Page 122 of Plunge into Obsession

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Gabriel stoodin front of the makeshift altar in the huge backyard of his house—my house, too—that had been transformed into a fairy tale.

I stood behind a movable wall made of white daisies and red roses, getting ready for my cue to walk out there.

I ran my hands down the expensive, white silk ball gown. The bottom of it flared down, with ombré glitter catching the sunlight.

I also had on a tiara full of diamonds that was probably now the most expensive thing I owned. The veil flowed to the small of my back and covered most of my hair.

I felt and looked like a princess.

I had never felt or looked like a princess before.

Inside, though, I was a nervous wreck.

Chloe caught my eye then, nodding to confirm it was time for me to make my appearance.

I took a deep breath and moved out from behind the wall.

A man in the far corner played the piano, the notes coming from the speaker.

I only saw a handful of faces I actually knew.

The rest were people who’d come because they wanted to impress my husband.

They didn’t care about me.

I doubted they even cared about him, but they were all here, and it all felt like such a spectacle. I wished I had fought Gabriel more and insisted we eloped.

It was too late now.

I sneaked a glance around, trying to find another familiar face—or, at least, something I could hold on to and get my bearings. I could feel my breath coming in and out of me in harsh pants. My vision was starting to blur and I thought I might pass out and… and…

My eyes connected with Gabriel’s.

He looked like he was moments away from leaving his spot and rushing over to me.

I drew another deep breath and took another step toward him.

He calmed down a bit when it seemed like I wasn’t about to have a panic attack.

I quickened my steps.

His shoulders relaxed.

He mouthed something to me, something I didn’t get, but I didn’t care.

All the faces of strangers faded into the background as he focused his dark eyes on me.

A few more steps, and I would be halfway there.

I didn’t dare look away.

I didn’t want to see anything or anyone.

My hands tightened around the bouquet of white daisies and red roses.

One… two… three steps, and then I was at the altar.

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