Bound by Scandal

The Wedding Morning

Ava woke to the sound of her phone buzzing on the nightstand. She rolled over, her fingers fumbling for the device as she squinted at the bright screen. A text from Mira glared back at her:

Mira: Today’s the day. You sure you’re ready for this?

Ava’s stomach twisted. She sat up, the silk sheets pooling around her waist, and typed back:

Ava: No. But I don’t have a choice.

Three dots appeared, disappeared. Then:

Mira: You always have a choice, Ava. Remember that.

Ava set her phone down, her gaze landing on the ivory dress hanging on the door. The wedding was in six hours. Six hours until she became Mrs. Liam Carter. Six hours until her life changed forever.

She swung her legs over the edge of the bed, her bare feet sinking into the plush rug. The penthouse was silent, the city outside just beginning to stir. She padded to the window, pressing her forehead against the cool glass. The skyline stretched before her, a glittering promise of a world she was about to leave behind.

A knock at the door made her jump.

“Come in,” she called, her voice steady despite the flutter in her stomach.

The door opened, and Elena, the wedding planner, stepped inside. She was all efficiency and polished smiles, her tablet clutched in one hand, a garment bag draped over her arm. “Good morning, Ava. I brought your dress for final adjustments.”

Ava turned, her fingers twisting in the hem of her robe. “Thank you.”

Elena set the bag on the bed, unzipping it with practiced ease. The ivory dress spilled out, the fabric shimmering in the morning light. “It’s even more stunning than I remembered.”

Ava didn’t answer. She couldn’t. Because the truth was, the dress was beautiful. But it wasn’t hers. Not really.

Elena’s gaze flicked to Ava’s face, her expression softening. “Nerves?”

Ava forced a smile. “Terrified.”

Elena laughed, the sound warm and reassuring. “That’s normal. Every bride feels this way.”

Ava wanted to tell her she wasn’t like every bride. That this wasn’t a love story. That it was a transaction.

But she didn’t.

Because the truth was, she didn’t want to shatter the illusion.

Not yet.

The dress fit like a second skin.

Ava stood in front of the full-length mirror, her reflection staring back at her. The ivory fabric hugged her curves, the neckline dipping just enough to be daring, the train pooling around her feet like a whisper. She looked like a bride. She looked like a stranger.

Elena’s fingers deftly pinned a loose strand of hair, her voice soft. “You’re stunning, Ava.”

Ava met her gaze in the mirror, her green eyes bright with unshed tears. “Thank you.”

Elena’s smile was gentle. “Ready for the veil?”

Ava nodded, her throat tight.

Elena lifted the delicate lace veil, draping it over Ava’s hair with practiced ease. The fabric settled around her shoulders, soft as a breath.

Ava’s vision blurred.

She wasn’t ready.

She would never be ready.

But the clock was ticking.

And Liam Carter waited at the altar.

Liam’s text came as she was slipping into her heels.

Liam: The car is waiting. Don’t keep me waiting, Ava.

Ava’s fingers tightened around her phone. She wanted to snap back a retort. To tell him she wasn’t his to command.

But she didn’t.

Because the truth was, she was.

At least for today.

She took a deep breath, her gaze landing on the silver bracelet on her wrist—the one Liam had returned to her, the one that had started all of this. She fastened the clasp, the metal cool against her skin.

A knock at the door made her jump.

“Ava?” Elena’s voice was muffled. “The car is here.”

Ava exhaled, slow and steady. “I’m coming.”

She grabbed her bouquet—simple white roses, tied with a sapphire ribbon—and stepped into the hallway.

The penthouse was empty, the silence deafening.

Ava squared her shoulders, lifting her chin as she made her way to the elevator.

She was ready.

Or at least, she would pretend to be.

The car ride to the venue was a blur.

Ava stared out the window, the city passing in a haze of color and light. Her phone buzzed in her clutch, but she didn’t reach for it. She didn’t want to see the messages. Didn’t want to hear the well-wishes or the warnings.

She was marrying Liam Carter.

And nothing would ever be the same.

The car pulled up to the venue—a historic church with towering stained-glass windows and a grand marble staircase. Ava’s stomach twisted as she stepped out, the cool air hitting her skin like a slap.

Liam’s lawyer, a tall man with a stern expression and a tailored suit, met her at the door. “Ms. Monroe. Mr. Carter is waiting inside.”

Ava forced a smile. “Thank you.”

She made her way up the steps, her heels clicking against the marble. The doors to the church loomed before her, ornate and imposing.

She paused, her fingers tightening around her bouquet.

She could run.

She could turn and walk away, disappear into the city, and never look back.

But she didn’t.

Because the truth was, she had made her choice.

And she would see it through.

Ava pushed open the doors, stepping into the dim light of the church.

Liam stood at the altar, his broad back to her, his dark suit a stark contrast against the golden hues of the stained glass. He turned as she entered, his gray eyes locking onto hers.

And just like that, the world narrowed to the two of them.

To the man she was about to marry.

And the life she was about to leave behind.