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 air in the room shifted the moment Elise signed the contract.

Damien's grip on the paper tightened for a second before he set it down with a slow, deliberate motion. His dark gaze flickered to her, studying her as if she were a masterpiece he had just acquired—a possession now bearing his mark.

Elise stood frozen, her heart pounding against her ribs.

"You look pale," Damien observed, voice smooth yet edged with amusement. "Having second thoughts already?"

She lifted her chin, masking the storm inside her. "No."

Of course, she was having second thoughts.

She had just signed her life away to a man who wielded power like a weapon, who manipulated circumstances so effortlessly that she had walked straight into his web.

Damien stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. Elise forced herself to hold her ground.

Before she could brace herself, he reached for her, fingers tilting her chin up ever so slightly. Her breath hitched as she met his gaze—dark, unreadable, dangerously captivating.

A reminder that she belonged to him now.

Elise's fingers curled into fists at her sides, nails digging into her palms. She should push him away. She should protest.

Her body betrayed her, heat rushing through her veins as his lips moved against hers, deliberate and unyielding. The room blurred, the reality of her situation drowning beneath the intensity of the moment.

When Damien finally pulled away, he studied her reaction with cool satisfaction.

"You'll get used to it," he said smoothly.

Elise exhaled sharply, forcing her expression into one of indifference. "You assume a lot."

He smirked. "I never assume, Elise. I know."

Her stomach twisted at his confidence.

Before she could respond, Damien stepped back, his demeanor shifting from intimate to businesslike in an instant.

"Pack your things. You'll be moving into my estate tomorrow."

"You're my wife now, Elise. It's only natural."

The word sent a chill down her spine.

This wasn't a relationship. This was a transaction, a power play, and Damien Lancaster was making sure she understood who held control.

She clenched her fists, steeling herself.

If this was her new reality, she wouldn't break.

No matter how much Damien tried to consume her.

The next chapters will be just as intense and strategic to ensure this story stands out for a contract. I'll get started on Chapter 18 now. Stay tuned!

Chapter 17 – Sealed with a Kiss