Bound by Scandal

The Vow

The church was bathed in golden light, the stained-glass windows casting kaleidoscopic patterns across the marble floor. Ava stood at the end of the aisle, her fingers trembling around the stem of her bouquet. The air smelled of roses and old wood, the quiet hum of the string quartet filling the space with a melody that felt too sweet, too hopeful for the moment she was about to step into.

Liam waited at the altar, his broad frame a dark silhouette against the vibrant colors of the windows. He didn’t turn as she entered, but she could feel his gaze on her, heavy and unrelenting. Her breath hitched, her pulse roaring in her ears as she took her first step forward.

The aisle stretched before her, an endless path to a future she hadn’t chosen. But she lifted her chin, her spine straight, her gaze fixed on the man who would soon be her husband. She wouldn’t let him see her fear. Wouldn’t let him see her doubt.

One step. Then another.

The guests blurred around her—Liam’s family, his business associates, the few friends she’d allowed herself to invite. Their faces were a mix of curiosity and judgment, their whispers a quiet hum beneath the music. Ava didn’t look at them. Didn’t acknowledge them.

Because the truth was, this wasn’t their moment.

It was hers.

And Liam’s.

She reached the altar, her gaze locking onto his. Liam’s expression was carefully blank, but his eyes burned with something darker, something hungrier. Ava’s stomach twisted, her fingers tightening around her bouquet.

The officiant smiled, his voice warm and reassuring. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…”

Ava didn’t hear the rest.

Because the truth was, she wasn’t here for the words.

She was here for the man.

And the life they were about to build.

The vows were a blur.

Ava repeated the words, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hands. She promised to love, to honor, to cherish. She promised lies.

And when it was Liam’s turn, his voice was low, rough, his gaze never leaving hers.

“I, Liam Carter, take you, Ava Monroe, to be my wife. To have and to hold, from this day forward.”

Ava’s breath hitched.

Liam’s fingers tightened around hers, his thumb tracing slow circles on her skin. “For better or for worse.”

Ava’s pulse spiked.

“For richer or for poorer.”

Her chest constricted.

“In sickness and in health.”

Ava’s vision blurred.

“I will love you and cherish you, until death do us part.”

Ava’s throat tightened.

Because the truth was, she didn’t believe him.

And neither did he.

The rings were exchanged in silence.

Liam’s was a simple platinum band, cold and heavy as he slid it onto her finger. Ava’s was delicate, a thin band of diamonds that caught the light like a warning. She slipped it onto Liam’s finger, her fingers brushing his skin.

A jolt.

A promise.

The officiant smiled. “You may now kiss the bride.”

Liam’s gaze darkened.

Ava’s breath hitched.

And then his hands were on her face, his fingers tangling in her hair, his mouth crashing into hers.

It wasn’t gentle.

It wasn’t sweet.

It was fire, a collision of teeth and tongue and need that stole her breath. Ava gasped, her nails digging into his shoulders, her body arching into his. The world fell away, the church, the guests, the vows—none of it mattered.

There was only Liam.

And the way he kissed her like she was the only thing in the world worth having.

The applause was a distant hum as they broke apart, Liam’s gaze burning into hers. Ava’s chest heaved, her lips swollen, her body humming with the aftermath of his touch.

Liam’s smirk was slow, dangerous. “Mine.”

Ava’s spine stiffened. “Yours.”

The officiant grinned. “Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Liam Carter!”

The guests erupted into applause, the sound echoing through the church like a warning.

Ava didn’t look at them.

She didn’t look at anyone.

Because the truth was, she was too busy looking at her husband.

And the man who had just promised to love her.

Even if it was a lie.