as my brothers love me. They would have killed her if my father commanded it— and if it weren't them, it would have been one of my father's men. That's why I did it because I'd rather have Lizzie hating me than having her dead while still loving me. Even in death that is just cruel.

As I stand here now watching Lizzie wait for the music to begin, I'm mesmerized. I'm consumed by everything she does. I was naive when I thought she could leave my life, and I wouldn't think too much of it. As fucked up as we are, and how fucked up this situation we are in, I wouldn't have it any other way. Because I'm finally getting her, she'll be mine until my last breath. I'd give Lizzie anything she wanted, and after our official wedding, if she truly doesn't love me, nor want me— I'll let her go.

I don't want her to force her love, I'll let her go free, even if that kills me inside. I just want her happy, because Lizzie deserves at least that. To search for happiness, and if she can't find that in me, I'll have to accept it. I tried to move on before, I can try again. It'll destroy any of the heart I have left, but I don't think I could live knowing Lizzie would hate me for keeping her.

After the party, I'll tell her. I'll give her the freedom she desires even if that isn't with me. Because as much as the truth hurts, I love her. And I'll love Elizabeth Bliss until my very last breath. As dramatic as that is, it's the truth. And now as I watch Lizzie walk closer to me, I realize I'd do anything for her. She truly has me wrapped around her finger, whether she knows it or not.

I take a step down to meet Roma and Lizzie halfway, he takes her hand and places it in mine. I glance his way to mouth a silent thank you, and the ceremony begins. As Lizzie stands beside me I notice just how lucky I am to have loved her, and for her to have loved me.

The guests sit as the music comes to a slow finish. My eyes lock with my fathers who is sitting in the front pew, he nods as he grips my mother's hand. She offers a small smile because she knows I'm happy. She knows about mine and Lizzies past relationship, unlike what my fathers told her of this all being a plan. And how in truth-be-told, we are all pawns in his game of chess. And only he can make the final move to stop this.