Soren’s POV

I dressed in my tuxedo and made sure the doors to my office and bedroom were locked before stepping out. I waited for Raisel, hoping she didn’t see the call I received yesterday. If she had, she would’ve asked questions last night, but she seemed normal. I glanced at my Rolex 40 platinum with its ice-blue Roman bezel. Time was ticking, and I knew I had to knock on her door.

“Five more minutes,” Raisel said from behind the door. I sighed and texted Hazel, who gave me a heads-up that everything was set for disaster. I couldn’t wait to see the angry look on Davina’s face—she thought her threats of ruining my reputation would scare me. Davina, my stepsister, believes she can manipulate people like my stepmother Nancy, who is a real piece of work. Nancy abused me during the dark times of my past, and even my father joined her, treating me like the undisciplined child he despised. Davina always managed to appear disciplined in front of him, but she was reckless—doing drugs, drinking, and more. Nancy covered up all her messes and always blamed me, manipulating others to see me as the problem.

The dark thoughts of my childhood screamed in my mind—endless cries, and no one ever came to help. Over time, even the beatings didn’t faze me. Nancy and Davina made my life hell, even in college. But then the door opened, and suddenly, light poured in. My heart raced as I saw her in a black gown and red heels, with an hourglass figure and beautiful wavy brunette hair.

‘She is my goddess, my love, my woman, my dream,’ blushing as I stare at her . Raisel shy side always made me giddy. No other woman could ever have this effect on me. I knew long ago that only one woman could seize my heart, and she still does.

“How do I look?” Raisel asked softly. Lora and Lenny chuckled, and Lenny lightly patted her shoulder. “Can’t you tell, Raisel? He’s just a man gazing at you in awe.”

“You... look beautiful,” I stuttered. Damn, that never happened to me only occurs when Raisel is around.

“Your stutter is back,” she teased. I used to stutter whenever Raisel was around. I could never admit why.

“Calling you beautiful is an understatement. You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen, inside and out.” Her blush made my heart race even faster.

“You don’t look bad either,” she muttered as she slipped her hand into mine. I felt like I could conquer the world. As we walked to the wedding, I sensed Raisel’s nervousness. Her smile and the way she bit her lip made me want to stop and kiss her to calm her down. I placed my hand on her shoulder, and she took a few deep breaths to steady herself.

A black limo pulled up to the venue, and we stepped out. It felt like a red carpet event, with paparazzi lining the path because a few celebrities were attending. Raisel’s grip tightened on my arm. I knew she was nervous around cameras, especially after she’d been humiliated in front of so many people before. Leaning close to her ear, I whispered, “Relax, I’ve got you, Raisel.” She nodded, her goosebumps visible.

We walked into the reception; Davina had insisted on a grand event instead of a small church wedding, supported by her mother and my father. Some of her mean friends were already there. We stood in the party, enduring the scornful and hateful glares directed at us, but my steady stare made many avert their eyes.

“Where’s Hazel?” Raisel asked. Just as she spoke, we saw Hazel walk in with her mother, and she came over to us.

“Are you ready for some fun?” Hazel asked.

“You bet,” I said.

“What’s going to happen?” Raisel whispered, excitement sparkling in her gaze. She had a darker side that I loved seeing. The grand double doors opened, and romantic music played. The lights dimmed to highlight the couple, but the spotlight failed to turn on, causing murmurs of confusion among the guests. Davina and Alaric tried to cover the mishap with smiles, while on the other side, Hazel’s mother was scolding the staff. The petals meant to shower the aisle were replaced with dry leaves, and Davina’s furious eyes met mine. I held a blank look of innocence as she glared. Small chuckles filled the room, barely suppressed by the guests, while Hazel and Raisel hid their smiles. This was just the beginning of the wedding reception. Davina, I’ll let you marry your childhood love in peace, but don’t think you’ll get away with everything.