The wedding of Zoey and Dante Blackwood was a spectacle that none would soon forget. Dante, with his commanding presence, recited his vows with a conviction that made onlookers believe in the love he professed.
"I, Dante Blackwood, take you, Zoey, to be my wife," he declared, his voice steady and sure. "To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. This is my solemn vow."
Zoey, her face a mask of bridal joy, echoed his words, her voice a soft contrast to his. "I, Zoey, take you, Dante, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love and honor you all the days of my life."
As the couple exchanged rings, the crowd erupted in applause, their happiness seemingly complete. But amidst the throng of well-wishers, Lionel Greene watched with a discerning eye. He approached Zoey with a polite smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Zoey, may I have a word?" Lionel asked, his tone casual yet insistent.
"Of course, Lionel," Zoey replied, her smile unwavering as she excused herself from the group.
In a quiet corner, Lionel's concern was evident. "I hope you know what you're doing," he said softly. "This marriage... Dante is a powerful man, but power doesn't always mean happiness."
Zoey's smile faltered for just a moment before she regained her composure. "I appreciate your concern, Lionel, but Dante and I are happy. That's all that matters."
Lionel nodded, though his skepticism remained. "Just remember, if you ever need anything, I'm here."
"Thank you, Lionel. That means a lot," Zoey said, touching his arm briefly before returning to the celebration.
Mia, ever the attentive friend, stayed close to Zoey throughout the evening. Her presence was a silent support, a reminder that Zoey wasn't alone in the charade. They shared knowing glances, their friendship a secret strength against the facade they presented to the world.
As the night drew to a close, Zoey's mother, frail and tired, made a brief appearance. Her presence was a poignant reminder of the reality that lay beyond the grandeur of the wedding. After sharing a tender moment with her daughter, she left quietly, her absence felt more deeply than her presence.
The wedding was a beautiful lie, a story told with smiles and vows. But for Zoey, the truth was a hidden ache, a silent yearning for something more genuine than the glittering spectacle she had just performed.
YOU ARE READING
The Billionaire's Sweet Wife
RomanceZoe is a kind and simple woman who works as an assistant for Dante, a cold and powerful CEO who has a five-year-old daughter named Chloe. Dante needs a wife to improve his image and his daughter's happiness, so he makes Zoe a shocking offer: he want...
