Sara’s hands flew to Luca’s chest, her instinct screaming at her to push him away. She tried turning her head, desperate to break free, but his grip at the back of her head firm, leaving her no room to escape.
Her eyes stung as they darted past him, searching, aching for just one glimpse of Asher. He had been there, standing at the end of the aisle.
Had he left already? Did he see her standing here, bound to another man? Her heart ached. This wasn’t how she had imagined things.
If she had been free, she would have ended things properly, on her own terms. But Luca hadn’t allowed her even that rcy, he had dragged her into this morning and claid her by force.
In fury, Sara bit his lip sharply, and Luca hissed, pulling back only slightly. His tongue brushed over the wound, his eyes turning dark, while she whipped her head to scan the crowd again.
Asher was gone. In his place, an applause filled the hall, and showers of white petals rained down upon them like mockery.
Luca’s hand slid down to her waist, anchoring her against him. With an irritated voice, he whispered, "You ruined the kiss," his breath brushing her cheek.
"I want to see Asher," Sara whispered fiercely, her knuckles white as she clutched the black roses bouquet.
"Not today." His tone left no room for negotiation. "This is our wedding day, and I won’t let it be spoiled. You’ll et my family now, Sara." His fingers tightened at her waist, a silent reminder of the control he held over her.
"Your family that abandoned you long ago!" Sara scoffed.
"Who said they abandoned ? I chose to live separately from them," Luca replied. "Besides, you’ve signed a contract with to save your company."
"I hate you," Sara said with gritted teeth.
"Liar. You still haven’t taken out of your heart. That’s why the God listened to your wish. Even if it’s for a year, you have got to fulfill your dream of being with , your once a secret crush," Luca pronounced with a victorious smile as he raised his hand to wave at the crowd. "Now, smile, my dear. Our beautiful wedding picture will be the top news of tomorrow morning," he added.
Sara faked a smile, but inside only she knew how much pain she was feeling. She never let anyone control her life. And Luca was doing it. Gosh! She shouldn’t have signed the contract with him.
So ti later, Sara excused herself from Luca’s side and slipped away, her chest tight. What unsettled her most wasn’t the whispers of the guests but the indifference of Luca’s parents. Their faces betrayed nothing, neither joy nor disapproval as if this entire marriage were just another business arrangent for them.
She splashed so cold water on her face in the restroom, trying to steady her breath. When she finally stepped out, her heart jolted. Asher was there, standing in the lobby, his eyes looked stormy.
Sara’s throat went dry. Lifting the hem of her wedding gown, she hurried toward him. "Asher, I—I can explain everything," she whispered, her voice began trembling.
"There’s nothing left to explain, Sara," Asher cut in. "You married Luca! How could you do this to ?" His fists clenched at his sides. "Do you even know how hard I’ve been fighting. How I’ve been tearing myself apart trying to save your company? And what did you do? You sold yourself to him. To him!"
Sara flinched at his words. "You’re wrong. You don’t understand—"
"Wrong?" His laugh was bitter and sharp as he ran his fingers through his hair. "Your sister told everything. She said you always loved Luca. That you chased him back in school, in college, that you were obsessed with him. And all this ti you fed lies that he was your rival, your torntor, jealous of your success." His voice cracked, but his glare didn’t falter.
"Sara, I thought you were different. I thought you were the most wonderful woman I’d ever t. But you—" his lips curled in disgust, "you’re no better than the ones who’ll do anything for money and power. You couldn’t bear to lose your CEO chair, so you seduced him."
The accusation struck her like a dagger. Sara’s lips parted, but no words ca. Instead, tears ford in her eyes.
Finally, Sara gathered the courage to speak, her voice shaking. "Asher, I understand why you’re angry. But don’t accuse of sothing I never did. This marriage is only for one—"
"Oh, shut up, Sara!" Asher’s voice thundered this ti. His eyes blazed with betrayal. "Why don’t you just admit you never wanted to be with ? I was just your distraction, your ti pass! You could’ve called yesterday, you had the chance! But you didn’t. Instead, you ran straight to Luca, let him ’save’ you, and beca his wife!"
He scoffed bitterly and clapped his hands, mock applause echoing in the quiet corridor. "Bravo, Sara! You really are a brilliant actress. Did you cry those fake tears for him too? Or did you crawl into his bed to seal the deal?"
The insult sliced too deep. Sara’s palm flew across his face with a sharp crack. "Enough!" she snapped, her chest heaving.
"You didn’t save , Asher. You ran away when I needed you the most! And don’t you dare say I didn’t try because I called you, again and again, the night before yesterday. You ignored !"
Her lips trembled before curling into a bitter laugh. She shook her head and muttered, "I never lied to you. Not once. If you truly loved , you would’ve trusted instead of accusing like this."
Her fingers raked through her hair in frustration as she turned to leave, but Asher’s hand shot out, gripping her arm with bruising force. Sara winced, pain flashing across her face.
"Let go," she hissed, struggling against his hold. "You’re hurting ."
And then, before Sara could even react, a strong hand yanked Asher’s grip off her arm while another pulled her safely aside.
"Ahhh!" Asher scread as Luca twisted his wrist and shoved him down onto the polished floor.
Sara’s eyes widened in shock as Luca pressed his shoe against Asher’s chest, pinning him firmly to the floor. Asher writhed beneath the weight, his face contorting in pain and humiliation.
"Luca, please stop!" Sara pleaded. She glanced around nervously, terrified that soone might see them. A scene like this could spiral out of control in an instant.
But Luca didn’t budge. His gaze was burning straight into Asher.
"The one who seduced Sara was . And I did it to save her from a bastard like you."
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