MARIECLAIE.

It was my wedding day. A week after I'd proposed to Xavier, we had worked on the invitations together—or more like, he had done all the work while I just invited those necessary. I'd invited my relatives, both from my father's and mother's side. They thought I was getting married because I was in love with Xavier Morello.

They should know better.

The designer behind me fixed my veil in my blonde hair, which she had packed into a stylish wedding bun. I was beautiful, I wouldn't deny that, and I wished this beauty was for a different occasion—not signing away my life to someone who could kill me while I slept at night.

But he wouldn't. I would be the first to put a knife to his throat.

"My, my, look how gorgeous you are," Beth chuckled as she walked inside the hotel room Xavier had booked for us. She was my chief bridesmaid.

"Thank you." I tilted my head up to look at her with a small smile. The designer was finally done with my veil, and she helped me up from the chair.

"This dress is magnificent. Your husband-to-be has amazing taste," Beth gushed, and I rolled my eyes.

"Tell me about it," I sighed. I sat on the bed while the dressers slipped my stilettos onto my feet, and after everything was done, we were driven to the church. My uncle was waiting outside the chapel—I had told him to walk me down the aisle because he was the closest thing to a father I had.

"You look beautiful, dear," he said when I intertwined my elbow with his. "Mario would be happy to see his daughter in a wedding gown."

Mario—my father.

"He would," I whispered.

The bell rang, and soft music started playing as Uncle Chase and I walked into the chapel. It was full—really, really full. Xavier had played his card perfectly, making everyone believe we were actually in love and getting married for that reason.

I knew why he did it. One wrong move, and the sharks would bite.

We reached Xavier, who stood before the altar. My veil was still over my face, but I could see him perfectly. He was handsome, with his hair gelled back and that black mole under his left eye.

"You look beautiful, Marieclaie," he complimented, and I was momentarily stunned before I remembered he was doing it for the audience.

I smiled a fake sweet smile. "Thank you, Xavier. You look gorgeous as well."

Xavier chuckled low before we turned to the priest. After the whole ordeal of saying our marriage vows and putting on our rings, it was time to kiss the bride.

I didn’t actually think Xavier was going to kiss me, but he surprised me by taking off my veil and pressing a full kiss to my lips.

A sly smirk curved his lips when he pulled away.

After signing marriage certificates and all the other bullshit, it was time for the reception. Xavier and I rode in the same car, but it was unimaginably silent—neither of us spoke until we reached the hotel venue for the reception.

That, too, went well—until it was time for the couple’s dance. I had taken off my wedding gown and worn a simpler white dress. The musical band changed the song into something soft and warm, like this was any love story.

Xavier wrapped his arms around my waist while I placed mine on his shoulders as we twirled to the music. He leaned down, and my heart left my body when I thought he was going to kiss me again, but he only whispered:

"Didn't know you were so excited to get married to me. I mean, you literally invited all your family members."

His words registered, and I scoffed, but then I chuckled—knowing everyone was watching, searching for the perfect slip.

"Who wouldn’t be eager to get married to you, Xavier?" I asked in a whisper. "You are all money. I’m certain my aunties are very excited that I’m getting married to you."

Xavier laughed—a low sound—and before I could register the fact that I enjoyed the sound of his laughter, a gunshot echoed outside.

And then—screams.

"Take cover!" Xavier yelled before he left my side. But then—men in black everything and masks filtered into the room. Bullets flew, screams made my head almost explode.

Everyone rushed to take cover, though some guests were hit—but not in vital places.

Me? I still stood in absolute shock, unmoving, until Xavier rushed to me and ducked, bringing both of us to the ground. I only just realized he had saved me from a bullet that had landed dangerously close to my feet.

Xavier was yelling, but his voice had never sounded so distant. Not only were the men in black shooting, but Xavier’s men, too. When everything died down and Xavier lifted me up, leaning me against the wall, a piece of paper before me caught my eye. I crawled to pick it up.

When I unfurled it and read the contents, my breathing—and my whole body—paused altogether.

"Hello, Marieclaie. Happy Lovely Wedding Day."