Chapter One hundred and twenty

Nicholas's POV:

"Is that for wedding pictures?" Talia asked in surprise, stopping at the entryway.

"Of course." My eyes gleamed at her. "Memories and all that good stuff."

Uh-huh. I know that Talia couldn't fathom why I wanted this—the dress, the tux, the church. The entire thing would obviously be confusing to her. In as much as she thought that we were not entering into a loving union, that I was simply binding her to me tighter, formalizing my ownership and all that, it was worth more. 

All these accouterments were meaningful, especially since it was all going to be documented and witnessed by someone important to her. 

The thought made my chest ache again. I hope everything would go well.

"Nicholas, can I take a few minutes to relax," she said quietly, looking up at me, "Please, I feel like I am suffocating."

I was so certain that she thought that I would refuse her request, but she still felt compelled to ask regardless.