Chapter 2 The truth
On the surface, Liora Hale appeared calm but her palms were slick with sweat beneath the lace gloves.
Her heartbeat thudded loudly in her ears and each pulse was a reminder of how unreal this moment was.
She had never been this close to a man before not close enough to feel the faint warmth of his breath through the thin layer of fabric covering his face but now she had to lean in, then press her lips to his.
A stranger but now her husbanb but it was best to get over it quickly. Liora inhaled, gathering what little courage she had left, then shut her eyes. She bent forward and placed a brief kiss against his thin lips and it gone almost as soon as it began.
Before doubt or fear could catch up with her, she straightened, pulled his mask back into place, and rose to her feet as if completing a task on a checklist.
Dominic Blackwood was… startled as his lashes flickered and his eyes sharpened instantly which made him look nothing like the dying, helpless man the rumors described.
Had this woman really kissed him without hesitation and then retreated as if he were nothing more than an obligation fulfilled?
As Liora stood, her veil slid off his head, trailing softly across his shoulder before falling back into place. The fabric carried her scent which was subtly floral and It lingered, clinging to the air between them.
Dominic’s eyes followed her instinctively, tracing the line of her figure under the too-large gown and inside him, something shifted.
He was sure this woman wasn't Selene. The post wedding festivities passed quickly or rather, passed without him.
Dominic Blackwood, still frail in the eyes of the world, was not expected to endure long celebrations. Mr Lawrence personally oversaw his departure, pushing his wheelchair through the hushed corridors and into the waiting car.
Liora followed, moving as if in a dream. Inside the backseat, silence enveloped them. The car began to move, the hum of the engine was steady and low. Soon sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the side of Dominic’s face.
Liora tried not to stare but she failed. His eyelashes were long, casting faint shadows against his pale skin.
The bridge of his nose was high and elegant. The scars had marred one side of his face harsh but the other half was perfect.
Dominic turned without warning and she didn’t have time to look away.
Their eyes met and heat rushed to her cheeks. She had been caught like a child staring at something forbidden.
Dominic lifted a hand, his fingers brushing the pristine white veil that still framed her face. “Aren’t you going to take this off?” he asked lightly, a soft chuckle escaping him.
So the rumors were wrong because there was no bitterness in his tone. Liora hesitated, then tilted her head slightly. “Will you help me?” she asked, her voice tentative.
She had expected refusal or indifference. Instead, Dominic reached forward and with unhurried movements, he pushed the veil back, freeing her face from its gauzy prison.
His fingers lingere to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Liora blinked, surprised because his patient is much better than she imagined maybe being his wife won’t be so bad after all.
“What’s your name?” Dominic asked suddenly.
She laughed, startled. “Me? I’m Selene,” she replied instinctively. “You know that.”
His eyes sharpened, for one second, the air grew heavy, as if something unseen pressed against her chest.
His eyes pinned her in place, dark and penetrating, stripping away layers she hadn’t known existed then just as quickly it vanished.
Warmth returned to his expression, leaving her wondering if she’d imagined the moment entirely. Shaking her head, Liora reached for his hand, folding her fingers around his.
“Alright,” she said quietly. “Allow me to properly introduce myself, then. My name is Liora Hale and I'm your newly, lawfully wedded wife.”
“Liora?” His brows drew together. “You’re not from the Hale family?”
She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter who I am. All you need to know is this that Selene didn’t want to marry you but I do.”
Dominic studied her for a long moment then he nodded, leaning back against the seat, he closed his eyes briefly, fatigue etching faint lines across his brow.....that was it, no sign of anger.
Liora stared at him, disbelief flickering through her. Wasn’t he acting… far too calm?
She continued watching him, half expecting another question but his breathing had already evened out. The tension slowly drained from her body, replaced by an unfamiliar weariness then without realizing it, her eyelids grew heavy and she fell asleep.
When the car arrived at the Blackwood estate, Dominic was wheeled directly to his chambers. Mr Lawrence followed closely, his expression grim. Once they were alone, he spoke in a low, controlled voice. “Young Master, should I send that woman back to the Hale family? As a warning?”
His displeasure was unmistakable. The Hales had crossed a line sending some unknown woman to impersonate a bride on such an important day. It was an insult to the Blackwood name but Dominic’s eyes were soft, his voice weak. “Leave it.”
Mr Lawrence frowned. “But you’re.......”
Dominic lifted a hand and silence fell. “It doesn’t matter where she comes from,” Dominic continued calmly. “Only that she married me of her own will.”
He paused. “Let me see the contract.”
Mr Lawrence handed it over reluctantly. Dominic scanned it, confirming Liora’s signature, before returning it. “Prepare the marriage certificate.”
Mr Lawrence’s eyes widened. “Young Master, do you know what you’re saying? If this woman has any ulterior motives, she could leave with half of your fortune.”
His fortune was about hundreds of millions but Dominic didn’t react. Before Mr Lawrence could argue further, a knock sounded at the door, he opened it warily and Liora stood there.
The gown still hung loosely on her slender frame, emphasizing her fragility but her features were undeniably beautiful. Mr Lawrence finally understood why Young Master refused to send her away.
The little temptress, disdain flashed across mry Lawrence’s face. “The young master needs to rest,” he said sharply. “You”
Liora met his eyes without shrinking. “I’ll be quiet,” she replied evenly. “I just wanted to make sure he’s alright.”
Behind Mr Lawrence, Dominic spoke. “Let her in.”
Mr Lawrence stiffened and Liora stepped forward into the lion’s den.
