𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐃𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐘

𝐗𝐗 ━ 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔴𝔢𝔡𝔡𝔦𝔫𝔤

chapter twenty
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This is truly perfect.

All pieces are falling into place... just as I naturally knew that they would.

Devon watched as Katherine walked down the aisle in an elegant white dress that seemed to blend in with the snowy background of the rolling hills of the estate they were staying at. Considering it was still February, it still was a bit colder up in the mountains, a perfect setting for the wedding due to the white nature of snow that signaled the cycle of new beginnings.

How he couldn't wait to begin his new life.

A pleased smirk settled on his lips as the wedding march music flowed into his ears, his heart thrumming in quiet anticipation until he could feel Katherine's hand in his own, until he could feel the weight of the wedding band on his hand, and until he could land a kiss on her lips, sealing the vow of their marriage.

Everything was going perfectly.

That is, until his eyes flicked to (Y/N) sitting in the front row wearing a sweet dress that was practically flawless in accentuating her natural beauty.

His teeth grit.

(Y/N), (Y/N), (Y/N).

Why did his mind always wander back to (Y/N)?

Why?

Unfortunately, no one could give him his answer, as thankfully, no one could peer into his thoughts. As much as he craved an answer, he would never partake in a conversation with another where he would try to explain his spiraling thoughts that all seemed to center around his soon-to-be stepdaughter. He almost chuckled at the thought, already imagining how the conversation would go: that is, how horrified the other person would look upon his confession.

No.

He had nothing to confess.

He would not give himself anything to confess, as he would force any and all thoughts of (Y/N) from his mind, innocent or not.

Devon focused on Katherine.

He could see the nervous smile on her lips, the twitching of her fingers as she held her bouquet, and how she seemed to squeeze her father's arm tighter as he led her down the aisle. In that moment, Devon immediately realized that while Katherine tried to look as composed as she could, in reality, her heart was likely galloping a mile a minute whilst a steady cold sweat beaded on the back of her neck. His smile softened, trying his best to muster up an expression that would soothe her nerves.

Thankfully, it seemed to have worked.

For, as soon as Katherine's father handed her off to Devon, he could feel in the way he held her hand that she was no longer trembling as much as she had been before.

Good.

He smiled as he faced the priest.

Good...

The priest then began his speech that centered all on the topics of love, trust, respect, loyalty, and every other good value intertwined with a marriage. Devon listened wholeheartedly, no matter how dull it may have seemed, for he himself valued everything of what the priest was touching on. He promised himself that the family he would make would be one he would provide for, take care of, and never leave. He tightened his grip on Katherine, ready to bind her and (Y/N) to himself.

Devon faltered.

He had been doing so well, but he just had to go and think of (Y/N) once more.

What was wrong with him?

He didn't want anything to be wrong, but the more he tried to deny such a notion, the more it seemed as if he himself was just trying to prove himself wrong. Letting out a slow breath at his thoughts, he focused on the priest once more when it came time to read the vows. Facing Katherine, he recited his speech line for line, word for word, with perfected ease and pronunciation as if he had recounted it over and over again tirelessly. He had wrote and rewrote his speech to enrapture everything he wanted, and the longer he looked into Katherine's eyes, the more he could see her affection for him growing with each syllable that dripped from his tongue.

Then came time for her vows, and hers were just as sweet, if not sweeter.

It was impressive to him.

Yet still, a tug at his heart could be felt.

Ignoring the aching feeling, and as soon as he could say the words 'I do,' even before the priest could finish the phrase 'You may kiss the bride,' he had already leaned forward to capture Katherine's lips in a sweet kiss. With that, the audience erupted with thunderous applause as all in attendance stood up to wish their congratulations for the new happy couple. Katherine and Devon faced the guests, walking back down the aisle as flower petals were thrown and happy cheers were made.

It was a wondrous day.

Such a day then led to an even more wondrous evening filled with dancing and drinking, cake-eating and gourmet dining.

All in all, a wondrous wedding.

Devon made savory love to his new wife that night, but he was attacked with visions of (Y/N) lying underneath him instead of Katherine, and as much as he tried to ignore it, he couldn't deny the craven pleasure he derived from such vivid imaginations. Lying in bed next to Katherine and holding her close as she slept, naked under the sheets, Devon stared up blankly at the ceiling of his room, wondering where he had gone wrong.

The moment he met (Y/N)?

The moment he was friendly with her?

The moment he decided to try and protect her with his entire being?

Or was it something else?

Letting out a breath, he tried to be rational about the situation, knowing that whatever he felt towards (Y/N) could never be put into action. He then glanced down at Katherine lying beside him, gently tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear. He would never hurt Katherine, nor would he hurt (Y/N) in the despicable way he was thinking about her.

He would never stoop that low.

Holding Katherine even closer, he finally allowed his eyes to flutter shut.

He had everything he wanted.

So, he wouldn't be the reason he lost it all.

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To be continued...