Page 28 of Cherished Union

“Keep your head held high,” she whispers, pressing a kiss against my cheek as we come to a stop beside my father. “See you in there.” She grins, then shoots my father a dirty look.

The moment she’s out of sight, my father grabs my arm and twists it violently. I gasp at the pain, but I don’t let the tears fall. He won’t make me cry again. It’s something I have vowed to myself. He’s not worth the tears and he’s not worth the heartache.

“Adelina,” he snarls at me.

“Father,” I reply coolly, proud that I’m able to keep the emotion from my voice.

“You’ve caused me a lot of hassle, Adelina. Because of you, I’m losing everything,” he continues to snarl at me.

“Father.” I remain calm, knowing that whatever I say, he’s not going to listen. “You did this to yourself. I am your daughter and you treated me worse than you treat some of your enemies. You have no one to blame for what’s happened other than yourself.” I hold my head up high when I hear the music start up, my cue to start moving. “Now, put a smile on your face. It’s a joyous occasion,” I say as I do just that.

“This isn’t over,” he promises me, and I know deep down he’s right. It’s not over, but for now, I’ll take the little peace that I have.

He releases my wrist, and I see the bruises already forming. Great, just what I need.

I loop my arm through his and the doors open.

My breath hitches when my gaze collides with Hayden’s. His dark whiskey eyes are on mine, and they’re heated. His lips twist into a small smile, and my heart races. He looks so damn sexy in his suit.

My skin heats as I grow closer. He’s not once taken his gaze from me. God, he makes my body come alive with just a look.

Will it always be this way, or will he be done once he’s had what he wants?

CHAPTER10

ADELINA

My father places his hand over mine that’s resting on his arm. I fight the urge to flinch.

“You’ll behave today, Adelina. Everyone is watching you,” he says so low that only I can hear him.

“Yes, Father,” I reply coolly. I don’t have to obey him, not any longer. My brothers made sure that I was safe and won’t be subjected to his torrent of abuse any longer.

His fingers curl around mine, and to anyone watching, it’s a loving move by a caring father, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. His nails are digging into my hand. He’s asserting his dominance, letting me know that he can still hurt me.

Thankfully, we arrive at the altar, and my father’s fake smile widens as he shakes Hayden’s hand, before he presses a kiss against my cheek and finds his seat beside my mother. The woman has a bright smile, looking every inch the doting mother. She’s in her element, having everyone congratulate her today on my nuptials. My mother’s social status has once again climbed thanks to this wedding with Hayden.

The priest begins the ceremony, and I keep my gaze firmly on him, unable to stare at my soon-to-be husband. The man has the most intense eyes I have ever seen, and he always makes me self-conscious. It’s as though he can see through me, get to the heart of me, and I hate that. I have built walls for a reason. Up until recently, I have only ever had myself to watch out for. No one ever cared for me. Then Hayden shows up and starts to call me his dove, something that has my stomach flipping with warmth.

“Addie,” he says low. “Look at me.”

I’m unable to deny him, and I lift my gaze to his.

“Are you okay?”

My brows furrow at his question. This is what confuses me. His tone is soft and his question comes across as though he’s worried about me, but there’s such darkness in his eyes that makes me question his true motives.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” I reply softly.

His jaw ticks. “Don’t lie to me, Addie,” he hisses.

“Don’t call me that,” I return. Only Vivi has ever called me that. It’s her nickname for me. She earned the right to call me that. No one else has. He doesn’t get that right.

His lips twist, pulling into a smile. “Okay, my dove, whatever you say.”

I want to snarl at him but know that I shouldn’t. Instead, I turn back to the priest and continue listening to the ceremony.

The heat of Hayden’s stare has my body burning. I know that he’s not going to be an easy man to live with, that he’ll push me to my breaking point. I’m just not sure if I have it in me to fight back. I lost every ounce of strength the moment my father tried to kill me.

---