Chapter 17 17

• The walk to the altar felt like it stretched on for eternity, my heart hammering in my chest with every step. Each breath was shallow, strained, like I might pass out before the ceremony was over. The silence around me pressed down, heavy and suffocating, as if the entire world had gone still, waiting for me to make my choice.
• Lorrenzo stood at the altar, tall and commanding, his presence consuming the space. His gray eyes burned with an intensity that made me feel like prey. I couldn’t meet his gaze, terrified he’d see through me see the trembling fear I couldn’t suppress.
• When my father lifted my veil, I felt exposed, vulnerable, as if every hidden part of me was laid bare for the world to see. He handed me over to Lorrenzo like I was nothing more than a possession, his grip cold against my trembling hand.