Page 8 of Forced Innocent Bride By the Bratva

The mere thought of that broadened my smirk, leaving my men puzzled and wondering what exactly I had in mind.

Chapter 4 – Scarlett

Today was the biggest day of my life, the day I’d finally become one with my one and only true love, Liam Callahan. A wave of apprehension swept through me, and it was safe to say that I was having the jitters. Why wouldn’t I? I’d never been married before, never experienced so much joy and fear at the same time.

It would have been nice to have Alessia here with me, but she’d texted me two days ago that she wouldn’t be able to make it. Apparently, something came up, but she was sorry for disappointing me. Even when she called later, I still heard it in her voice when she apologized. But I understood, and I promised not to hold it against her. Besides, if I’d told her sooner, she would have cleared her schedule and made the time to be here.

However, here I was, on the most important day of my life, anxious as fuck. I understood the anxiety part, but what about the fear I felt deep down in my heart? What was that about, and why couldn’t I seem to shake it off?

My heart pounded like a drum in my slowly heaving chest as the church doors parted open, revealing the seated guests, all dressed in their finest. A cold sense of foreboding seeped into my bones, crippling my knees, but my father’s elbow locked in mine was my anchor.

He stole a glance at me, his eyes sparkling with pride, his tailored black tuxedo simmering under the chandelier’s warm glow. Dad squeezed gently against my manicured fingers and whispered, “Don’t worry. I’ve got you.”

My lips curled into a smile, and I heaved a sigh, taking the first step forward, my heartbeat steadying by the second. Dressed up in my expensive white silk lace, my heels clicked against the fine marble floor, polished to a shine.

Heads turned, all looking to catch a glimpse of the beautiful bride, and I could feel their eyes and the intensity of their gazes. The melody of the classic “Wedding March” filled the air as I advanced into the church building, my eyes fixed on the handsome man standing on the altar.

Liam Callahan, my husband-to-be, stood poised, his eyes never leaving his approaching bride. A charming smile softened his expression, accentuating his handsomeness as he stared at me in adoration. His black suit highlighted his athletic build, while his dark hair, styled to perfection, added a sense of sophistication to his overall look.

A cold shiver ran down my spine when we locked eyes, and he beamed at me like someone who’d just seen a goddess. Liam’s gaze was fixated on his bride; nothing else seemed to matter to him.

My father walked me down the aisle, and the closer we drew to the altar, the more anxious I became. Murmurs rose from the guests as they witnessed the event unfolding before them, but their voices soon faded into the background. The closer we drew to my husband-to-be, the more the world around us seemed to melt away, leaving just the two of us.

Oh, my God! This is really happening,I thought to myself, my heart racing with anticipation.

I was getting married to the most handsome man in the world, a man who loved, cherished, and adored me. Everything was perfect.

Sunlight filtered in through the stained-glass windows, casting soft colors over the opulent space as the scent of fresh flowers wafted through the air. This was the most exciting day of my life—a day I’d always remember—and I couldn’t wait to be joined in holy matrimony with Liam Callahan.

Dad handed me over at the altar and beamed at me before stepping away to join the guests. The priest guided me to stand across from Liam, merely inches apart, as we stared deeply into each other’s souls.

Liam winked at me, his eyes widening in such a way that the excitement on his face couldn’t be more palpable. He sensed my anxiety, my unease, and while the priest’s voice droned on, Liam took my hand, his tender touch soothing and calming. With a discreet move, he nodded at me, gently squeezing my fingers.

I felt a wind of relief blow across my features, my nervousness dissipating into thin air. As the ceremony continued, I locked eyes with my Prince Charming, anticipating the big moment—the most important moment of the day.

“Do you, Scarlett O’Sullivan, take this man, Liam Callahan, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?” the priest asked me.

I drew a deep breath, my face lighting up with a radiant smile. “I do.”

Liam mirrored my gesture, his gaze still fixed on mine, even as the priest posed the same question to him.

“I do,” he replied.

My heart was racing in my chest; in just a few more seconds, I’d be Liam’s bride officially. But somehow, I couldn’t seem to find that spark, the one from a minute ago. My nerves began to hum with unease, my breath hitching. What was going on here? Why was my stomach twisting into knots of worry?

Then, the priest asked that one question that shattered my nerves, leaving me breathless.

Why? What the hell was I so afraid of?

“Is there anyone in the congregation who has a reason why these two should not be joined together in holy matrimony? Speak now or forever remain silent.”

The church was quiet, all eyes fixed on the waiting couple at the altar. Of course, no one had any reason to stand in the way of my happiness. Right? This wasn’t a Hollywood movie where an ex-lover with impeccable timing would just barge in through the front door with a dramatic entrance. Right?

In the absence of any objections, the priest continued. “With the power bestowed on me, I now pronounce you….”

Then it happened—the dramatic entrance.

The front doors burst open, and armed men in black suits raided the building. My breath caught in my throat, my heart sinking into my chest at this sudden invasion.

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