CASSANDRA
On the day of the wedding. Cassandra is perfecting a smoky gray eye in front of her bedroom mirror when Emilia walks in, a garment bag in hand.
“Your dress,” she announces, her face lighting up with a smile. “It just got here.” She lays it on the bed and moves closer. “Need any help?
“No, Emilia, I’m good. Just waiting for the dress.” A dress she’s praying will fit. Apparently, Emilio had given a designer her measurements while they were in New York. She only found out when she was talking about her gown with his mother yesterday.
Speaking of Emilio, she hasn’t seen or heard from him since their encounter outside the restaurant two days ago.
“You look a little tense, dear. Worried about Emiliano? Don’t be. He’ll be there on time. I spoke to him this morning; he called to check up on Alex.”
Of course he did, she thinks. Why would he care about her? She’s nothing to him. “No, I’m fine, Emilia.”
“Get ready. I’ll be back in five minutes I’m going to see how far Annah is with Alex.”
Cassandra just nods, afraid her voice might crack. Today is her wedding, and instead of being happy, she’s a nervous wreck. She can only hope her makeup will hide the circles under her eyes
Once she’s done arranging her hair, leaving a few curled strands loose around her face, Cassandra stands and walks over to the bed. With shaky fingers, she reaches for the zipper of the garment bag.
As she unzips it and carefully removes the wedding dress, her breath catches. The designer has crafted a strapless sheath gown from a silky crepe fabric. It features a built–in bra, lace back, and beadwork along the sweeping train. Any bride would be thrilled to get married in such a stunning dress and matching veil…
Any happy and in love bride, a small voice adds.
Her eyes well up with tears, but she forces them back. “You’ll ruin your makeup, Cass,” she tells herself.
When she puts it on, the dress fits her like a glove, hugging her curves perfectly.
Cassandra slips on silver peep–toe high heels and takes out the veil, noticing that it has a tiara sewn on. She carefully clips it into her updo and looks back at herself in the mirror.
Is that really her looking so beautiful? Looking like a bride?
Cassandra hears a gasp behind her and turns to see Emilia holding Alex in her arms. He looks adorable in his little suit.
“You are
today.”
e truly beautiful, Cassandra, like an angel. My Emiliano won’t know what hit him when he sees you walking down the aisle
“Thank you, Emilia,” she replies.
Truth be told, Cassandra never thought she would be a bride, so despite the circumstances, she’s happy deep down. She’s about to get married, and even though it isn’t a love match made in heaven, she can still pretend it is.
EMILIANO
Emiliano is standing at the altar, waiting for Cassie…his soon–to–be wife. She’s late, and for some reason, he’s nervous. Him, nervous.
That’s a first
She better not even think about leaving him standing here like a fool.
Emiliano checks his Rolex again. Ten minutes have passed, and all his close friends and family are here waiting. Where is she?
He glances at his mother. She was supposed to arrive with Cassie, but she came alone with Alex.
Looking at Alex cases some of his anxiety. His boy looks so cute in his suit.
Emiliano and Cassie are getting married in the church where his parents wed–why he chose this place, he’s not sure. He looks down the aisle again, but there’s still no sign of her. His patience wearing thin, he reaches for the phone in his inner jacket pocket.
1:01 PM M N
Then soft music chimes to announce the arrival of the bride.
Everyone turns…and there she is, looking like an angel in her white bridal gown. Emiliano feels something stir inside his chest, and for several moments, he is lost in her beauty. Nothing else matters except her, everyone else fades into the background.
Their eyes lock, and she doesn’t break the connection as she walks toward him. He…he is captivated by her…every inch of her, and when she stops in front of him, he almost pulls her close and kisses her.
Dios, she truly is beautiful. How will he be able to keep his hands to himself throughout the reception when he hasn’t seen or touched her for two whole days? Thinking Cassie might call everything off, Emiliano had given her space to think and be sure she wanted to go through with the wedding.
Seeing her now, a certain part of him feels restless. It strains against his trousers, and he shifts uncomfortably, cursing softly under his breath. God forgive him, he is in a church, and all he can think about is her soft, feminine body writhing under his.
It’s going to be a long night.
CASSANDRA
Cassandra is taken aback when she sees Emilio standing in front of the altar, looking so handsome in his black tux and pocket square, white tuxedo shirt and bow tie, black trousers, and black patent leather shoes. His hair is neatly combed to the side, and all she wants to do is lean into him and tell him how much she has missed him.
When she arrives at the altar, Emilio holds out his hand, and she takes it. Lost in her thoughts, she barely hears the priest asking her if she’ll take Emiliano as her lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, through good times and bad, in sickness and health, ‘til death do them part. Her mind freezes, and her voice disappears.
Cassandra glances between Emilio, the priest, and all her fiancé’s family and friends. Finally, she manages to say, “I do,” and she could swear she saw relief flicker across Emilio’s face.
Emilio doesn’t hesitate when it’s his turn to respond. “I do,” he says, his voice steady and sure.
The priest grins at them. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
Cassandra had expected a gentle peck from Emilio, but instead, he pulls her close, forcing her mouth open and slipping his tongue. inside. She can’t help but moan as their tongues dance together, exploring and tasting each other
She’s vaguely aware of the whispers and applause around them, but it’s the feel of his arousal against her that makes her pull back slightly, her breath coming in short gasps. Their eyes moet, and she sees the same desire mirrored in his gaze. The thought of what will happen later, when they’re alone, sends her heart pounding.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Emiliano Rodriguez,” the priest announces, and Emilio’s arm settles comfortably around her
waist
As they pose for pictures, Cassandra and Emilio barely exchange words, but she can feel his gaze on her. She’s scared to meet his eyes, afraid he might see the truth of her feelings.
