Temptation of my Father-in-Law

Chapter 1- Signed and Sealed

Grace

5 hours later….

Sunlight gently streamed through the ornate window, casting a warm glow upon the room where Grace prepared to embark on the journey of a lifetime. Her wedding day had arrived, a day that should have been marked with joy and anticipation. Yet, as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror, doubt gnawed at the edges of her heart.

Last night's memories are still fresh in her mind. She left Maxon’s condo without a word and rushed to the chapel where she was supposed to get ready for her wedding with her bridesmaids.

The delicate lace of her wedding gown seemed to shimmer with its own excitement, but Grace could hardly find solace in its beauty. She traced her fingers over the intricate patterns, lost in thought. The weight of the decision she was about to make bore down on her, making it hard to breathe.

In the midst of her turmoil, the door to her dressing room creaked open, and Charlotte, her best friend since childhood, stepped inside. Charlotte exuded an air of genuine happiness and excitement, unaware of the storm brewing within Grace. Emily, Olivia, and Cristina looked up at Charlotte.

"Oh, Grace! You look absolutely stunning," Charlotte exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with genuine admiration as she took in her friend's ethereal appearance.

Grace managed a weak smile, grateful for her friend's enthusiasm. "Thank you, Charlotte. Can I have a moment with Charlotte?"

Olivia tried to talk to Grace but Grace stayed quiet. It wasn’t just betrayal, that haunted it was also the guilt and hypocrisy. How can she hold Grayson liable when she escaped the first chance she got?

Charlotte moved closer, her eyes searching Grace's face. "Is everything alright? You seem a little distant."

Grace hesitated, struggling to find the right words. She had always shared everything with Charlotte, but this was a secret she couldn't bear to burden her with. "It's just the pre-wedding jitters, I suppose. You know how overwhelming this day can be."

Charlotte nodded understandingly, her voice gentle. "Of course. But remember, you're marrying Grayson, the man you've loved….. This is your day to celebrate a new beginning." Grace waited a moment, will Charlotte accept what happened last night?

A lump formed in Grace's throat, the weight of the unspoken truth becoming nearly unbearable. "Are we really going to ignore what I found out last night," she murmured, her voice trembling.

Sensing the underlying unease, Charlotte sat down beside Grace, offering a comforting embrace. "Grace I don’t know what to tell you. I know you and your expectations from this marriage. Did you really expect Grayson to be faithful?"

Tears welled up in Grace's eyes as she felt the safety of her best friend's embrace.

“I didn’t but right ahead of our wedding shows I am sacrificing my self-esteem, and self-respect for this shiny world, and a chance to enter this society.” The truth about last night clawed at her insides, desperate to escape and be laid bare, but she choked it back, holding on to the facade for just a little longer.

"I'm just nervous, Charlotte," Grace finally confessed, her voice a mere whisper. "I wanted this day to be perfect, for Grayson and for everyone who's here to celebrate with us. But in the end, it going to be another facade in the long strings of this marriage of convenience."

Charlotte squeezed her hand gently, offering words of encouragement. "You've planned every detail meticulously, Grace. And if you decide to leave, Alex and I will create a perfect diversion and you will be free." These were her friends, ready to be there for her despite the situation/

“Free! I think I lost that when I said yes.” Grace eyed her engagement ring which was back on her finger.

Grace nodded, her heart heavy with the weight of her friend's wisdom. "Thank you, Charlotte."

As Charlotte continued to offer her support and reassurance, Grace tried to shake off the looming doubts that threatened to consume her. The veil of uncertainty shrouded her, but she resolved to keep her secret locked away, buried beneath layers of hope and determination. This was her destiny, maybe in another life she would have the chance to afford to live her life on her own without a single worry, this just wasn’t it.

The hours dwindled, and the time drew near for the ceremony to begin. Grace clung to her friend, the veil of her wedding gown a barrier between her and the truth.

Grace stood at the threshold of the grand church, her heart fluttering like a caged bird desperate for freedom. The sun cast a golden hue on the scene as if nature itself was bestowing blessings upon this union. All around her, the air was alive with the melody of chirping birds and the gentle rustling of leaves, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside her.

“You look stunning, Grace.” Alex kissed her cheeks making her smile. Grace didn’t know how she would get through the day without Alex and Charlotte. Alex offered his arms, “You ready.” Grace took a deep breath and hooked her arms with his.

The journey down the aisle awaited, and she took a deep breath, praying for the strength to carry her through the day, hoping that love would prevail and guide her toward the light.

