Chapter 2 You May Kiss Your Bride Now

The wedding ceremony began.

At the far end of the aisle, Adrian waited, his tailored suit perfectly fitted to his powerful frame. Broad shoulders, lean waist-he looked every bit the man of the hour.

A sleek black mask obscured his face, revealing only a sculpted jawline. The guests found themselves thinking that, if not for the scars hidden beneath, Adrian must have been nothing short of stunning.

Among the guests, Alice slouched in her seat until her friend leaned over, eyes wide with excitement. "Why didn't you ask me to stand in for you at the altar? That man's got the body of a runway model! I'd give anything just for a night with him."

Alice shot a glance at Adrian, tall and athletic at the altar. Jealousy flared in her eyes, but she marked it with disdain. "What good is a perfect body if his face is ruined? Didn't you see that mask? He only wears it because the accident left him too disfigured to show his face. Imagine waking up next to someone like that-aren't you the least bit terrified?"

Her friend pouted, momentarily at a loss for words, but she couldn't resist another lingering look at Adrian.

Just then, the sweet notes of a violin filled the room. Sophie entered gracefully, arm in arm with Kolton, moving with quiet confidence down the aisle.

From the crowd, David watched Sophie, a wave of regret crashing over him as he caught sight of her brilliance. If only he hadn't been unfaithful, maybe he would be her groom someday.

Whatever had happened with Alice meant nothing now. Sophie was the one he truly wanted-beautiful, kind, the woman he should have claimed for himself.

Alice noticed the way David watched Sophie and felt jealousy twist inside her. She leaned close to her friend, voice dripping with venom. "She acted like she didn't want to marry Adrian, but in fact she was over the moon. After all, the Knights are fabulously wealthy."

Hidden behind her veil, Sophie studied the masked man waiting for her at the altar, her hand unconsciously clenching tighter.

Kolton squeezed her fingers softly. "You're doing great. I know this isn't easy."

Sophie said nothing, just shook her head.

The decision had already been made-there was no use looking back.

Optimism was in her nature; she wouldn't let sorrow take hold.

This was her way of repaying her uncle's family for everything.

After today, her life would finally be her own.

Kolton gently placed her hand in Adrian's.

A jolt of nerves ran through Sophie as she felt the surprising warmth of his touch.

The masked groom softly stroked the back of her hand with his thumb-a silent reassurance.

The tenderness of the gesture startled her.

Maybe, just maybe, the man everyone called a womanizer was nothing like the rumors.

His features remained hidden behind the mask, but there was a steady grace in the way he carried himself-a quiet confidence that seemed to settle her nerves without a word.

He leaned in, his breath soft against her ear. "Are you ready to begin our story, my bride?"

The sound of his voice, low and resonant, sent a shiver racing through Sophie.

She could suddenly understand how he might captivate so many hearts, scars or not.

Without a word, Sophie nodded, letting him gently guide her toward the waiting priest.

Vows were spoken, solemn and sure.

The ring bearer walked forward carrying a tray. When the officiant lifted the silk covering from the tray, an audible gasp swept through the chapel.

Eyes widened all around as the legendary gem was revealed. "Is that the Sunset Flame? The famed pink diamond-a perfect match for the one worn by the princess of Yharta!"

Alice's hands curled into fists as she watched the enormous ten-carat pink diamond being slipped onto Sophie's finger.

That ring should have been hers.

She had always dismissed Adrian as nothing-a forgotten son from Mike Knight's first marriage, disfigured and unloved, with little to his name.

Who could have imagined the Knight family would bestow such a treasure on the son they supposedly overlooked?

Alice tried to reassure herself that the Knight family's flashy gesture was nothing more than a way to make Adrian look good on his wedding day.

Her spirits lifted as she remembered David, who had both charm and money, and was a clear upgrade over some ugly man.

That thought put her at ease, even if only a little.

The priest's gentle voice carried across the room. "You may kiss your bride now."

Stiffening, Sophie braced herself. Sharing a kiss with a total stranger-especially one she had just met today-felt unreal.

Across from her, Adrian looked just as unsure.

Sophie couldn't help but stare.

Was the infamous heartbreaker, who supposedly swept women off their feet, actually nervous right now?