Page 87 of Beautiful Deception

“I love romance books.” She links our arms together as we head into the living room. “Viktor thinks they’re pointless. He says he’ll arranged a marriage for me in the future. I’m only twenty so he’s fine if I wait till I’m a little older. He doesn’t think I should be reading all of these romance books. Says they’re going to fill my head with pointless thoughts and that I need to be more practical.” She huffs. Even that sounds classy. “And now, look at him. Marrying for love instead of politics. He’s a hypocrite but I love him.”

“Now you have some standing to convince him to let you marry someone for love.”

“Good point. I knew I would like you.”

I let myself ease into the couch next to Julia. “I would like a friend. It would be nice.”

“Then let’s be friends.” No hesitation on her part.

“So… Viktor has kept you in this house for years? That’s just what I’ve heard.”

“For my own protection. He’s not a monster. Not like what a lot of people think. He’s misunderstood. I stay in this house because I know it helps him that I’m safe. It took a lot of courage on his part to send me to France to get away from this city. He doesn’t want the war he’s in to hurt me.” She quirks an eyebrow. “Do you know about all of this?”

“I know he’s… the Russian mafia.”

She blows out a breath. “That’s good. That will help you. When Viktor told me he wasn’t marrying a Bratva woman, I was shocked. Not marrying for politics and connections? That didn’t sound like my brother. But I’m happy he’s marrying for love. Not many people get that.”

I have no choice but to avert my gaze. Julia’s face is so open and honest. I don’t deserve to be in this family with the lie I told. I feel like the real monster.

“Are you ok?” she asks. The pure empathy in her voice makes me like her even more and makes me hate myself even more.

“I’m ok. Just… nerves.”

“Today is a big day. You’re getting married in a couple of hours. Why don’t I help you get dressed? I always wanted a sister I could do these things with.”

“Thank you.” Julia’s kindness punches me in the gut. How am I going to survive this day?

I’ll just have to… because the other option is I tell Viktor who I really am and he kills me.

At this point, it’s self-preservation,

The wedding is held in a small chapel outside of the city. Viktor wanted to get away from the war he’s embroiled in.

The chapel itself is made of glass and the way the light hits it makes it shine, like something out of a fairytale.

When I get out of the car and see the chapel, I know Viktor is waiting inside to marry me. Julia is with him and Mrs. Green is with me.

Other than the priest inside, there’s no one else in attendance. I’m glad. My father made me a bit paranoid that something would happen in a large crowd.

This feels safer. No one can find us out here.

Mrs. Green holds my arm as we walk inside the chapel. I’m blown away by it’s beauty. When Mrs. Green had told me she found the perfect spot and I saw this place for the first time, I knew I wanted to get married here.

Viktor waits for me at the end of the aisle, looking incredibly handsome in his navy suit. Julia looks beautiful with her soft green dress on. She gives me a smile of encouragement.

I can do this.

Mrs. Green helps me walk down the aisle since my legs are a little shaky. It’s just nerves, I know.

But it’s also guilt. I’ll be marrying a man who doesn’t know the complete truth about me. I’m in too deep now. I can’t turn back.

I reach the end of the aisle and the priest asks, “Who gives this woman away?”

“I do,” Mrs. Green says. “As her… mother figure.” She places my hand in Viktor’s and takes a seat in the front row pew. It’s not creepy that the church is empty. I find it relaxing. No one will know who I am. No one will recognize me.

The priest opens his mouth to start the ceremony when the church doors open.

And in walks Erik Koslov and Dante Moretti. I know them both from Elena’s birthday party.

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