The soft strains of the organ filled the church as the congregation rose to their feet, their collective gaze fixed on the entrance, awaiting the bride's arrival with her best friend, Alex, walking her down the aisle. Grace took a deep breath, clenching the delicate bouquet of roses in her trembling hands. The weight of her decision bore down on her, each step towards the altar felt like a heavy, irrevocable choice.

Her mind was a tumultuous sea of emotions, thoughts crashing against each other like relentless waves. She glanced at the faces of her friends, her to-be family, their hopeful, sharp expressions fueling her resolve. The delicate lace of her gown clung to her like a shroud, a symbol of purity and tradition. But her heart, oh, her heart was far from pure at this moment.

As she began to walk down the aisle, the memories of the past week haunted her like ghosts from a different lifetime. The betrayal of Grayson, the clandestine encounter at The Silver Moon Club, and the pain she had chosen to bury deep within, all bubbled to the surface. Grayson stood at the altar, his eyes shimmering with anticipation and love. For a second, he even fooled her. She forced a smile, desperately attempting to mask her inner turmoil.

The ceremony commenced, the words of commitment and devotion exchanged, yet each phrase felt like a dagger. She repeated her vows, the weight of the ring on her finger a constant reminder of the choices she had made. The guests watched, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing within the bride.

"Is there anyone here who has reason to believe these two should not be joined in holy matrimony?" asked the priest, his voice echoing through the hallowed halls aimed at the audience.

Grace's heart raced, her pulse thundering in her ears. She wanted to scream, to halt this charade, but the fear of the truth escaping and causing irreparable damage silenced her. She exchanged a glance with Charlotte, her maid of honor, who looked at her with concern, sensing the inner conflict.

"No," Grace whispered to herself, her voice barely audible even to herself but Grayson heard it. She felt the weight of the lie, the taste of it bitter on her tongue. He squeezed her hands, urging her to look at him but she didn’t. Not while she said her vows, not while putting on the rings, and not after the kiss.

The ceremony continued, the fate of her future sealed in the presence of witnesses and with the words, "I now pronounce you husband and wife." The applause and cheers of the congregation washed over them, a cacophony of celebration.

Yet amidst the celebration, Grace felt a sense of desolation, a gnawing hollowness in her chest. Her facade had held, and the wedding had proceeded flawlessly, but the weight of her deceit and betrayal was crushing her.

As Grace stood on the altar, hand in hand with Grayson, she glimpsed a familiar face in the crowd—Maxon. Her breath hitched, and time seemed to momentarily stand still. The man she had shared an unforgettable night with, the man who had unknowingly become her confidant, was now a spectator at her wedding. Panic surged through her, threatening to engulf her completely.

Maxon, tall and dapper in a tailored suit, looked the epitome of sophistication. His sharp eyes bore into hers, a flicker of recognition and realization sparking within them. She watched helplessly as his face contorted with shock, disbelief, and ultimately, betrayal.

Dominic

Their eyes locked for what felt like an eternity, a whirlpool of emotions swirling between them. Dominic could see Grace grappling with the truth, piecing together the fragments of memory. He prayed for a miracle, for him to somehow misunderstand, but deep down, he knew that wasn't possible.

The woman who had gotten his attention in the most unconventional way turned out to be his new daughter-in-law.

In the spur of the moment, he had told her his middle name, the name that held closest to his heart and she was among the handful of people who had to call him Maxon. But had he told her his real name, would last night have not happened?

Grayson, oblivious to the turmoil playing out on the altar, squeezed Grace's hand, offering a reassuring smile. She returned it weakly, her mind racing with the impending storm she was about to face. Dominic noticed all of this, his heart beating restlessly.

As the couple turned to face the congregation, Grace's eyes inadvertently met Maxon's once more. The anguish in his eyes cut through her, piercing her heart with guilt. With a heavy heart, she stepped down from the altar, her wedding bouquet clutched tightly. She moved through the crowd, her every step echoing the beating of her troubled heart. Dominic stood in the corridor, his expression a blend of pain and anger.

The reception followed, the hall adorned in opulence and exuberance, mirroring the facade of happiness that enveloped the newlyweds. Grace and Grayson greeted the guests, her actions graceful and calculated, Dominic had his eyes set on her. The music pulsed through the air, a distraction from the chaotic rhythm of his own heart.

