Chapter 24: Night Wedding
Naomi’s heart clenched as a wave of pain hit her. In all the weddings she had attended, the bride was always accompanied by her father, guiding her down the aisle to the groom. But her reality was different. She forced a weak smile, though it was clearly strained. Her grip on the bouquet tightened so fiercely that she was amazed it didn’t crumble in her hands.
"It’s okay, Miss Naomi. I’m with you," Rhea reassured her softly, sensing her unease. The gentle words brought Naomi a small measure of comfort, reminding her that she wasn’t entirely alone, even if this was just Rhea’s duty. Naomi knew Rhea had gone beyond what was expected, doing her best to make her feel less like a prisoner in her own wedding. For that, Naomi was genuinely thankful.
Taking a shaky breath, she stepped forward, keeping her eyes fixed firmly on the bouquet in her hands as she made her way down the aisle. Each step felt heavier than the last, and she couldn’t help but wonder if the weight was from the gown or the crushing anxiety gnawing at her insides.
As she drew closer to the altar, Naomi finally allowed herself to look up—and there he was.
Zylan.
Her heart skipped a beat, a reaction she hadn’t expected. Why did he have this effect on her? It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Yet there he stood, almost too perfect, almost too commanding to be real. But there was no escaping now. Running away would mean a legal battle over divorce; she was trapped until they signed the papers.
Zylan was watching her, his gaze unwavering. His thick ink-black hair was swept back, revealing strong, defined features. His dark eyes held hers with an intensity that made her throat tighten, and her heart skipped again, disobeying her attempts to steady it.
He wore a tailored black suit that highlighted his tall, lean build, every inch of him radiating confidence and control. Everything about him—from the impeccable cut of his suit to the polished shine of his shoes—spoke of immense wealth and influence. Her parents were well-off, but Zylan’s world was something else entirely. She knew how much her father had longed for this union, how he had swallowed his pride and practically begged for this partnership. A man who had held his ego above everything was reduced to asking.
Now, here she was, standing before Zylan, trying desperately to maintain her composure. Yet, the sheer weight of it all was crushing her. She shifted her footing, feeling unstable on her heels, and that’s when it happened. She stumbled, her mind going blank as she braced herself for an embarrassing fall in front of everyone. But before she hit the ground, firm hands caught her waist, holding her steady.
Zylan’s hands.
Gasps rippled through the audience as they witnessed what could have been a disastrous moment. Naomi’s breath hitched; she was as shocked as they were. There was something unnerving about how quickly and effortlessly he moved to catch her, as if he had known she would fall before she even did. Her eyes met his, and for a brief second, she saw something there—something almost like amusement.