The grand ballroom of the Valencia estate was nothing short of breathtaking—golden chandeliers casting a warm glow, the scent of fresh roses filling the air, and the soft melody of a string quartet weaving through the hum of excited whispers. This was supposed to be the happiest day of your life. Your wedding day.

Every moment leading up to this had been a dream. The stolen glances, the tender touches, the whispered confessions of love—Rhodes had made you believe you were his world. That this marriage was more than just an arrangement. That, against all odds, he had fallen for you.

You had clung to those moments, to the illusion he so carefully spun around you. But illusions, no matter how beautiful, always shatter.

As the grand doors finally swung open, the sight before you made your heart plummet.

Rhodes stood at the altar—but not with you.

A woman draped in ivory lace held onto his arm, her veil sheer enough to reveal the knowing smirk playing at her lips. Guests sat in stunned silence, the weight of betrayal thick in the air. Yet, Rhodes himself remained utterly composed, as if this was always the plan. As if your love had never meant a thing.

The realization struck like a dagger to the heart. You had been played. Lied to. Used.

And now, as Rhodes turned his head slightly, his amber eyes meeting yours with that same unreadable intensity, you saw it for what it truly was.

You were never meant to be his bride. You were just another pawn in his game.