Official Wedding

Logan guides me through the elegant hallways, and my heart nearly stops when I see Sarah sitting in one of the mansion's lavish sitting rooms. She jumps up the moment she sees me, tears already forming in her eyes.

"Ashley!" She runs toward me, pulling me into a tight hug. "I couldn't wait until tomorrow. I had to see you!"

I break down in her arms, all the emotions of this crazy day finally spilling over. "Sarah, I'm not supposed to see you anymore. It was in the contract—I just found out."

"That's why you need to thank Logan," Sarah says, pulling back to look at me. "He's the one who let me in when the guards tried to turn me away. He said you needed a friend right now."

I turn to Logan in surprise. His usual playful smile has been replaced by something more serious. "Everyone needs someone in their corner," he says softly. "Especially in this family. But we can't stay long – dinner's about to be served, and there's a lot we need to discuss."

"Thank you," I whisper to him, meaning it with every fiber of my being. "You don't know what this means to me."

Sarah squeezes my hand. "I'll keep my distance after this, I promise. But remember – I'm always just a phone call away if you need me."

"We should head back," Logan says, checking his watch. "Liam doesn't like to be kept waiting, and Aunt Regina is probably already spreading her special brand of chaos at the dinner table."

As we walk back, Sarah whispers quickly, "Stay strong. You're tougher than you think. And maybe... maybe Liam isn't as cold as he seems. Give it time."

I nod, trying to believe her words. The smell of expensive perfume and gourmet food fills the air as we approach the dining room. Logan pauses before we enter.

"Ready for round two?" he asks with a gentle smile. "Remember, you're a Grayson now. Hold your head high."

I take a deep breath, straighten my shoulders, and nod. Sarah gives me one last quick hug before Logan escorts her out.

Logan holds the dining room door open for me. "After you, sister-in-law. Let's show them what you're made of."

As we enter the dining room, Logan pulls out a chair for me, his gentlemanly gesture drawing all eyes. I catch Liam's sharp side-glance at his brother, his jaw tightening ever so slightly.

Aunt Regina clears her throat, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "My, my, Logan. Shouldn't the husband be the one pulling out chairs for his new bride?"

I feel my face flush as I sit down, smoothing my dress nervously. Logan just chuckles, taking his seat across from me. "Just being welcoming, Aunt Regina. We wouldn't want our new family member to feel uncomfortable, would we?"

The first course arrives – some fancy soup I can't even pronounce. Lucas leans forward, his eyes twinkling. "So, Ashley, tell us about yourself. What made you choose our stoic older brother?"

Before I can answer, Mr. Grayson's authoritative voice cuts through the conversation. "Before we get too comfortable, there's something we need to discuss." He sets down his spoon, fixing me with his penetrating gaze. "The official wedding ceremony will take place in two days."

I nearly choke on my soup. "Two days?"

"Yes," he continues, unmoved by my shock. "We've already arranged everything. The press will be there, of course. It needs to look authentic."

Logan jumps in, probably noticing my panic. "Don't worry, Ashley. We'll help you prepare. Won't we, Lucas?"

"Of course!" Lucas grins. "I know all the best designers in the city. We'll find you the perfect dress."

Throughout the conversation, Liam remains silent, methodically eating his food. The brothers try their best to keep the mood light, asking me about my favorite books, movies, and places I'd like to visit. But I can feel Liam's presence beside me like a cold wall.

Then, unexpectedly, he clears his throat. "I apologize for my behavior earlier," he says quietly, so only I can hear. "This arrangement is... challenging for all of us."

I turn to look at him, surprised by the hint of vulnerability in his voice.

For a brief moment, I see something in Liam's eyes that makes my heart skip. But just as quickly as it appears, it vanishes, replaced by his usual stern expression.

"If you'll excuse me," Liam says abruptly, standing up. "I have some urgent work matters to attend to."

"Always working," Lucas sighs, shaking his head. "Even on the night he gets married."

"Don't take it personally," Logan says softly, noticing my expression. "Liam's been like this since... well, for a long time."

Aunt Regina dabs her mouth with her napkin, her eyes sharp. "Since he got cheated on and their mother passed away, to be precise. Some men just don't know how to handle loss."

"Regina," Mr. Grayson warns, his voice stern. "That's enough."

The room falls into an uncomfortable silence. I push my food around my plate, no longer hungry. Their mother? No one mentioned anything about that.

"Ashley," Mr. Grayson says, his tone businesslike again. "Maria will help you settle into your room for the night. Tomorrow, we'll begin preparations for the ceremony."

The next two days pass in a whirlwind of activity. Maria and a team of stylists descend upon me like a fashionable hurricane – there are dress fittings, hair trials, makeup consultations, and endless lessons on proper etiquette. My head spins with instructions about which fork to use and how to address important guests.

I barely see Liam during all of this. He's always in meetings or locked away in his office.

Logan and Lucas become my unexpected allies, popping in regularly to offer encouragement or steal me away for brief moments of normalcy. They make me laugh, help me remember how to breathe when it all becomes too overwhelming.

"The press will be watching," Maria reminds me as she helps me into my wedding dress on the big day. "Remember everything we practiced."

The dress is a masterpiece of white silk and delicate lace, probably worth more than everything I've ever owned combined. As I stare at my reflection, I hardly recognize myself. In her place stands someone who looks like she belongs in this world of wealth and power.

"You look beautiful," Sarah whispers when she sneaks in to see me. Logan arranged for her to be here, though she'll have to watch from the back. "Are you ready?"

Am I ready? To marry a man I barely know? To become part of a family that seems to have more secrets than members?

Before I can answer, Mr. Grayson appears at the door. "It's time," he says, offering his arm to walk me down the aisle since I have no father to do it.

The cathedral is packed with hundreds of guests – business associates, socialites, reporters. Cameras flash as I walk down the aisle, my steps careful and measured just as I practiced. Liam stands at the altar, looking devastatingly handsome in his tuxedo, his expression unreadable as always.

The ceremony begins, the priest's words echoing through the massive space. I say my parts exactly as rehearsed, trying to look appropriately in love. Liam's hands are cool and steady as we exchange rings.

Finally, the priest speaks those traditional words: "If anyone knows of any reason why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace."

The silence lasts for exactly three seconds.

Then, in perfect unison, three people stand up, their hands raised high.

My heart stops as I recognized them.