The next day, the grand hall was adorned with flowers and lights, echoing with the soft hum of anticipation. The guests whispered excitedly as they waited for the ceremony to begin. Isabella’s heart pounded in her chest as she stood at the altar, dressed in an ivory gown that shimmered like moonlight. The weight of the night before pressed heavily on her, but she forced herself to focus on the present—on surviving this moment.
Tristan stood beside her, eyes dark and unreadable. The silence between them was suffocating, each unspoken word a reminder of the betrayal that hung in the air. Yet, the ceremony went on, the priest’s voice droning on as if nothing was amiss.
“Do you, Tristan, take Isabella to be your lawfully wedded wife?”
Tristan’s gaze softened for just a moment, a fleeting glimpse of the boy she had once known. “I do,” he said, his voice steady but hollow.
“And do you, Isabella, take Tristan to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
A tremor ran through her as she met his eyes. Memories of their past collided with the painful present, and for a heartbeat, she felt like the little girl who had once trusted Leo with everything.
“I do,” she whispered, the words tasting like ashes on her tongue.
The priest nodded, a benevolent smile creasing his face. “Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Before Tristan could move, a sudden, sharp sound shattered the serene atmosphere—gunshots.
Panic erupted as screams filled the hall. Chaos reigned, and in the midst of it all, Elysio appeared, his eyes fierce and wild. Without a moment’s hesitation, he grabbed Isabella’s arm and yanked her away from the altar. The room spun around her, voices blurring into an incoherent roar as he dragged her through the confusion. She stumbled, the world tilting as darkness swept over her.
When Isabella came to, the first thing she noticed was the cool press of silk against her cheek. Her head throbbed, and for a moment, she couldn’t tell where she was. Panic set in as she pushed herself up and took in the unfamiliar room. It was dimly lit, with heavy drapes casting shadows that danced like specters.
“alexai?” Her voice trembled, barely more than a whisper.
From the corner of the room, a figure stepped forward. Alexai's expression was cold, a cruel twist to the features she had once known as kind.
“What are you doing?” she stammered, confusion mingling with fear.
He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. “Nothing personal, Isabella. I just need to settle a score with your husband.”
Her eyes widened in disbelief. “Revenge? I never thought you—”
“That I would stoop to this?” He let out a harsh laugh. “You have no idea what your precious Tristan—or should I say, Leo—did to me. To my family.”
Isabella’s pulse quickened, and a cold dread settled over her as alexai’s voice hardened.
“It’s time you knew the truth,” he said, eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.
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YOU ARE READING
Bound by Obsession
Romance**Description:** Isabella Rossi is a fierce bounty hunter with a reputation for bringing in the most elusive targets. When she sets her sights on Tristan De Luca, the enigmatic and ruthless mafia king, she underestimates his obsession. Tristan is ca...
