of the landscape, and the way the mountains appeared to billow in the distance like they were adrift on an ocean of flowing rock was enough to steal your breath.
The infinite number of floral arrangements of every size and shape made the venue a garden paradise of fragrant scents and provided even more beauty to feast the eyes on. The sheer volume of blue and white flowers was a stunning sight that breathed life into every path. Flowers were affixed to parts of the glass walls and stood as the centerpieces on guest’s table.
Arjen had done well. The food and entire set-up had surpassed my wildest dreams. It wasn’t until I had arrived did I consider the amount of work it had taken to transform the place that was empty a few days ago into a living paradise.
The workers buzzed about making sure everything was perfect. I noticed the guests’ awed faces as they entered and mingled. Some took seats while others pointed out the elegance of the gift laden place settings. There were those who were captivated by the views, snapped photos, and admired the surprises inside the giftboxes set at each of their seats.
Now, inside my dressing room without the view outside distracting me, the notion that I was about to become a wife began to settle in. Since the place was nearly all glass, the dressing room’s wall panels smoked when the door closed to provide privacy. Hundreds of multi-colored blue roses had also been affixed to the walls as an extra layer of privacy.
Desiree and Patrena were my guardian angels, floating around the room, taking care of me like I was a queen. They had done everything except put my lingerie on, and I’d had trouble getting into it. I was never like this, jittery and uncertain.
“It’s pre-wedding jitters. I heard everyone gets them,” Patrena stated, staring with a touch of amusement flashing in her eyes. Desiree’s light strokes brushed away some of the tension from my hunched shoulders. Her face was fixed with a teasing smirk as she leaned closer to capture my stressed gaze.
“I was a hot mess on my wedding day, and it wasn’t wedding jitters. I was about to marry a man I didn’t love. I think that’s what’s wrong with you. You don’t love Arjen. But…”
Her brow lifted into a deep arch.
“I thought you wanted this marriage?”
“I did. I do. I don’t know what the fuck is wrong with me.”
I couldn’t shake the heavy coat of dread toying with me and forcing me to question my decision. I’d had guns aimed at my face and not reacted like this. Hell, I’d been shot, and it wasn’t like this.
My eyes closed, and I pinched them tightly before taking deep calming breaths, meditating, and calling up all the reasons this wedding was necessary. It was time I gave myself an internal pep talk.
“Snap out of it, bitch! Not only are you about to marry a Vallin, but you’re also marrying into a criminal organization that some would kill to be in. You’re on the path to becoming one of the best boss-bitches in charge.”
At those words, a sneaky smile bent my lips into a deep, cheek-lifting grin.
“And there she is,” Desiree said, her smile brightening. She knew me better than anyone. Knew that when shit was hitting the fan, I kept my cool.
I slipped my feet into silver platform pumps that were like two shiny machine guns under my feet. I stood, smoothing down my white off-the-shoulder dress with the illusion back lace that was shaped to my body like a caressing hug. The intricate pattern was adorned with diamonds, making my dress one of the most expensive items at the wedding.
When the wedding planner had supplied the dress book, and even when I had gone to the fitting, they were adamant about not discussing price. It was a rule my future husband had set in place and one that I loved.
However, I had overheard the wedding planner talking to the shop owner who had given her the price. The hundred thousand dollar price tag had shown me that Arjen wasn’t sparing any expense.
The image staring back at me in the mirror lifted the last of my stress as it reflected a beautiful woman I didn’t even recognize. Radiance that had never graced me before shined through as every part of me gave off an unexpected glow.
Patrena stepped closer, draping me in a big tight hug. She helped women who found themselves in