pter 86

    bChapter /b86

    Olivia

    “The car is here!” Ariana called from the living room.

    My heart jumped into my throat. This was it. No turning back.

    The drive to the Carter estate passed in a blur of nerves and champagne. The sprawling property had been transformed for the asion, with white roses and delicate fairy lights adorning the entrance and garden paths.

    “Wow,” Emilia breathed as we pulled up to the private entrance. “This is like a fairytale.”

    It was beautiful, I had to admit. Elegant and understated, exactly as I would have chosen if this had been real.

    We were escorted to a luxurious suite where bI /bcould wait until the ceremony. Alexander had arranged every detail, from the chilled champagne to the fresh flowers matching my bouquet.

    “Nervous?” Emilia asked, helping me with a final touch–up to my makeup.

    “A little,” I admitted. “It’s all happening so fast.”

    “When it’s right, it’s right,” she said, echoing the line Alexander and I had rehearsed for our families. “And you two are definitely right.”

    A knock at the door interrupted us. My father entered, looking handsome in his new suit, another gift from Alexander.

    “There’s my girl,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “You look beautiful, Olivia.”

    Thanks, Dad.” I hugged him carefully, mindful of my dress. “How are you feeling?”

    “Better than ever,” he assured me, patting his chest. “That doctor Alexander found did wonders. I’ll be dancing at your wedding without any trouble.”

    Another wave of guilt washed over me. At least that part wasn’t a lie; Alexander had arranged for the best cardiologist to treat my father, potentially saving his life.

    “It’s time,” the wedding nner announced, poking her head into the room.

    Dad offered his arm. “Ready, kiddo?”

    I took a deep breath and nodded, not trusting my voice.

    The garden ceremony was exactly as Alexander and I had nned, or rather, as Alexander had nned and I had approved. White chairs arranged in neat rows faced an elegant flower arch where Alexander waited. A string quartet yed softly as my bridesmaids processed down the aisle.

    Then it was my turn. All eyes turned to me as the music changed. Dad squeezed my arm reassuringly as we began our walk.

    And Alexander stood tall and impossibly handsome in his custom tuxedo. His eyes locked with mine, something unreadable in their depths. For a moment, the rest of the world fell away, and it was just the two of us.

    I barely registered the guests, the flowers, or the perfect blue sky above us. All I could see was Alexander, watching me with an intensity that made my heart race.

    “Who gives this woman to be married?” the officiant asked when we reached the altar.

    b1/3 /b

    my hand in Alexander’s.

    Alexander’s fingers closed around mine, warm and steady. “You look incredible,” he whispered.

    “So do you,” I replied, surprised by the breathlessness in my voice.

    The ceremony proceeded like a dream. We exchanged vows we’d written together, beautiful promises that sounded sincere enough to convince everyone present but vague enough that we weren’t actually lying. The ring Alexander slid onto my finger was a stunning tinum band set with diamonds. “Worthy of a Carter,” he’d exined when he’d shown it to me

    earlier that week.

    “I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the officiant dered. “You may kiss the bride.”

    My heart stuttered as Alexander leaned in. We’d kissed before, of course, quick pecks for the benefit of family or cameras. But this was different. This was our wedding.

    His lips met mine, soft at first and then with increasing pressure. His hand came up to cup my face, and I found myself leaning into him, my free hand resting on his chest. The kiss deepened for a moment, his tongue briefly touching mine before he pulled back, his eyes dark with something that made my stomach flip.

    Apuse erupted around us. Alexander smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes, and squeezed my hand.

    “Ladies and gentlemen,” the officiant announced, “I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Carter!”

    We turned to face our guests, and I was struck by the sea of smiling faces. My family, his family, colleagues, and friends all believed in this perfect love story. I spotted Emilia wiping away tears, my mother clutching my father’s arm, and even Victoria looking begrudgingly impressed.

    As we walked back down the aisle, Alexander leaned close. “You’re doing great, Mrs. Carter.”

    Mrs. Carter. The name sent a shiver down my spine.

    The reception was held in a massive tent erected on the estate’swn, decorated with more white roses, crystal chandeliers, and twinkling lights. Alexander and I were seated at a sweetheart table, giving us moments of rtive privacy between greeting guests. b– /b

    “Your grandmother seems happy,” I noted, watching Margaret Carter chat animatedly with my mother.

    “Ecstatic,” Alexander confirmed, his hand resting casually on the back of my chair. “She’s been waiting for this day for years.”

    “And your grandfather?”

    Alexander’s eyes found Harold, who was observing the proceedings with what appeared to be satisfaction. “Relieved. Thepany shares are secure.”

    Right. The whole point of this charade. I sipped my champagne, trying to ignore the hollow feeling in my chest.

    “Your family seems happy too,” Alexander added, nodding toward my brothers, who were charming a group of women near

    the bari. /i

    “They’re just grateful you’re paying for the open bar,” I joked.

    Alexanderughed, a genuine sound that warmed me more than the champagne. “Smart men, your brothers.”

    Dinner wasvish, five courses of gourmet cuisine paired with expensive wines. Alexander’s hand found mine between courses, his thumb tracing circles on my palm in a way that was bing familiar and unnervingly pleasant.

    the guestsughing.

    “I never thought I’d see my sister marry her boss,” he said, raising his ss. “But seeing them together, it’s clear this is more than just a workce romance. Alexander, you better take care of her, or you’ll have me to answer to.”

    Alexander nodded solemnly, though I could see amusement dancing in his eyes.