DADDY'S LITTLE VIRGIN:BEGS FOR HIS RUIN

SAMMY! THANK GOD I FOUND YOU

Chapter 7

Sammy's POV

For ninety whole days, I managed to completely wipe the Kane name out of my daily life.

I buried myself under mountains of legal files in my city office, working until my eyes burned and the office cleaning crew told me it was time to go home.

I did it on purpose. If I kept my brain busy with contracts and corporate lawsuits, I wouldn't have a single second to think about a massive man with silver hair and a mouth that could tear a person to pieces.

I ignored Mimi’s constant phone calls about flower arrangements. I let my mom’s texts about napkin colors sit on read for days. I even made up a fake weekend trial just so I wouldn't have to visit my parents' house.

I knew exactly what I was doing. I was running away, hiding behind my career because I was absolutely terrified of what had happened to my body in that mansion.

But a person can only run for so long before reality catches up to them.

Now, the ninety days were up, and I was standing in the small holding room at the back of the church, pulling tightly at the zipper of my dress.

It was a long, elegant emerald green maid-of-honor gown. The fabric was beautiful, but right now, it felt like it was suffocating me. My hands were shaking so badly I could barely get the hook fastened at the top.

"Sammy, stop moving for a second," my mother complained, stepping up behind me to fix the zipper. Her hands were cold against my bare back.

"You’ve been like a ghost for months, and now you’re acting like a caged animal. Sip some champagne and calm down. It’s your sister's big day."

I swallowed hard, staring at my reflection in the full-length mirror. I didn't look like myself. My hair was styled in soft curls, and my makeup was heavier than usual, hiding the dark circles under my eyes from weeks of sleepless nights.

"I am calm, Mom," I muttered, forcing my voice into that flat, professional tone I used to protect myself. "I just want to get this over with."

"Don't say things like that," my mom sighed, patting my shoulder before walking over to fix Mimi's veil. "This is a miracle for our family. Just look at her." I turned my head, and the anger inside my chest softened just a little bit.

Mimi was sitting on a plush stool, looking down at her hands. Her white wedding gown was huge, covered in thousands of tiny, intricate lace details that shimmered every time she breathed.

When she looked up and smiled at me through the transparent tulle of her veil, a heavy lump formed right in my throat.

She looked absolutely breathtaking. I acknowledged the fact that she was the prettiest bride I had ever seen in my life.

Of course, she was also the only bride I had ever seen, considering I despised weddings and had successfully avoided attending a single one since I turned eighteen.

But looking at her glowing, innocent face, the reality of the situation hit me. I hated everything about this union.

I hated the lawless, dangerous family she was tying herself to. But I loved my sister, and I had promised my mother I would support her. So, I forced a tight smile and nodded.

"You look beautiful, Mimi," I said softly, and I meant it.

A few minutes later, the heavy church bells began to ring, signaling that it was time. As the maid of honor, I had to walk down the long carpeted aisle right before my sister.

The moment the heavy wooden doors of the church swung open, my heart did a violent flip against my ribs.

The church was packed. On one side sat my family and our few relatives, looking proper and nervous.

On the other side sat the Kane empire, dozens of men in dark, expensive suits that couldn't quite hide their thick necks and tattooed hands, sitting next to women with heavy makeup and sharp jewelry.

It looked like a merger between a corporate boardroom and a high-end biker club.

I kept my chin up, my eyes locked straight ahead on the altar where Ezra was waiting. I purposely didn't look at the front row on the right.

I didn't let my eyes wander to the VIP seats. I walked with slow, measured steps, my heels sinking slightly into the thick carpet, focusing entirely on my breathing. In and out. Just get through the ceremony.

During the entire forty-five minutes of the service, I stood at the front, holding Mimi's heavy bouquet.

I kept my gaze fixed entirely on the priest. I didn't look back at the guests, not even once.

It felt like Damien was avoiding me too, because I didn't hear his voice or see his massive shadow anywhere near the altar. By the time the priest announced them as husband and wife, a massive wave of relief washed over me. I had survived the church.

But the real test came at the reception.

The party was held in a massive, grand ballroom on the outskirts of the city, lit by giant crystal chandeliers.

The alcohol was flowing freely, and the noise of hundreds of people talking and laughing was completely deafening.

I tried to hide in the corners of the room, sipping a club soda, counting down the hours until I could legally leave without making my mother cry.

"Sammy! Thank God I found you," Mimi gasped, running up to me and grabbing my forearms. Her face was flushed from dancing, her veil now pushed back over her shoulders.

"You have to do the traditional bridal party dance right now. The DJ just announced it."

I tensed up immediately. "Mimi, no. I told you, I missed the rehearsal dinner. I don't know the group choreography."

"Please," Mimi begged, her eyes welling up with tears that looked half-real and half-exhausted.

"Ezra’s best friend, Desmond, is the best man, and he’s been standing out there alone. I practiced with you on the phone, remember? You know the song. It’s just one dance, Sammy. Please don't ruin this moment for me."