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 weight of her decision pressed against her chest, making every breath feel heavier. The contract was signed, the deal sealed, and there was no turning back.

Tomorrow, she would leave behind everything she had ever known and step into Damien Lancaster's world—a world where she wasn't just Elise Carter, but his wife.

The thought sent a chill through her spine.

She lay in bed staring at the ceiling, but sleep refused to come. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Damien's smirk, the cold satisfaction in his gaze as she signed away her freedom.

Her fingers twitched at the memory. It hadn't been soft or hesitant. It had been a declaration. A reminder that she belonged to him now.

She hated the way her body had reacted.

Hated the way her heart had raced.

Hated the way he got under her skin so effortlessly.

The soft chime of her phone snapped her out of her thoughts.

Unknown Number: Be careful. He's more dangerous than you think.

Elise bolted upright, her pulse hammering.

She reread the message, her mind spinning. Was this a warning? A threat? How had they even gotten her number?

A second later, another message popped up.

Unknown Number: You don't know me, but I know Damien. Don't trust him.

She hesitated for a long moment before typing back.

The minutes stretched into an hour, but her phone remained silent.

Eventually, exhaustion pulled at her limbs, and despite the questions burning in her mind, she drifted into a restless sleep.

A sleek black car waited outside her apartment, its presence an undeniable reminder of her new reality.

Elise stepped out of the building with a single suitcase in hand, her heart pounding.

Damien stood by the car, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, every inch the ruthless businessman he was.

He watched her approach with an expression of quiet amusement. "I expected more luggage."

Elise forced a neutral expression. "I don't need much."

He chuckled, opening the car door for her. "You'll find that's about to change."

She slid into the seat, the scent of leather and something distinctly Damien surrounding her.

As the car pulled away, the city blurred past, but Elise barely noticed.

The message from last night gnawed at her.

And more importantly—what exactly had she gotten herself into?

Chapter 18 – A Cage of Gold