But when he touches her, Cassandra realizes how much she’s missed him, missed his touch. All she wants now is to throw herself into his arms and beg him to make love to her. Her body aches for the release only he can provide.
In the car, Emilio reaches over and takes her hand. Cassandra glances down at their intertwined fingers before looking up to meet his
gaze.
“You had plenty of time to call off the wedding,” Emilio says. “Why didn’t you?”
It’s a good question–why hadn’t she?
“Alex,” she replies, and he doesn’t press her for more.
But that’s not the whole truth. The real reason she’s marrying him is because she can’t bear to be apart from him. She may never have his love, but she can live with whatever connection they share.
1:01 PM N
CASSANDRA
Before the reception, they swing by the mansion to change. They’re heading straight to the airport for their honeymoon after the party. Cassandra is still in the dark about their destination.
The reception hall is a vision in white, with crystal chandeliers, tablecloths, and centerpiece bouquets. As they step in, everyone breaks into applause. Emilio’s arm finds its way around her waist. Cassandra’s smile is genuine as people approach to offer their congratulations.
“Congratulations, you two,” Beth says, pulling her into a hug. “You look stunning, Cassandra, and I love your necklace.”
Cassandra’s fingers brush the diamond necklace Emilio had given her on their way over. It was his wedding gift to her, he’d explained.
Her heart swells with love. She hadn’t thought to give him anything, but he’d surprised her with a wedding gift. It’s these little things that make her love him, even if he’s just pretending. It all feels so real to her.
“Thank you, Beth,” Cassandra murmurs, then locks eyes with her husband.
Her husband. She lets the word sink in as his mother comes over to congratulate them.
“Can I borrow my daughter–in–law for a bit?” Emilia asks. Without waiting for Emilio’s response, she whisks Cassandra away to introduce her to the entire Perez and Rodriguez clan.
They all welcome her warmly, without prying or asking unnecessary questions. Cassandra realizes she’s actually having fun. This is her new family, and she feels comfortable around them.
While she’s ordering a glass of wine, Emilio’s cousin Beth and Luis’s son–joins her.
“Cassie,” he drawls.
“Rafael.” Dark hair and dark eyebrows seem to be a family trait; maybe that’s what makes them look so intimidating.
“Where’s the groom?” he asks. “Shouldn’t he be hovering around you?”
She hasn’t seen Emilio since his mother whisked her away. “Probably mingling. Did you need something?”
“No. Just wondering how he snagged such a beautiful woman.” He touches a strand of her hair. “Redhead…interesting. Do you have a sister?”
Cassandra is quickly learning that Rafael is a flirt and very hands–on. She smiles awkwardly. “No, I don’t.”
“Too bad. I would’ve loved to have a redhead as a girlfriend.”
“I’m sure v
you
would’ve, Rafael and then broken her heart.”
He chuckles. “So, what did you see in my overbearing cousin? I’m surprised you got him to settle down.”
I’m surprised too, she thinks.
“He’s a good man, and he swept me off my feet. One look into those eyes, and I was lost. He understands me; when we’re together, there’s no need for words because we know what the other wants. He’s my better half, and I can’t imagine my life without him.”
“Wow!” Rafael exclaims. “Glad I’m not a sucker for love.”
“And I wish my wife would tell me more often what I mean to her,” Emilio’s voice comes from behind her.
Cassandra’s skin prickles, and warmth spreads through her at the sound of his voice. He gives her a kiss on the lips that leaves her blushing
“I was just asking her if she has a sister,” Rafael says.
“Good thing she doesn’t. I don’t think your mother could handle more girls showing up at her door claiming to be heartbroken.”
“I have no idea who those girls are.””
“Sure, you don’t.”
“You scored big.” Rafael says. “Too bad I was late.”
1:01 PM MM
“You would’ve lost anyway. She was mine from the moment I saw her. Even if you had crossed paths, my name was already etched on her heart. Isn’t that right, sweetheart?”
“That will forever remain a mystery,” she teases.
Emilio smiles. “Will you save me a dance later?” he asks.
“Sure, as long as you don’t step on my toes.”
Emilio laughs and stands beside her. Once Rafael leaves, his hand brushes her cheek.
“Have I told you how beautiful you look today, Mrs. Rodriguez?” At a loss for words, Cassandra just shakes her head. “Well, you truly are breathtaking.”
Emilio traces a finger down her cheek, stopping at her lips. “I can’t wait to have you all to myself later.” She shivers at his words and feels her throat go dry. “Did you miss me?”
She’ll never admit that she did. “No,” she says, her voice shaky.
“Liar. One thing I love about you is your eyes never lie, nor does your body. I know you want me too.”
Cassandra needs to change the subject. “The guests must be waiting for us,” she says.
After dinner, they cut and feed each other cake. Everyone might think they’re happy and in love, but Cassandra has to remind herself that Emilio is just playing the part of a dutiful husband. Still, he doesn’t leave her side for the entire night, and she welcomes his presence after not seeing him for two days.
By the time they leave the reception to head to the airport, Cassandra is exhausted. Soon, she’ll be alone with Emilio, and the thought is both thrilling and nerve–wracking. Why? She doesn’t even know. She’s been alone with him countless times and never felt this flustered.
To calm her nerves on the drive, she asks where they’re going for their honeymoon.
“Paris,” he says, continuing to scroll through his
Paris? How romantic–the city of love. He really is going all out with this marriage thing, but then again, it has to be believable for everyone watching.
P
Next Chapter
