Page 54 of Bound By Her Shocking Secret

Mia’s heart thumped. So she hadn’t imagined him beside her.

The note went on.

I have to do some work at the office, but I’ll be back at one p.m. to take you to the venue for the wedding.

D

Mia sighed. Not even an X. Her flicker of hope yesterday mocked her.

She got up and went to Lexi, her heart swelling at the sight of her beautiful baby girl. Picking her up and hugging her close, she told herself she was doing the right thing. Lexi would grow up secure and loved. By two parents. She would make this work.

A few hours later, Mia surveyed herself critically in the mirror. She’d chosen a very simple white Stella McCartney wide-legged trouser-suit, with a sheer lace body underneath. She’d matched it with white high heels, the pointy toes just peeping out from under the trousers. The only jewellery she wore was her engagement ring.

Her hair had been washed and blow-dried into big loose waves. Her make-up was minimal. She wanted to feel like herself as much as possible, and at all costs avoid anything floaty and romantic. This wedding was not about romance.

A hush went around the dressing room, where she’d been getting ready, and she looked up to see Daniel standing in the doorway in a steel grey three-piece suit. Jaw cleanshaven. He looked breathtakingly handsome.

And in his arms was Lexi, who was wearing a white dress, with a flower clip in her hair.

She put out her arms towards Mia. ‘Mama...’

Mia could see that she was feeling a little overwhelmed with all the activity and cuddled her close. Lexi put her finger in her mouth.

Everyone who had been getting her ready melted away discreetly.

Daniel said, ‘You look...stunning, Mia.’

She felt shy. ‘Thank you, so do you.’

Odile appeared behind Daniel. She looked very pretty in a deep red maxi dress, her hair up. ‘The car is downstairs when you’re ready to go.’

Mia’s heart pumped.

Daniel led the way to the elevator and down. The lobby of the building was empty except for some security men and the concierge, who said, ‘Best wishes, Mr Devilliers and Miss Forde!’

Mia smiled. Lexi waved, perking up again.

Then they were in the car and heading to a hotel, where a room had been booked for them to have a private ceremony.

Once inside the beautiful Art Deco hotel—one of Manhattan’s most exclusive—they were whisked up to a private suite by the manager. Apart from Odile there was a staff member from Daniel’s office, acting as the other witness, and a handful of guests, some of whom she recognised as his legal team.

The ceremonial part of it was a bit of a blur to Mia, who still couldn’t quite believe that it was happening. Daniel slid a plain gold band on the finger where her engagement ring had been—she’d put it on her other hand for the ceremony—and Odile handed her a slightly thicker ring for him, which she slid onto his finger, feeling something very possessive wash over her. Primal.

When Daniel kissed her at the invitation of the officiant Mia found herself tensing, aware of everyone watching them. She felt like a fraud and pulled back. Daniel frowned slightly, but then just took her hand and led her out of the room to the sound of everyone clapping.

‘Do you mind that we didn’t have a bigger reception?’

Mia looked at Daniel where he stood on the apartment terrace beside her. They were both holding champagne glasses. They’d returned a short while before and the staff had met them with a little fanfare and champagne. It had seemed churlish to refuse.

Daniel had taken off his jacket and his tie was gone, top shirt button open. She’d taken off her jacket too. And her shoes. Odile had just taken a very overtired Lexi off for a bath and then bed.

Mia shook her head. ‘No, it was perfect. It’s not as if it was a real wedding.’

‘Itwasa real wedding. You’re officially Mrs Devilliers now.’

A flutter came from deep inside Mia’s belly. She stamped it out. ‘You know what I mean. Anyway,’ she said, ‘I’m not really one for big glittering functions.’

Daniel leaned on the terrace wall and surveyed her. ‘I hate to break it to you, but there’ll be a few for you to go to as my wife.’

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