Page 23 of Forced Innocent Bratva Bride

“You don't have to like this, but the least you can do is smile,” he whispered to me through gritted teeth, his grin unaffected by his words.

My lips parted, broadening my plastic smile as I matched his pace—graceful. My chest heaved slowly, tension creeping into my body the closer we drew to the altar.

I blinked back my tears, my heart racing, protesting the union ahead. I was only inches away from making the worst decision of my life, and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it.

I could feel the guests’ gazes lingering on me, but that was the least of my problems right now. My attention was consumedby a more daunting presence that held my gaze—the tall man on the altar whose intimidating gaze stole my breath. Alexei Tarasov.

He stood poised before the priest, resplendent in his tailored black tuxedo that simmered in the lights. His black jacket accentuated his broad shoulders and chiseled physique while his cold and calculating eyes were fixed on me.

His expression was blank—stoic—highlighting his ruggedness and sending shivers down my spine.

My mouth felt dry as if parched as we locked eyes in a fleeting moment. I felt my heart sink into my stomach, my pulse quickening as a wave of anxiety washed over me.

My palms were greasy all of a sudden, and cold sweat dampened my forehead. The dryness in my throat made it difficult to swallow, but I was determined not to show my nervousness.

Why should I be nervous? I was only getting married to the devil himself, no big deal!

“You look stunning, by the way,” Dad whispered, stealing a glance at me.

Under different circumstances, I'd have beamed genuinely, and my cheeks would have flushed at his words. But not today. His remark didn't mean shit to me.

As we reached the altar, I felt Dad's arm slipping out of mine as he released me, literally handing me over to Alexei Tarasov.

I felt a pang of irritation and abandonment as he withdrew, joining the congregation. My gaze shifted to Darcy, seated among the guests. She was impeccably dressed to impress in an elegant flowered gown that hugged her like a second skin, highlighting her curves.

She caught my eyes and subtly wiggled her fingers. It seemed like a harmless gesture, but I knew her all too well; she was mocking me.

I narrowed my eyes, brows forming faint creases as I ignored her and took my place in front of this insanely handsome devil.

His cold eyes bore into mine, and I cast a subtle glare at him, my jaw tightening, heart heavy with resignation. He could tell how much this was hurting me, hence the smirk on his face.

A scowl settled on my lips, but that seemed to deepen his smirk.

God! I hated this man!

I could feel the rage swelling up within me, mixed with pain and sadness. The priest's voice droned on, but I barely heard the words; I was too focused on the man responsible for my misery.

However, I was forced back to the present at the mention of my name, and the priest's words hit me like an arrow to the heart.

“Do you, Lorena Campbell, take this man, Alexei Tarasov, to be your lawfully wedded husband…?” His eyes were fixated on me.

My heart raced faster than it ever had before, and my legs immediately turned to jelly—too weak to carry my weight. The question had thrown me off balance, and even though I had prepared myself for this moment, it still hit me differently.

My breath lodged in my throat as I steeled myself, my trembling lips unable to supply the appropriate response.

Alexei's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenching as his gaze intensified—a subtle warning that I better not embarrass him.

The priest cleared his throat conspicuously, a quick reminder that his question was left hanging.

“I do,” the words finally came through, my lips quivering as I uttered them.

The priest shifted his gaze to Alexei and asked him the same questions.

Without a moment of hesitation, he replied, “I do.”

With eyes shining warmly, the priest made the final statement that sealed my fate. He said, “With the power bestowed on me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” He faced Alexei. “You may now kiss the bride.”

Alexei's lips curved into a sly grin as he reached forward and raised my chin. My body trembled at his touch, my heart racing with anticipation.

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