"I told you to stay away," Evanora whispered, her voice wavering but defiant. Eros's cold smile widened. "You made your choice. You came to me, offered yourself that night. Now, you think you can run?" "It was supposed to be one night," she breathed, meeting his gaze. Eros traced her jawline, his voice low. "One night wasn't enough, tesoro. It never could be." She tried to pull away, but he caught her chin. "Look at me," he commanded. "You think I can let you walk away?" "I'm not yours," she whispered, trembling. His smile faded, turning dark. "You are. From the moment you gave yourself to me, Elena, you became mine. Body, mind, and soul." He pinned her against the wall, his lips brushing her ear. "And if I have to burn the world to keep you, I will." _________ Sometimes, a single mistake can either ruin your life or change it forever. Evanora Scott, the youngest and most powerful woman in New York City, had everything-a successful career respect, and control, and a singer as well an actress. But after finding her soon to be husband in bed with her best friend, she made a reckless decision. Heartbroken and drunk, she decided to give away the one thing she'd always guarded-her virginity. She chose the man in front of her, a stranger who radiated danger and mystery. Hypnotized by his charisma and the alcohol in her system, she surrendered herself to him, never expecting to see him again after that night. But she couldn't have been more wrong. She had fallen into the clutches of Eros Kane, the most feared billionaire of New Orleans. A man with more than just political power-he was the embodiment of terror and sin. In the mortal world, he was a billionaire with influence, but in the underworld, he was something far more dangerous. Lucifer. The King of Darkness. The creator of sin and ruler of Hell itself. After that one night, Eros couldn't forget her. She'd imprinted herself on his dark soul, and now, there was only one solution. She had to be his-forever. She has to become his wife....
Chapter 1 Broken Vows
_________
The woman on the TV screen smiled brightly, addressing her audience. "What's up, New York City? I know most of us are eagerly awaiting tomorrow's event. In just 20 hours, our superstar and Brooklyn's beloved mayor, Evanora Scott, will be marrying the Grammy-winning singer, Denim King, in front of the whole world. The ceremony will be streamed live to an audience of 20 million."
The announcer continued with a grin, "I also heard Evanora will be wearing a custom Zuhair Murad gown adorned with 10,000 hand-beaded crystals. It's going to be an unforgettable day!"
"Evanora Scott and Denim King are exchanging vows on stage in New York City tomorrow, and after that, they're jetting off to a private island for their honeymoon," another commentator added.
"Honestly, Evanora deserves the best," a woman chimed in. "After so many failed relationships, she's finally found the right man. I'm so happy for her!"
Evanora couldn't stop smiling as she watched Jimmy Fallon and other hosts discussing her upcoming wedding. It had been her dream, and she could hardly wait to walk down the aisle in that breathtaking gown.
After all the heartbreak with her past relationships, she had finally found the man of her dreams, and in less than a day, they would be married. "I'm getting married!" she squealed, her excitement contagious as her friends laughed around her.
"I'm so happy for you, babe!" Mirabella exclaimed. "I mean, damn! You're marrying the hottest singer ever." Evanora laughed, feeling grateful for her friend's excitement. Mirabella had always been her closest friend, bold and supportive, even if she was a little crazy.
"Well, I don't think he's perfect for you, Evanora," Evelyn said, sipping her juice. Her disapproval was obvious, and Evanora shot her a glare.
Evelyn had never approved of Denim, no matter how hard he tried to make a good impression. It grated on Evanora; Evelyn knew how much her friends meant to her, but still refused to give him a chance.
"I don't know what your problem with him is, Evelyn, and honestly, I don't care if you don't like him," Evanora said, her voice hardening. "But don't you dare talk trash about my soon-to-be husband."
Evelyn looked taken aback for a moment, but then shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm just saying, Eva. You know I care about you and want what's best," she replied, though her tone held a hint of reluctance. "But if he makes you happy, I'll keep my mouth shut... for now."
Mirabella rolled her eyes, draping an arm around Evanora. "Ignore her, babe. You deserve all the happiness tomorrow's going to bring, and we're going to make sure this wedding is as unforgettable as you dreamed."
Evanora smiled, grateful for Mirabella's unwavering support. She knew her friend had been there through every heartbreak, every failed relationship, and every painful lesson along the way. This wedding wasn't just a milestone in her love life; it was a victory over everything she'd overcome to get here.
As the night deepened, they poured glasses of champagne and toasted to the big day. The air was filled with laughter, warmth, and the sparkle of pre-wedding excitement. Evanora's thoughts drifted to Denim, imagining the moment she'd see him standing at the altar, waiting for her with that charming smile she'd fallen in love with.
"Can you believe it?" she murmured, almost to herself. "In just a few hours, I'll be Evanora King." Her voice was soft, filled with both awe and anticipation.
"You two are going to be perfect together," Mirabella assured her. "And, Evelyn," she added pointedly, "whether you like it or not, you're about to witness the happiest day of our best friend's life."
Evelyn managed a small smile and raised her glass. "Alright, alright. To the bride-to-be."
