Page 96 of Brutal Promise

This should be a happy day. I wonder what my mother would have said to me today. I touch the pearls around my neck and tell myself she’s here with me in spirit.

I stand in front of a full-length mirror, Alena and Anya at my sides.

“You look beautiful,” Alena says. “Are you ready?”

I know my duty to the family, and at this moment, I relate to the Royal family. I might not like the sacrifice I’m making, but it has to be made.

“I’m sure you miss your mom today, of all days. She loved you.” Aunt Emma leans closer and whispers, “She’d want you to be safe.”

Anya kisses my cheek. “You’re all set. I’m sitting up front if you need anything.”

“Thank you.”

I watch Alena walk down the aisle. I hold my head high, everyone stands, but I keep my eyes on the altar. Dmitry eyes are vibrant as he takes me in. I know what he’s thinking. I wonder what he has planned for our first night as husband and wife.

Music plays, and everyone stands. Aunt Emma slips her hand through my arm and escorts me down the aisle. She releases me to Dmitry, who takes my hand. Alena is to my left.

We stand facing each other and repeat our vows. It’s a blur to me. A ring slips on my finger. My hand tingles from his touch. I hold his hand. It’s warm and has shown me the most magnificent affection, but I can’t shake the fact that he might have been acting this entire time. I slide the ring on his finger. We kiss, and I fake it for the crowd. I have a role to play.

Maybe today I’ll break free from the past. We leave the chapel and walk into the reception area. Drinks are being served as silver trays by the palace’s staff circulating like clouds on a summer day. I was told the help is full-time employees, but I noticed the waiter from Zima, Ivan. I wonder if he’s here as part of Dmitry’s team. It would be wise to have bratva men working undercover today.

People are rushing past us, shaking my hand and Dmitry’s. I see the table for the bride and groom at the other end of the large hall filled with humungous windows.

Kirill appears. An older woman is with him.

“Dmitry, Izzy, I’d like you to meet Don Sidovo's wife, Llea.”

“How nice to meet you,” he replies. I take her hand, and it’s her eyes that startle me. They don’t match the fake smile on her face. Today is a banquet of who’s who. The elusive Don must be at our wedding. Mm. I have no clue what he looks like.

Alena is to my right. I lean over, asking, “Where is the elusive Don?”

“Over there.” She flicks her head toward the doorway we walked in through.

“Izzy, congratulations on your wedding day. I wish you all the happiness,” Llea murmurs.

“Thank you,” I reply.

I observe the women standing in front of me. She has the resting bitch face, and I don’t believe the sincerity of her words. I casually look peripherally to observe her tall husband, who has left my side and is speaking to Nikolay.

“Excuse me,” I murmur as I move across the room. Alena follows. “There is something about that woman. She asked too many questions about you on the plane.”

“Really?” I stop, and Alena takes an extra step before she realizes I’ve paused. My eyes are on a tall figure. “Who is that?”

“That’s Don Sidovo.”

I don’t know what was going through my head. I approach the man standing in a dark charcoal suit and touch his arm to get his attention.

Ivan pulls Nikolay aside.

Don Sidovo turns. Our eyes meet.

It’s as if I’m staring into my own reflection. Goosebumps cover my body like a lotion. I open my mouth, but no words come out. The shape of our eyes and the color is identical. It can’t be.

“You look just like…” he says, disbelief in his eyes.

“My mother?” I finish for him.

“Yes.”

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