My vision was blurry as the man strode into the church in a black tuxedo. I frowned as he came closer, his features familiar; he was no one else but Cain Blackwood, James’s biggest business rival.
He had the largest communications company in New York, just a little bigger than James' father's company. I was surprised to see him here; he was always away on business and his showing up at my wedding was a shock.
His deep, smooth voice cut through the chaos in the church as he got closer.
“Pathetic, isn’t it?”
He watched me with amusement and something else in his eyes.
The crowd watched us with interest. Cain was a businessman, ruthless, feared, and always two steps ahead of his enemies.
I clenched my fists, “What do you want?” I snapped.
He took a step forward, his lips curling into a smirk. “What I want is not important. What do you need, Elle?”
I took in a breath. I wanted James to suffer. But right now all I wanted to do was disappear from this humiliation.
“You want revenge,” he asked. “I can give it to you.”
My heart stuttered.
“I’m here to make an offer.” He stepped closer. “Marry me.”
I took in a sharp inhale. “What?”
He tilted his head. “James ruined you. But if you become my wife, you can change that.” His voice was slow. “Instead of the humiliated bride, you become the woman who married his biggest rival.”
“This is insane; I can't just marry you without thinking,” I whispered.
He shrugged. “Right now, they’re telling everyone you are the tragic victim. But if you walk out of here with me,. You become untouchable.”
Could I do this? Marry the man James hated more than anyone for revenge?
“Think carefully, Elle. Because if you say yes, I won’t let you back out.”
The words settled over me, and I knew Cain Blackwood didn’t do anything without reason. He had something to gain from this, but so did I.
James would never see it coming.
“Fine,” I whispered. “I’ll do it.”
His lips curled. “Good choice.”
Before I could think about it longer, he held out his arm. I slipped my hand into his elbow.
And then we walked up to the altar together.
I stared at the candlelight as I sat at the set dining table. My palms were sweaty and my heart was pounding in my chest.
Tonight was the first anniversary of our marriage. One year since I had walked out of that church on Cain Blackwood’s arm. One year since I immediately fell in love with him.