Chapter 6 A Wedding Forged In Lies

• Luxer slammed his fist against the ornate desk in his guest chambers, the impact reverberating through the dimly lit room.
• "Tsk! That bastard's been playing with Luxia this whole time!"
• His mind raced with Cassian's possessive words and Luxia's shattered expression. The realization that his sheltered sister had unwittingly fallen for the most dangerous man in Noxhaven made his blood boil. 'What game was Cassian playing? Why target Luxia specifically?' he thought.
• The door creaked open without warning.
• "How interesting~" Cassandra's sultry voice slithered through the darkness as she entered, her stiletto heels clicking against marble. "The protective big brother wants answers about his dear sister's engagement."
• Luxer's body tensed. "Cassandra." His voice dripped with warning.
• She circled him like a panther stalking prey, her crimson nails tracing the edge of his collar. "Such coldness toward a lady. I could satisfy your... curiosity." Her breath was hot against his ear. "If you satisfy mine."
• He caught her wandering wrist. "What do you want?"
• "Cancel your engagement to that dull archivist," she purred, pressing her body against his. "And become my personal plaything." Her teeth grazed his neck.
• Luxer's grip tightened, his body betraying him even as he spat: "As if I'd abandon Viola for a puttana like you."
• Cassandra's laughter was dark. "Kuku~ Such vulgar words from such a... big, strong man." She captured his lips in a searing kiss, her hands already working at his belt.
• Though Luxer's body responded, his mind remained sharp. This was no mere tryst - Cassandra always played the long game. As her nails dug into his shoulders, he knew he was dancing with a viper. But perhaps... he could turn her own poison against her.
• For Luxia. For Viola. For the Castelos name.
• The bed creaked beneath them as Cassandra whispered between kisses: "Tonight, I'll give you answers... and so much more."
• But as their bodies tangled in the sheets, both knew this was merely the opening move in a much deadlier game - one where pleasure and deception walked hand in hand through the shadows of Castle Ashborn.
• Two days had passed since Luxia learned the truth—that the man she had fallen for was none other than Cassian Ashborn, the ruthless Don of the Ashborn famiglia.
• Now, standing before the mirror in her wedding dress, she stared at her own reflection—a face caught between happiness and sorrow.
• 'How had this happened?'
• She had always been taught to avoid men like Cassian—manipulative, cruel, the kind who thrived in darkness. And yet, she had unknowingly given her heart to one.
• What threats had he made to her parents? What had he done to force this marriage?
• She felt foolish.
• Foolish for not questioning her father when he announced her engagement. Foolish for believing, even for a moment, that her life could mirror the romance novels she adored—where love conquered all, where the brooding mafia king had a heart of gold beneath his cruelty.
• But reality was far colder.
• Cassian wasn’t a tragic hero.
• He was the villain of her story.
• "Luxia... Hey, Luxia. You’ve been spacing out for two days since you met that man."
• Belle’s voice pulled her from her thoughts, her twin’s warm hand squeezing hers.
• "Hmmm... True, you’ve been silent these past days. Eating, then going back to your room to rest. You’ll turn into a big fat pig if you continue like that," Viola added, her tone flat despite the teasing words, her dull eyes blinking slowly.
• "P-pig?!" Luxia’s cheeks flushed pink, caught off guard.
• Belle burst into laughter. "Hahaha! See? Now you look much better."
• Her grip on Luxia’s hand tightened. "Look, don’t worry. We’re here for you. Whatever happens, we won’t leave you..."
• Luxia’s lips curled into a soft, fragile smile. "Right..." she murmured, staring down at their intertwined fingers.
• She wasn’t alone.
• No matter what awaited her beyond these doors, Belle and Viola would stand by her side.
• "Hmmm... The similarity between you both is really intriguing," Viola mused, tilting her head. "We have Luxia, who is smart and obedient, and her twin—a monkey-brained muscle-head woman. Aside from that, in appearance, the only difference is that Luxia has a beauty mark near her lips, which, in my opinion, makes her far more attractive than a certain monkey."
• Luxia couldn’t help but giggle.
• "HEY! That’s rude! Who’re you calling a muscle-head monkey?!" Belle snapped, face red with indignation.
• Viola merely giggled—a rare, almost musical sound—and soon, Luxia joined in, their laughter filling the room, chasing away the shadows, if only for a moment.
• For now, in this fleeting instant, they were just three young women—sisters in spirit, bound by love and laughter.