“Oh, Marcus,” Asher greeted, his tone curt, with the familiar voice of authority heard in every syllable. “You're here.”

Marcus extended his hand with a smile on his face. “Wouldn't miss it,” he replied calmly.

“Marcus, this is my wife, Elena Lucas,” Asher said as he held my hands.

My heart almost stopped at the word wife. I forced a polite smile. I was standing between the two men, my fingers tightening around Asher's hand as if it were the only anchor to hold me upright. My heart was racing so fast, I was sure both men could hear it.

Marcus's eyes shifted to me. For a second his expression faltered— anger, maybe disbelief before he covered it with a smooth grin. He took my hand, lifted it to his lips, and brushed a kiss on my knuckles.

“Congratulations,” he said, his tone sounding so charming. “Elena.”

The name Elena. He said it deliberately, maybe to get a reaction out of me. He was taunting me. He wanted to see me flinch, to watch me unravel.

I forced a smile. “It's been…… a long time,” I whispered.

Asher looked at both of us. “You know each other?” he asked, his brows furrowedin confusion.

Marcus turned to Asher with a perfect smile on his face. “Just for a while. Years ago, just a brief interaction, nothing serious.” He turned back to me, his eyes staring deeply into mine, cool and calm. The slight jaw clench told a different story.

I took a deep breath, heat crawling up my neck. “Yes, I know him,” I managed to say, my voice softer than intended. “Just briefly.”

Marcus squeezed my hand before releasing it, his thumb brushing deliberately across my skin— a silent reminder that I wasn't fooling him.

Asher gave a curt nod, maybe a bit satisfied, but I could feel suspicion brewing in his silence. He didn't press further though, instead he gestured towards the hall. “Shall we? Guests are waiting.”

He guided me into the reception hall, his palm firm against the small of my back. Marcus was like two steps behind us. Deep down I wished he would just disappear right now but I don't think that's going to happen.

He led me through another grand door, and the guests cheered as we walked down the aisle. I smiled when I was supposed to, waved when people congratulated us, and tried to ignore how the air felt too heavy to breathe.

The celebration was in full swing. Guests raised glasses, slow romantic music playing in the background and waiters were moving around with trays of champagne and delicate bites.

A smile was automatically set on my face, as I let Asher look like the perfect husband– poised, confident, untouchable. But I could feel his energy, controlled but watchful like he knew every single thing that was happening around him. He led me from one group of smiling faces to another. His investors. His board members. His family.

To the world, this was a perfect union between two powerful families.

To them, I was the elegant. Perfect. Elena. But to me, it was a decision forced on me.

And Marcus was the loose thread threatening to unravel it all. His presence made me feel unsettled. He blended effortlessly in the crowd— shaking hands, laughing, charming the women, exchanging business talks with the men. It looked like he was well respected and a powerful person among his peers.

Every time our eyes met across the room, I felt a shiver down my spine. He would raise his glass to me in a subtle toast with a smirk on his face.

I hated that I couldn't look away.

The air around me felt too heavy, too suffocating. I wanted to run. To leave this place and just go back to my old life but it's too late. To be brave, I constantly reminded myself that I'm doing this for my dad.

Hours passed like that. My cheek hurt from forced smiles, and my feet ached from standing in these heels for a long time.

Asher was by my side until he was pulled by a man, maybe an investor or someone from the company, and I finally found myself alone.

Or so I thought.

A shadow fell across me.

I turned back and it was Marcus.

“You wear her face well,” he murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear him. I froze as he stepped closer.

I turned, my lips parting, ready to deny, ready to lie if I had to. But Marcus leaned in closer, his smile was gone now.

My mouth went dry. “Marcus,” I said quietly. “Whatever game you're trying to play, please stop it.”

He smiled like he'd won. “You sound scared.”

“Scared of what?” I replied.

“You're not Elena,” he whispered. His voice was laced with certainty. His words cut through the music. “Elena had a way of tilting her chin when she lied. You don't. You….. Hesitate. You stumble. That's how I know it's you… Savannah.”

I stiffened. I wanted the floor to open up and I'd just disappear beneath.“Marcus, you must be mistaken”

“You know I'm not lying, Savannah,” his gaze softened, like he pitied me.

“Stop calling me that,” I muttered quickly, glancing around to make sure no one was close enough to hear.

And for the first time today, I wished desperately that someone— anyone- would interrupt.

But no one did.

“Calm down. I have no intention of ruining your pretty little performance. At least, not yet.” He took champagne from a passing waitress's tray, swirling the golden liquid lazily. “I'm just trying to make conversation. That's what they do at weddings, isn't it?”

“Why are you here, Marcus?” I truly want to know what he wanted.

“Why am I here?” He questioned, then took a sip from his glass.

“Yes Marcus, why are you here? Did my sister put you up to these?”

“No, no, no. Your sister has no idea I’m here. I obviously got an invitation from your dear husband cause I’m one of his major investors in his company.” He replied to me proudly.

“Then go drink to the bride and groom with the other investors, not…… here whispering nonsense to me,” I said, taking a step back from him.

Marcus chuckled, he wasn't even offended in the slightest. “Nonsense? You call all this nonsense? Perhaps. But tell me—-” his gaze swept over me. “Are you happy, Savannah?”

Before I could say anything, a hand curled around my waist.

Asher.

“There you are,” his voice was casual but his grip on my waist was firm. His eyes turned to Marcus. “Didn't expect to see you keeping my wife company.”

Marcus's grin widened, he was clearly unbothered. He set his glass down on a nearby tray, tapping Asher lightly on his shoulder. “I'm just having a casual conversation.” He picked up his glass and raised it to Asher. “To your future.”

Asher gave a short nod, his expression unreadable. “We'll make it a strong one.”

The two men exchanged a look— something layered, something I couldn't read. Then Marcus turned to me, giving me a polite bow of his head.“I’ll leave you two to your guests. But Elena we'll speak again. Soon.”

Then he walked away, disappearing into the crowd.

I exhaled shakily. This can't be happening. I never thought I would see someone who would recognize me at the wedding since I rarely go out but now my sister’s ex-lover who would always come to see my sister at the house knows about all this. I don't know what to do. I have no friends to confide in. No one to guide or tell me the what to do.

“What was that about?” Asher asked politely, his tone was deceptively calm.

“Nothing,” I said too quickly. “Just…. small talk.”

His eyes lingered on mine, for a few seconds as if he wasn't quite convinced. But then someone called his name, and he turned away with a small smile, leading me into the reception.

The rest of the night was a blur of music, laughter, and endless congratulations. Yet no matter how many faces surrounded us I felt Marcus's presence like a shadow trailing me through every room. And deep down I knew this wasn't over. I could still hear Marcus's question in my head.

Are you happy, Savannah?