Chapter 48.The Reception

50 75 76
                                        

Anthony's POV:

Amor vincit omnia, et nos cedamus amori" means "Love conquers all things, so we too shall yield to love."

I believe with my whole heart that love conquers all. That was proven today at Cole and Kat's wedding—a beautiful ceremony filled with emotion, laughter, and the kind of love that could make even the most cynical person believe in forever.

As Anthony drove them from the church to the reception, he glanced at Karlie, his fingers tightening subtly on the steering wheel.

"I hope one day we will look at each other the way Cole looks at Kat," he thought. That effortless connection, the unspoken understanding—it was something he deeply wanted for them, but he wasn't sure if they would ever have it.

A small smile tugged at his lips as he thought back to Friday night. Karlie had called him in the middle of the night, her voice soft yet firm, asking what time he would pick her up for the wedding. He hadn't wanted to go. The scandal was still fresh, and everywhere he turned, he felt the weight of whispers and judgment. But Karlie was right.

"We cannot hide away forever."

She always had a way of making him see reason.

He glanced at her now, sitting beside him, her delicate profile illuminated by the golden glow of the setting sun. She was breathtaking, as always—an undeniable presence.

"Anthony," Karlie spoke, her voice quieter than usual. "Could we leave as soon as the reception is over? I'm not feeling quite like myself."

Anthony frowned slightly, concern flickering across his face. "Certainly. We don't have to go at all if you're not up for it. I can take you home now."

She shook her head. "No. We have to see this through till the very end. If we leave now, it will look like we're hiding. And we can't afford to do that."

Anthony exhaled and nodded. "You're certainly right, my lady."

He reached for her hand, squeezing it gently before returning his focus to the road ahead. If she was going to be strong, then so would he.

Because whether Karlie realized it or not, he would always stand beside her—even if it meant watching her heart belong to another man.

Because whether Karlie realized it or not, he would always stand beside her—even if it meant watching her heart belong to another man

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.


They arrived at the reception, and the scenery was breathtaking.

The grand hall was bathed in warm golden light, casting a soft glow over the elegant decorations. Every detail had been meticulously planned—the towering floral centerpieces, the crisp white linens, the delicate crystal chandeliers sparkling overhead.

The DJ was already at work, effortlessly blending old and new music, creating the perfect atmosphere. The smooth transition between classic ballads and modern hits filled the space, giving the night an air of timeless elegance.

Forbidden DesiresWhere stories live. Discover now