The three friends clinked glasses, their laughter echoing around the room as they celebrated the night away. Evanora felt a surge of happiness, a sense of fulfillment that had once seemed so distant. The love she'd found, the friends who stood by her, and the city she adored-it was all coming together.
Tomorrow, she would be stepping into a new chapter, a new life. And as she lay in bed later that night, trying to calm her racing thoughts, she couldn't help but feel that all of her struggles had been worth it. In just a few hours, her dream was about to become reality.
******
(NEXT DAY)
It finally the day the guys. I know everyone are getting ready to witness the exchanging of vows but please don't forget to send me some videos" The woman on the tv said, and a few people just laughed.
The young woman heart was pounding widely as she she stared at herself in the wedding gown. She knew she was looking beyond gorgeous. She gasped, and covered her mouth trying not to cry but it came out, and she couldn't stop crying.
"Hey don't do that. You will ruin your makeup" Someone who was from behind said, and she quickly cleaned her tears.
The lady hugged her. "You are getting married Eva and don't you forget about me no matter what" Andrea, her stepsister said and they both chuckled.
She sighed. "Where is dad?" She asked. "He is so excited to see you. He is waiting at the entrance of the hallway" Andrea whispered, and the Evanora blushed.
Looking around she smiled, her loved ones was with her. Her siblings, her friends, her dad and some few relative but her mother was not here with her.
She chuckled and cleaned the tears threatening to fall down from her eyes. "Let's get going sweetheart. The priest is am impatient one" Andrea said...
★★★★
As Evanora stepped out of the car, the crowd erupted in screams of excitement. People pushed and jostled to catch a glimpse of the beautiful bride, snapping photos as she smiled in response.
The crowd was massive, spilling into the street. But her smile faded as she noticed a few people looking at her with pity, glancing back and forth between her and their phones. That was the look she despised the most.
She looked around, realizing more people were doing the same. When she turned back, even her friends were staring at their phones.
"I can't believe he did this to her. I thought he was perfect for her," someone whispered.
"Don't you think this is a setup? That girl is her best friend."
"People can be so cruel," another murmured.
"What the heck!" Andrea, standing beside her, gasped while looking at her phone.
"Please, let's sing a song as the bride enters," the man on the microphone announced.
Evanora's heart pounded as she half-yelled, "What's going on?" and grabbed Andrea's phone.
Her heart stopped, her breath catching as she saw the video. Tears filled her eyes as she stared in shock at the scene on the screen-it was Mirabella and Denim, kissing.
She wiped her eyes, hoping she was seeing things, but it was real. "Oh my goodness," she gasped, clutching her chest, breathing heavily.
"How could you?" Evelyn yelled at Mirabella, who was sobbing. Evanora glared at her, disbelief etched across her face.
Mirabella? She asked herself in shock. Among her four friends, if anyone would have done this, she'd have thought it would be Evelyn, known for her reputation with married men. But Mirabella?
"Oh my goodness! She's having an attack. Get her inhaler, Evelyn!" Andrea yelled, trying to calm Evanora as she collapsed onto the floor, screaming.
People started taking pictures, more focused on capturing the drama than witnessing the wedding. Just then, Denim rushed out with a few friends.
They must have been waiting nearby. "What's going on?" he asked, panicked, rushing toward Evanora, but she slapped him.
"How could you! How could you cheat on me with my best friend?" she shouted, struggling to catch her breath. Evelyn quickly handed her the inhaler, and Evanora took a few deep breaths.
Denim's eyes widened, and he scoffed. "We have a wedding to attend, babe. This isn't the time for this. I didn't do anything like that," he claimed.
Evanora scoffed and showed him the video. He sighed, running a hand roughly through his hair.
"Enough!" she interrupted. "I've noticed how close you two have been. The gift you gave her for her birthday last week was even more thoughtful than mine... And last night, when you disappeared, were you with her?" Her voice trembled, hoping it wasn't true, but his silence confirmed it.
"You jerk!" she screamed, yanking off her veil and hitting him hard. The crowd around them grew even larger.
With a deep breath, she took off her ring. "I guess you weren't the one for me after all," she said through her tears.
Denim ran his hand through his hair in frustration. "Please, sweetheart-"
"Don't you dare call me that," Evanora snapped, cutting him off. "We're over!" She threw the ring at him, earning gasps from the crowd.
He scoffed, then grabbed her tightly, a dark smirk playing on his lips. "Oh, really?" he chuckled coldly.
"Yes... I've been sleeping with your friends, but it was just sex," he admitted, and the hall filled with shocked gasps.
"You know how much I need it, and you deprived me, insisting on saving yourself for marriage. What did you think you were-a nun?" he yelled angrily. "Your friend saw how miserable I was and stepped in. It meant nothing."
Evanora broke into tears again.
"You're still marrying me, and you won't deny me this," he shouted, trying to drag her inside, but her guards stepped in, blocking his path.
"Don't lay a hand on her," one of the guards said firmly.
Before anyone could react, Evanora snatched a guard's keys and dashed to a nearby car.
"Oh my gosh! She's getting away!" a reporter shouted as everyone turned toward her.
"Wait!" Andrea called, running after her, but Evanora had already driven off.