Until the vows break

CHAPTER4

Chapter 4

The black luxury car purred softly as it rolled to a stop in front of her apartment. The driver was an older man with a composed expression. He stepped out and walked around to open the door for her.

“Miss Hayes" he greeted with a polite nod. “Mr. Dante sent me to escort you to the airport"

She hesitated for a fraction of a second before nodding. She stepped into the car, smoothing the fabric of her coat against her lap. The interior smelled like expensive leather and something faintly citrus. It was ridiculously luxurious.

The drive to the airport was quiet. When they arrived, she wasn’t surprised to see a private jet waiting. A flight attendant greeted her warmly at the steps and ushered her inside.

“Make yourself comfortable, Miss Harper" the attendant said, offering her a drink. “Mr. Dante has told us to ensure all your needs are taken care of"

She accepted a bottle of water, choosing a seat by the window. A few Minutes later, the engines roared to life, and they took off in the sky. She stared out the city she had known all her life. Who would have thought she would leave it in a private jet. Twenty minutes later, they landed on the other side of the country.

She was immediately escorted to a waiting black SUV, that drove them to Dante's estate. The mansion was an architectural masterpiece of glass and stone, exuding power and wealth.

When the car stopped, a butler greeted her at the entrance and led her inside. The grand foyer was filled with people, decorators moving swiftly, arranging elegant floral displays and crystal chandeliers that castes golden light over the marble floors. The Wedding preparations were already in full swing.

“Welcome home" a voice addressed her. She turned to find Dante standing behind her dressed in a navy blue suit. Was he ever not with a suit? She wondered.

“Home?” she echoed, arching an eyebrow.

“For now" he winked. Then, lowering his voice, he leaned in slightly. “You’re about to meet my elder sister, Abigail. She raised me like a mother would, and she’s very... observant. I already told her we met at a bar"

She snorted softly. “A bar? That’s so cliché"

“You’d be surprised how much she believes it" he murmured before straightening. “Just act natural"

Before she could respond, a woman with features like Dante's approached them. Her eyes swept on Elara as she approached. She was breathtakingly beautiful.

“So, you’re the woman who captured my brother’s heart?” Abigail ’s voice was laced with curiosity and subtle skepticism.

Elara smiled “Yes. It was... unexpected"

“I can imagine" Abigail mused, folding her arms. “Dante has never been one for serious relationships. And yet, here we are, preparing for his wedding"

“He has a way of surprising people" she replied smoothly.

Abigail studied her for a long moment before nodding approvingly. “At least you seem intelligent. That’s already an improvement from his previous flings"

Dante chuckled, wrapping an arm around her waist in a practiced motion. “Be nice, Abigail . You’re scaring her"

“Good" Abigail said, arching an eyebrow. “She needs to be prepared. This family is... complicated"

She felt Dante’s fingers press lightly against her waist.

“I can handle complicated" Elara said reducing the tension in the room.

Abigail let out a small laugh. “We’ll see" Then, nodding toward the grand staircase, she said, “Your room is ready. I assume Dante will show you?”

“I will" Dante affirmed, taking her by the hand and leading her towards her room. Once they were out of earshot, he exhaled. “That went better than expected"

She gave him a look. “I see what you meant by ‘observant.’”

“She likes you" he remarked as they walked toward a hallway lined with floor-to-ceiling windows. “Which is good because she’s the one you need to convince the most"

“No pressure" she muttered sarcastically.

He smirked, stopping in front of a grand bedroom door. “This is your room. Everything inside has been arranged for you. Clothes, accessories, whatever you need"

She opened the door, stepping inside. The room was stunning, with a massive bed draped in silken sheets, a walk-in closet filled with designer clothes, and a private balcony overlooking the gardens. It felt surreal.

“Tomorrow, we’ll finalize the wedding arrangements" Dante said from behind her. “Get some rest"

She turned to him. “You’ve really thought of everything, haven’t you?”

His lips curved slightly. “I like things to be in order"

“Good for you" she said, shaking her head. “ I like order”

He chuckled at her bluntness, As he turned to leave, she called after him. “Dante"

He paused at the doorway, looking back at her.

“Thank you" she said, softer this time.

Something flickered in his eyes before he nodded. “Goodnight"

Moments later, one of the house staff, a polite woman in a neatly pressed uniform, wheeled in a silver cart covered with a pristine white cloth.

“Mr. Dante instructed that you be served dinner in your room" the woman said with a warm smile. “Is there anything else you need?”

She hesitated, then shook her head. “No, thank you"

The woman nodded and left, leaving her alone with the steaming meal. She sank into the cushioned chair by the small dining table, letting out a breath as she picked up her fork. The first bite melted on her tongue. It had been so long since she had eaten something this good.

Once she finished, she set her fork down and moved to the bathroom. The massive space gleamed with marble floors, gold accents, and a deep bathtub that looked inviting. But she was too tired for a long soak. Instead, she turned on the shower, letting the hot water run as she peeled off her clothes.

Stepping under the stream, she let out a small gasp as the heat eased the tension in her shoulders. The water cascaded over her skin, washing away the stress of the day. She closed her eyes, allowing herself a brief moment of peace.

Wrapping a white towel around herself, she padded back into the room. Tomorrow, the reality of her new life would settle in, but for now, she just wanted to sleep.