Chapter 02: The Mafia Don Crashed the Wedding.

Kael leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, his gaze sharp and unreadable. “So, tell me, how are you so sure Arabella won’t show up for our engagement party?” His tone was calm, but I could sense the skepticism beneath it.

My heart pounded violently against my ribs. I couldn’t afford to falter now. My life, my family’s safety—everything was on the line. One mistake could cost me everything.

"You want proof?" I asked, pulling out my phone. With quick fingers, I dialed Arabella’s number and placed the call on speaker, forcing a light, cheerful tone when she answered.

“Arabella, couz! Are you sure you’re not going to show up at your engagement party?” I chirped, feigning casual curiosity.

A scoff came from the other end. “No! Let him have it! I don’t want him anyway,” she said, her voice dripping with disgust.

I stole a glance at Kael. His expression didn’t change, but there was a slight shift in his posture—a flicker of something in his cold, calculating gaze.

“But you two have been together for a year, right?” I pressed, pretending to be surprised.

“Yeah, but I found out some things about him that make me not want to marry him anymore.”

I felt Kael’s stare pierce through me, but I continued. “Where are you now?” I asked, trying to sound casual.

“You know where I am. I’m with my boyfriend, so don’t bother us anymore.”

I ended the call before she could say more, my grip tightening around the phone. I forced myself to look at Kael again. His jaw was clenched, his expression unreadable, but his silence was suffocating.

"If you want to know where she is right now, what she's doing with her boyfriend, I have a proposition for you," I said, my voice steady despite the racing of my heart.

His gaze darkened, assessing me. “What’s your deal?”

I took a deep breath. "I need you to stop my wedding to Austin Del Frado. Pretend to be my lover."

His reaction was subtle—a single brow raised, a glint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Do you know what you’re asking?" His voice was low, carrying a dangerous edge.

I swallowed hard. "Yes. And it benefits you too. Your fiancée is going to humiliate you in front of everyone. Why not turn the tables? Use me, and I’ll use you."

A long silence stretched between us before he finally spoke. "The last time I saw you at the family dinner, you and Austin were practically inseparable. You were head over heels for him. Why the sudden change of heart?"

I couldn't tell him the truth—not yet.

"It’s complicated. I have my reasons," I said carefully. "But one thing is certain. I despise that man."

He studied me for a moment before leaning forward. “I’ll do what you want,” he said, “but in return, you need to be my fiancée. And soon. We’ll have to get married.”

My breath hitched. "Married?"

A smirk tugged at his lips. “Don’t worry. It’ll only be for three months.”

This was far more than I had bargained for, but I had no choice. This was my one chance to rewrite fate.

"Deal," I said, though my voice trembled slightly.

He turned to one of his men. “Did you record that?”

My stomach dropped. "What? What's the recording for?"

Kael looked at me, his smirk widening. “Just in case you suddenly back out or try to run away.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but before I could, he stood and adjusted his suit. “You’re going to be late for your wedding.” His gaze met mine, unreadable. “I’ll see you soon, fiancée.”

With that, he left me alone in the dimly lit room, my pulse thundering in my ears.

The wedding hall was suffocating, the weight of expectation pressing down on me like an iron cage.

I stood at the altar, facing Austin, the man who had betrayed me in my past life. The memory of his gun, the searing pain in my chest, the cold, merciless look in his eyes—it all played in my mind like a cruel nightmare. My knees felt weak, my throat tight with fear.

But I wasn’t the same woman anymore. This time, I wasn’t going to be his fool.

The officiant’s voice echoed through the hall. “Does anyone object to this union?”

I held my breath.

Then, a sharp, deliberate click of high-end shoes against the marble floor sliced through the silence.

The music stopped abruptly. Gasps rippled through the crowd. Heads turned toward the entrance.

Kael Visconti had arrived.

He was dressed in a tailored black suit, every movement exuding power and control. His presence alone commanded attention, his aura both refined and lethal. But beneath that polished exterior, there was something far more dangerous lurking—a quiet storm waiting to strike.

“I object,” he said, his voice smooth yet firm, carrying a weight that silenced the entire room.

A gasp swept through the guests. My parents looked horrified. Austin’s expression darkened, his hands clenching into fists.

Kael’s eyes locked onto mine. In that moment, a silent promise passed between us.

He had come for me.

Austin took a step forward, his face twisted with fury. “You’re interfering with a sacred union, Kael!”

Kael tilted his head slightly, his lips curling into a cold, amused smile. “Sacred?" His voice was laced with mockery. “Funny, coming from you.”

Austin’s face reddened with rage. “You have no right to—"

“I have every right,” Kael interrupted smoothly, his voice turning lethal. “Because she’s mine.”

Gasps erupted again. The room was filled with hushed whispers.

Before Austin could react, I turned on my heels and ran—straight into Kael’s waiting arms. 

Flashes of cameras illuminated the chaos, the murmur of reporters buzzing in the background.

Kael tightened his hold on me, his voice low against my ear. “You’re mine now,” he murmured. “Ready to give them a show?”

I nodded, my heart hammering against my ribs.

With that, he took my hand, and together we turned and walked out—leaving behind the wreckage of a wedding that was never meant to be.