Darker Days Looming
876 Words
The wedding reception was perfect.
Too perfect.
The kind of perfection that felt dangerous.
Khan barely had time to process any of it. The ceremony, the vows, the way Liam had kissed her like there was nothing fake about it.
Now, they were at the reception, surrounded by powerful people, flashing cameras, and the weight of a marriage that had somehow turned into something real.
Sophie hovered close, keeping an eye on Khan like a protective sister. Meanwhile, Vivian sat at one of the front tables, watching the event unfold with a knowing look in her eyes.
And Harold?
Nowhere to be seen.
Which meant he was plotting something.
Khan took a slow sip of champagne, forcing a smile as yet another wealthy guest congratulated her.
And then—a voice cut through the noise.
“Well, well. So this is the woman who managed to tie down Liam Carter.”
Khan turned, eyes landing on a tall, striking woman with piercing green eyes and an aura of pure danger.
Liam stiffened beside her. His grip on Khan’s waist tightened.
"Khan," he said, voice tense, "this is Celeste Laurent."
Celeste smiled, tilting her head. "And before you ask, sweetheart—yes, I’m another ex."
Khan’s stomach dropped.
Another ex.
One that Liam hadn’t told her about.
Celeste’s gaze flickered between them, sharp and unforgiving. "You’re quite the mystery, aren’t you, Khan? Appearing out of nowhere, suddenly Mrs. Carter. I have to admit—I’m intrigued."
Khan forced a polite smile. "Glad to know I’m entertaining."
Celeste laughed. "Oh, I like you." Then, she turned to Liam, smirk widening. "But you, Liam—you should have warned me. I don’t like surprises."
Liam’s jaw clenched. "You shouldn’t be here, Celeste."
Celeste ignored him completely. Instead, she reached for Khan’s hand, running her fingers over the wedding ring.
"Tell me, Mrs. Carter…" Her voice dropped slightly. "Is this real? Or is there another contract hiding somewhere?"
The air froze.
Khan felt Liam’s grip on her waist tighten even more. His entire body was tense.
And then—Khan made a choice.
She smiled, tilting her head slightly. "You tell me. Does it look fake to you?"
Celeste’s eyes darkened.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Then, Celeste’s lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile.
"I think I’m going to enjoy watching you, Mrs. Carter."
With that, she walked away, disappearing into the crowd.
The moment she was gone, Khan turned to Liam, voice low.
"Who the hell was that?"
Liam exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "A mistake."
Khan narrowed her eyes. "A mistake that clearly still wants something from you."
Liam sighed. "It’s complicated."
Khan folded her arms. "Uncomplicate it."
Liam hesitated. Then, finally, he said, "Celeste is dangerous. She doesn’t let go of things easily."
Khan swallowed. "Great. So now, in addition to Harold and Khloe, I have to worry about her?"
Liam’s expression darkened. "I won’t let her touch you."
The intensity in his voice sent a shiver down her spine.
She wanted to believe him.
But something told her that Celeste Laurent wasn’t the kind of woman to back down.
And that meant this marriage—real or not—was about to become even more dangerous.
Meanwhile, across the city…
Harold Carter sat in his dimly lit study, fingers tapping against his desk.
The wedding had been a setback.
But it wasn’t the end.
A knock at the door.
He looked up. "Come in."
The door opened, and a tall, lean man in an impeccable suit stepped inside.
"Mr. Carter," the man said smoothly. "It’s been a while."
Harold leaned back in his chair, studying him. "Luca Moretti. I assume you’ve heard about the wedding."
Luca smirked. "Oh, I’ve heard. And I have to say… your grandson is proving to be quite the problem."
Harold exhaled sharply. "Then let’s fix that, shall we?"
Luca’s smirk widened.
"Oh, I intend to."
Back at the reception…
Khan finally had a moment alone.
She stepped out onto the venue’s balcony, taking in the crisp night air. Her mind was spinning—Celeste, Harold, the wedding.
And then—a voice behind her.
"You should be careful standing out here alone."
Khan turned sharply, heart skipping a beat.
A man leaned against the balcony railing, watching her with a lazy, almost amused expression.
He was handsome—in an unsettling way. Tall, dark-haired, dressed in an expensive suit that screamed power.
Khan narrowed her eyes. "And you are?"
The man smiled. "Luca Moretti."
Khan frowned. "Should I know you?"
Luca chuckled. "Not yet. But you will."
Something about the way he said it sent a chill down her spine.
Before she could respond, Liam’s voice cut through the air.
"Khan?"
She turned—and found Liam standing at the doorway, his eyes locked onto Luca with something close to fury.
Luca simply smirked. "Ah, Liam. It’s been too long."
Khan looked between them. "You two know each other?"
Liam’s jaw tightened.
"Yeah," he said coldly. "We do."
Khan had never seen him look like this before. Like he was staring at a ghost.
And in that moment, she realized—this wedding might have solved one problem.
But it had just unleashed another.
- Writer
