Chapter 7 The wedding
Maddie woke before dawn, the kind of abrupt awakening that left her disoriented and aching. For a moment, she forgot where she was, the silk sheets, the vast room, the faint scent of fresh flowers from the gardens below. Then reality crashed back. Today was her wedding day. Today she became Ben’s wife.
She lay still, staring at the ornate ceiling, her heart pounding against her ribs. The estate was quiet, but she could sense the controlled chaos building, the staff would be up soon, final preparations for the garden ceremony. Her dress hung in the closet, delivered yesterday: an elegant ivory gown with delicate lace that probably cost more than her entire architecture program.
A soft knock came at the door, earlier than expected. “Miss Thompson? Your breakfast, and the stylist will be here in an hour.”
The day unfolded like clockwork, mechanical, precise, devoid of joy. The stylist and makeup artist arrived with their teams, transforming her into someone who looked like a bride from a magazine. Her hair swept up in an elegant chignon with loose tendrils framing her face, makeup subtle but flawless, emphasizing her eyes and the curve of her lips. When they finally helped her into the dress, she barely recognized herself in the mirror.
“You look stunning,” the stylist gushed. “Absolutely perfect.”
Maddie managed a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. Perfect. That’s what this was all about, appearances.
Ben had texted once: Stepdad wants to meet you before the ceremony. Coming to get you at 10.
It was 9:45 now. She stood at the window again, watching guests begin to arrive, elegant cars pulling up the long driveway, people in designer clothes milling about the garden venue. Clara and Sophia would be here soon, her only real friends in a sea of strangers. Her mother and Lily were coming too, transported in one of the estate’s cars. At least she’d see them.
Another knock. Ben this time, looking impossibly polished in his tuxedo, blond hair perfect, blue eyes assessing as he took her in.
“Wow,” he said, something like genuine appreciation in his voice. “You clean up well.”
“Thanks,” she said flatly. “Your stepfather?”
“Waiting downstairs. Come on.”
He offered his arm, but she ignored it, gathering her train and following him out. The walk down the grand staircase felt surreal, like floating through someone else’s life. At the bottom, in the formal sitting room with its massive fireplace and walls of books, stood a man with his back to them, staring out the window at the garden preparations.
He turned as they entered, and Maddie’s world tilted on its axis.
Alexander.
Not Ben’s stepfather. Alexander. The man who’d saved her in the alley. The man who’d claimed her body and soul in that hotel suite. The man who’d looked at her in the hospital like she was his entire universe.
His storm-gray eyes locked onto hers, shock flashing across his impossibly handsome features before being carefully masked. He was even more devastating in formal wear, a perfectly tailored black tuxedo that emphasized his broad shoulders and powerful build. The same dark hair, the same chiseled jaw, the same presence that made the room feel smaller.
“Maddie,” he said, his voice that same deep rumble that had haunted her dreams. “It’s… a pleasure to finally meet you.”
Ben stepped forward, oblivious to the earthquake happening between them. “Dad, this is Maddie Thompson. My fiancée. Maddie, this is Alexander Blackwood, my stepfather.”
Alexander extended his hand, and Maddie had no choice but to take it. The moment their skin touched, electricity shot through her, the mate bond flaring to life like a physical force. His grip was warm, strong, his thumb brushing discreetly across her knuckles in a touch that felt like a promise and an apology all at once.
“The pleasure is mine,” he said smoothly, but his eyes…God, his eyes held a storm. Shock. Possession. Something that looked dangerously like pain.
Ben continued talking, something about how excited he was for the family to be united, but Maddie barely heard him. Alexander was Ben’s stepfather. The man paying for everything, the reason for this entire arrangement… was the man fate had apparently chosen as her mate.
The irony was cruel enough to steal her breath.
Alexander finally released her hand, but not before giving it the slightest squeeze. “Ben’s told me so much about you,” he said, his voice carefully neutral. “I look forward to… getting to know you better. As family.”
The word family from his lips felt like a blade. Maddie managed to nod, her throat tight. “Likewise.”
Ben checked his watch. “We should probably…”
A wedding coordinator appeared in the doorway, flustered. “Mr. Hargrove? We’re ready for the pre-ceremony photos. And Miss Thompson’s family has arrived.”
Saved by the schedule. Maddie excused herself quickly, fleeing toward the garden where her mother and sister waited. But she could feel Alexander’s eyes on her back the entire way, burning through the delicate lace of her dress.
Outside, her mother cried when she saw her, happy tears, grateful tears. Lily hugged her tight, whispering how beautiful she looked. Clara and Sophia swooped in moments later, fussing over her train and veil, their excitement genuine even if they knew the truth.
But Maddie moved through it all like a ghost. Alexander was Ben’s stepfather. They’d be living under the same roof. Seeing each other everyday. Sharing meals. Holidays. A year of this torture, being close to the one man she wanted, bound to him by fate, while married to his stepson.
The garden looked magical now, rows of white chairs filled with guests, the floral arch dripping with roses, soft music playing as people took their seats. Tomorrow became today. The moment was here.
As she stood hidden behind a screen of greenery, waiting for her cue to walk down the aisle, Maddie closed her eyes. She could still feel Alexander’s hand in hers, the spark that had ignited at his touch.
This marriage was fake.
But what she felt for Alexander, the pull, the need, the impossible connection, was terrifyingly real.
And now, she was about to bind herself to his family in the most permanent way possible.
The music shifted. It was time.
Maddie took a deep breath, gathered her bouquet of white roses, and stepped forward into her future.
Whatever it held.