Page 101 of An Eye For Illusion

“I know that look. Don’t even fucking think about it! They’ll find him,” Bridge says.

“We don’t know that.”

A tear escapes and tracks down my right cheek. It’s the first I’ve let fall, and it’s because I feel hopeless. I don’t know what I’ll do if they don’t find him or if it’s too late when they do. I won’t fucking care if I’m married to Elliott or not at that point because I’ll have lost my real chance at love.

“I need to go; I want to take another look around before the ceremony starts. We’ll get him back, Jade, I promise you we will.” Donovan says before heading for the exit of the beautiful and spacious but still suffocating room I’m supposed to get ready in.

We’re at a large estate just outside the city. Elliott insisted on this location because it’s where all the rich and famous people get married in California.

I look around the room, and instead of luxury tapestries or exquisitely done artwork, all I see is a noose closing in around my neck.

Donovan looks back at the last second, and I scowl. “Go. Find him and bring him back to me. We have it handled here,” I choke out. Donovan nods before closing the door behind him.

Bridge finally stands and walks over to the champagne cart. She pops a cork and makes two large pours into the empty glasses. She walks over and hands one to me. I put it to my lips, tip it back, and in three large gulps, my glass is empty.

The bubbly alcohol does little to settle the churning in my stomach.

“Well, well, well, here’s the blushing bride.”

I spin on my heels because I don’t recognize the voice. I’m met by an older, slightly pudgy, and not very attractive man. He has a sneer on his face and a glint in his eyes that immediately puts me on edge.

I’m in front of the large mirror situated in the corner of the bridal suite. I’m dressed in the wedding dress I finally picked out with the help of Bridge and my father. It’s pretty enough, even though I don’t feel anything for it.

My hair is done in an eloquent up twist, and a long veil attached to a diamond incrusted tiara sits on my head. I think that’s the thing I hate the most about this whole get up. It feels stuffy and tight. I don’t like it. In fact, I think I may hate it, but Dad loved it, so here I am.

I really need to stop saying yes to a million things I don’t like or downright hate just to make my father happy. He wouldn’t care if I said I didn’t like it, but with how damn guilty I feel, I just can’t bring myself to disappoint him.

I’m going to need a shit ton of therapy after this.

“Who are you?”

The stranger walks further into my room without an invitation, and suddenly, two men who clearly look like his goons step in behind him. I immediately tense because I now have a strong feeling I know exactly who this is.

Bridge stepped out a few moments ago to see if she could stall the photographer any longer. We’ve held pictures off for over two hours now, but it seems our stall tactics are growing weaker by the second.

It looks like Vinny has been watching for a moment to catch me alone.

A large, unsettling smile forms on his ugly face as his eyes scan me from head to toe. I repress the shiver that threatens to show. I won’t let this man see me cower.

“I’m Vincent Maggio, your new business partner. I’m sure Elliott has mentioned me.” His knowing look makes my stomach turn.

He extends his hand for me to shake, but I leave it hanging in the air. I wouldn’t touch this man if my life depended on it.

“Last I checked, we haven’t come to an agreement, and my company is very, very strict about who we decide to do business with.” I won’t let this man try to intimidate me.

What I need from him is information on Colin.

He finally drops his hand and places it behind his back, clasping it with his other hand. He wanders around the room, pretending to look at all the art on the wall, but we both know he isn’t paying it any attention. My eyes follow his every move, but I try to remain relaxed in my stance.

“Okay, I see you’re going to need a little more convincing despite Elliott assuring me that you wouldn’t.” He uses the word convincing as a threat.

I almost scoff, but I manage to stop it in time. “Oh, did he?” I ask to keep him talking.

“Oh, yes. He said he has this deal tied up and secured with a bow. I should’ve known better with that one.” His back is to me, so I can’t read his face, but something about his words and his tone sends tingles down my spine.

“Why are you here?” I ask.

“Don’t play stupid, Jade. You know exactly why I’m here.” He finally turns to face me. He remains on the other side of the room, but it feels like he’s right in front of me and just slapped me across the face.

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