My Safest Danger

The Other Groom

Skylar’s POV

A shrub caught my heel as I made my way away from the garden. My fingers curled around it, slowly pulling it off my foot.

Almost hidden behind the tree stood a small gate. Pushing it open, my eyes darted around the quiet environment until they landed on her grave.

I frowned and quickened my pace toward it, ripping off the stubborn grasses growing over the edges.

Just a few days of leaving the house, and it has already turned into a mess.

My gaze shifted to the shade of trees on the other side, and beneath it was his.

It was almost covered with grass. I lifted my gaze to his photograph. He was smiling. My hand curled into a fist at my side, my fingers digging hard into my palm.

I turned away from him and knelt beside her grave, brushing over her photograph, tracing her beautiful features.

Leaning closer, I squeezed my eyes shut, enjoying the warmth I felt. “M-mom,” I whispered.

My head rested there for several minutes until approaching footsteps broke the silence.

“And there she is,”Joan murmured from behind me.

I straightened up and stuck my tongue out at her. “Can't seem to stay a second without me, bug.”

She eyed me and dusted the dirt off my dress. “Let’s go, it's your supposed wedding. You don't want to keep the priest waiting, right?”

As we drove in her car, I rolled down the window, letting the breeze brush against my face.

“So.” She cleared her throat. “Your phone is blowing up already?”

“Still haven't checked.” I shrugged, leaving my phone untouched in my lap.

I didn't want our wedding to come up so suddenly. So, Joan had snapped a photo of Zack and me. We had to put on a loving look for the camera, then I posted it in our company group chat and deleted it immediately after seeing a blue tick. If just one person had seen it, the news would still spread like wildfire.

Her eyes met mine through the rearview mirror, and she shook her head. “You make the weirdest choices and only think about the consequences later.”

“Right now, all I can think about is going to see my uncle's lawyer. The consequences can wait.”

She pulled to a stop at the venue. “In case you’ve forgotten already, remember Jace and Ava saw you and Damien together.”

“That hadn’t crossed my mind.” I sighed, dragging a hand over my forehead. “It doesn’t matter. They should think whatever they want.”

I climbed out of the car, my gaze sweeping over the venue. A large picture of Zack and me should have been displayed on the front of the building, but there hadn't been time for that.

This venue was originally for Jace and me. I hadn’t cancelled the booking. With everything that had happened, it had completely slipped my mind.

Since it wasn’t the weekend, I’d called the venue and asked if they could keep the place available for us.

Joan had also put a call through to a priest, and I’d deliberately sent a text to my aunt at midnight about the wedding. By the time she woke up, I would already be married to Zack.

Joan pushed through the entrance, and I stepped in beside her. My gaze passed over the empty chairs at the back before moving toward the front rows.

I stopped in my tracks. No one was invited, so why was Jace, Ava, Mia and even my aunty here? Aunty Bianca stood by the window, tapping her foot against the floor. Her gaze swept around before landing on me.

Joan glanced at me, and I muttered a curse under my breath as Aunt Bianca charged toward me.

“You need to explain yourself, Skylar, because I don't understand what is going on.”

Jace, Ava, and Mia turned around at the sound of her voice.

“Aunt, please, lower your voice,” I pleaded, glancing around.

“Lower my voice?” Her voice rose even higher. She pointed toward Ava. “Ava called me last night and told me she was getting married to Jace tomorrow.” She threw her hands up, shaking her head. “I haven’t even recovered from that. I’m still trying to process it, and now you’re what?”

“I’m getting married.” I met her gaze. “He’s a nice guy, and you know him already.”

“Is it Zack? A mere secretary? She paced a few steps before turning back to me. “I’ve been hearing you’re always with a strange man. Where did I fail you as a parent, huh? Why are you and Ava doing this to me!”

Joan took Aunt Bianca’s hands, trying to calm her down, while I stood there quietly.

She turned to Joan. “Are you sure she’s taking her medication properly? She doesn’t seem okay to me.” Her eyes returned to me. “I don’t know what game you and Ava are playing...”

Her driver stepped forward and gently held her by the arm, leading her toward a chair.

“Where’s Zack?” I covered my face with my palm. This was embarrassing.

“He’s on his way,” Joan whispered. “How about we just go to the bridal suite and wait until he comes?”

“No.” I shook my head and headed toward the wedding arch instead.

The priest was already standing there, and more guests kept strolling in. People I didn't even know, along with some business associates. What the hell was going on? Had Jace invited them all?

My feet were starting to hurt from standing for too long. The guests were beginning to complain, and Ava even leaned toward Mia and muttered something about whether my groom had ditched me.

I scoffed inwardly. Did I invite any of them here? Now, it was starting to look like I was making a fool of myself. What was taking Zack too long?

My gaze moved through the crowd and stopped on a man sitting among the guests. His eyes were fixed on me, a smirk pulling at his lips when he caught me staring.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pill, twirling it between his fingers.

I stumbled backward, breathing heavily.

“Are you okay?” the priest asked, giving me a handkerchief.

“Yes.” I forced a smile, taking it from him.

My eyes swept through the crowd. The man had shot up from his seat and was heading toward me.

Before I could say a word, the door flew open. Zack stepped in, holding the door open as Damien stepped in behind him, his face void of emotion.

The man dashed toward the back door and disappeared. I pressed a hand to my chest and exhaled in relief.

But why was he here?

Why was Damien f*****g Rodriguez here, and why was Zack holding the door for him?

Zack released the door and headed straight for a chair, not sparing me a glance. My brows pulled together. Wasn't he supposed to be standing beside me?

Damien made his way toward me, not taking his eyes off me.

I lifted a hand and waved him off, hoping he'd get the message. But no, Damien doesn't ever listen to me.

The murmuring from the crowd wasn't helping matters. I glanced around as some people pointed at him, whispering among themselves.

“Isn’t that Salvatore Russo?” someone muttered.

Salvatore Russo? Sweat formed on my forehead and slid down the side of my face. I wiped it away with the handkerchief and smoothed my dress as he closed the distance.

“Getting married to another man... in the same dress I got you?" The corner of his lips curved slightly.

If I walked away right now, I'd only be giving my enemies, seated among the guests, exactly what they wanted. My pride wouldn't allow it.

His arm snaked around my waist, pulling me closer. "I told you we'd be getting married soon." His gaze darkened. "You thought I was joking?”