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 tension in the mansion was suffocating as Liam and Elena rushed toward the source of the noise. The grand dining room, with its towering windows and crystal chandeliers, stood eerily silent—except for the shards of shattered glass glittering on the marble floor.

"Stay here," Liam ordered, his voice a commanding whisper.

But Elena wasn't about to listen. "I'm not some damsel waiting to be rescued," she shot back, stepping closer.

Liam gave her a sharp look, but before he could argue, a figure stepped out of the shadows. A man, dressed in black with a hood masking his face, stood near the broken window.

"Elena Voss," the intruder said, his voice smooth yet laced with menace. "You've made quite the impression."

Elena's heart raced as Liam moved in front of her, shielding her from the man's piercing gaze.

"Who sent you?" Liam demanded, his tone cold and unrelenting.

The man chuckled, a sound that sent chills down Elena's spine. "Ask your father, Astor. He's the one who started this game."

Before Liam could respond, the man tossed a small object onto the floor—a metallic device with a blinking red light.

"Down!" Liam shouted, pulling Elena to the ground just as the device emitted a blinding flash and an ear-piercing screech.

When the light faded, the intruder was gone, leaving only the shattered window and an ominous silence in his wake.

Elena's breaths came in short, panicked bursts. She clung to Liam's arm, her fear tangible. "What was that? Who was he?"

Liam's face was grim, his jaw clenched tight. "Someone who's just declared war."

She looked at him, her voice trembling. "You said I was a target, but you didn't say why. What aren't you telling me, Liam?"

He hesitated, his expression torn. "The less you know, the safer you'll be."

"Safe?" Elena snapped, her fear boiling into anger. "You think I feel safe after that? I'm in this mess because of you, and I deserve the truth!"

Liam's gaze softened, but his voice remained firm. "The truth won't save you, Elena. It'll only make things worse."

Before Elena could press him further, the sound of a phone ringing cut through the air. Liam answered, his expression darkening as the voice on the other end spoke.

"They're escalating," Liam muttered, his tone icy. He hung up and turned to Elena.

"Pack your things," he said, his voice a mixture of urgency and command. "We're leaving tonight."

Chapter 5: Breaking Point