lifeistoolong

On the day of a wedding meant to unite two powerful families, Elena Voss stands in as a substitute bride, bound by desperation and a contract she can’t refuse. But when the real bride crashes the ceremony, chaos erupts, leaving Elena humiliated and running from the life she never wanted.

Liam Astor, the cold and calculating heir to a billion-dollar empire, finds himself torn between duty, loyalty, and an inexplicable pull toward the woman who was never meant to be his bride.

As secrets unravel and hidden motives come to light, their worlds collide in an emotional storm of betrayal, passion, and redemption.

In a tale of love and power, where every choice comes at a cost, can two hearts find solace in a world built on lies?

Vows of Deception

The first rays of dawn streamed through the ornate curtains, but Elena couldn't shake the weight pressing on her chest. Sleep had eluded her, replaced by the haunting memory of Liam's chilling words: "Someone doesn't want you alive."

She swung her legs off the bed, her bare feet touching the cold marble floor. The mansion was eerily silent, every creak and whisper amplifying her unease. As she stretched, her eyes fell on an envelope slipped beneath her door.

With trembling hands, she picked it up and opened it. The paper inside was crisp, the ink bold and deliberate:

"Leave while you still can."

Her breath hitched as her pulse raced. She turned the envelope over, searching for a name or a clue, but it was blank. Panic bubbled in her chest as her mind spiraled.

Was it Liam? Someone in the mansion? Or the person who supposedly wanted her dead?

Throwing on a robe, she stormed down the hall, her heart pounding as she reached Liam's office. She didn't bother knocking, shoving the door open with a force that startled him from behind his desk.

"Elena," he said, his tone calm but guarded. "You're up early."

She slammed the note onto his desk. "What is this?"

Liam's gaze flicked to the paper, his expression darkening as he picked it up. "Where did you find this?"

"Under my door this morning," she snapped. "Don't play dumb. If this is some sick game, I'm not playing."

He stood, his towering presence making the room feel smaller. "Why would I threaten you?"

"I don't know," she shot back. "You tell me. You're the one who dragged me into this nightmare."

Liam's jaw clenched, and for a moment, she saw something flicker in his eyes—concern? Anger? She couldn't tell.

"This isn't from me," he said finally, his voice low. "But whoever sent it is serious."

"Serious about what?" she demanded. "What haven't you told me, Liam?"

He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "This isn't just about the wedding or the contract anymore. Someone knows you're here, and they want to make sure you disappear—for good."

Elena staggered back, the weight of his words sinking in. Her chest tightened as fear clawed at her throat. "Why me? I'm nobody."

"Not anymore," Liam said grimly. "You're the key to keeping my family's empire intact. And that makes you a threat to anyone who wants it to crumble."

Before she could respond, the sound of shattering glass echoed through the mansion. Liam's expression hardened as he grabbed her arm.

"Stay behind me," he ordered, his voice sharp.

But Elena wasn't sure if she was safer with him—or if the danger was closer than she thought.

Chapter 4: The Shadows Close In