The Billionaire's Secret Betrayal

ris

ou regret ev

kwood betrayed my family. And now, standing before him in a wedding dres

tals sparkled from above, and everything was bathed in the golden glow of candlelight. To anyone watching, thi

as the beginnin

my skin. The pain was welcome. It kept me sharp. It reminded me of why I was here. This was

ful smile tugging at his lips. He was playing his part well-the doting

s voice warm, soft, like a

rything I once held dear? He had the nerve to stand there and call me beautiful, as if I hadn't spent the last few years plo

kind that make people feel safe, as if love alone could ward off betrayal. But love hadn't saved my fat

still reacted to him, even now, after everything. His touch was familiar, warm, the way

t was b

shattere

Aaron. He had no idea that beneath the surface, I was anything but the dutiful bride. T

husband," I said, my voice steady, smooth. Not a tremo

rds meant something. As if I truly intended

ove, or something close enough to it. "I, Aaron Blackwood, take you, Clarissa, to be my wife," he said, his voice thick with e

t know the first thing about fixing what he destroyed. He couldn't bring my father back. He couldn't revers

ween us, and finally said the words everyone had been

uncing off the walls like a symphony of lies. Aaron took a step cl

ould somehow be what we once were, before the world went to hell. Before his betrayal turned m

d that was when I whispered it. The words that woul

ou regret ev

e kind I used to reserve for him back when we were younger and more foolish. It was a smile that said everythi

waged between us. I stepped back, slipping my arm through his as we turned to face our audience.

was the beginnin

e or excitement, but from anticipation. Every step we took together brought me closer

flocked toward us, eager to congratulate the happy couple. I smiled and thanked them, playing my part perfectly.

e wer

ing to find o

. "I know things have been rough between us, but I promise you, this i

ile still in place. "Of cou

ould've made my heart flutter. But now, it was nothing m

a soft click behind us, I allowed myself one final glanc

set his downfa

uiet, the hum of the engine the only sound between us. Aaron looked over at me, his eyes

mo

hing he'd cost me. My father, our business, my hap

we're doing this," he said softly. "I know it's not going to be e

ispered, "You're right, Aaron. This is the st

ould ask what I meant, the car came to a

ture before me. This was where it would all begin. Where I w

entrance, I felt a sm

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