As the night progressed, she stole glances at Dominic, the enigmatic stranger from that fateful night at the club. His gaze held a knowing, a silent understanding that sent shivers down her spine. She averted her eyes, unable to bear the weight of his intense eyes.

Many people tried to have a conversation with him. Dominic was a successful businessman but he was extremely private. It wasn’t every day that people got to see Dominic appear in events but it was his son’s wedding, despite not wanting to be here, he couldn’t miss it. He definitely didn’t know that he was in for the surprise of his life.

Dominic stood a few feet away, his gaze fixed upon Grace as she stood with his son, bathed in the soft, ethereal glow of the lights of the reception area. The ivory lace hugged her form in all the right places, cascading into a gentle train that swept behind her as she moved.

Her bouquet, a composition of soft pastel roses and peonies, complemented the gown perfectly. The colors blended seamlessly with the ivory and lace, a natural extension of her beauty.

The veil, a delicate masterpiece on its own, cascaded from her chignon in a waterfall of silk tulle. It framed her face like a halo, the sheer fabric allowing glimpses of her radiant smile and sparkling eyes. Dotted with dainty lace appliqués, it echoed the beauty of her gown and added an air of timeless elegance. He really wanted to believe that the girl on the altar wasn’t the girl who left him alone in his bed this morning.

Grace, no, Elizabeth, she was going to be Elizabeth for him. Her eyes, a mesmerizing shade of deep grey, were like windows to her soul. Framed by long, feathery lashes, her eyes conveyed warmth and empathy, inviting others to share their stories and secrets with her.

Her features were delicately sculpted, a harmonious fusion of softness and strength. High cheekbones added a touch of regality to her visage, complemented by a straight, refined nose that seemed to have been carefully crafted by a master sculptor. Her lips, a natural rosy hue, carried a serene curve that was the embodiment of her gentle spirit.

The smooth canvas of her complexion, a flawless ivory, it bore the faintest sprinkle of freckles across her cheeks, a testament to youthful days spent basking in the sun. Grace's complexion glowed with an inner radiance that needed no embellishment.

Her auburn hair cascaded in loose waves down her back, a natural cascade of vibrant hues ranging from deep chestnut to fiery red when the sunlight kissed it. She had loosened her veil and wore her locks with an air of casual elegance, sometimes sweeping them into a messy bun or allowing them to frame her face, softening her features.

At that moment, Dominic was struck not only by her outward beauty but by the essence of Grace herself. Her eyes shimmered with a mix of hope and trepidation, her lips curved into a nervous but sincere smile. She stood on the precipice of a new chapter in her life. From what he found last night, there was more to his marriage.

Dominic loved his children and was still close to Olivia but as Grayson grew up, the distance between the son and father increased. He knew there were some stipulations around his wedding and now seeing Grace last night at that state made him curious and angry to get to the roots of it.

The wedding of their son, Grayson, was a day filled with complex emotions for him but now he was pissed at his son for pushing Grace to the edge. He didn’t even know her but already felt protective of her.

Dominic stood in the quiet corner of the reception hall, away from the joyous celebration. He felt the presence of his ex-wife, Amelia, walking up to him. She cleared her throat, "Dom, it's been a while. How have you been?"

Dominic, glancing at the joyful scene in the hall, then back at Amelia, replied, "I've been well, How have you been?"

Amelia nodded, her eyes briefly mirroring the heaviness of the years that had passed since their divorce. "Tired. The wedding preparation really does a number on you. This is the first wedding of Kennedy’s, I had to make sure everything was perfect."

“You have done a great job with the wedding,” Dominic had always admired Amelia’s upbringing of their children, but today he wasn’t so sure.

Amelia followed Dominic’s eyeline and saw his eyes on Grace. “Dom, she is a great match for our son. Stop scrutinizing her and enjoy this with your son.” Grace and Grayson were starting their first dance.

Grace and Grayson shared an understanding of the tumultuous journey they had been on to reach this point. Grace wore a smile, her eyes shimmering with force, pain, and the weight of the secrets she bore. Grayson, too, looked at her with unwavering affection, which Dominic knew was just a facade.

Grace and Grayson moved in perfect sync; a perfect couple to the world.

“I am not sure if our son is a match for her.” Amelia frowned,

“Enough Dom, Grayson has changed and really proved himself. He is not a naive teenager anymore.” Dominic didn’t take his eyes off Grace.

Grace and Grayson completed their first dance and now others have joined the couple on the floor. Dominic finished his whiskey glass and walked up to Grace,

“Hello, Elizabeth.”