Chapter 8 When Delilah and Mary finally reached their apartment , the driver gave a polite nod before driving off into the night . Delilah watched the car disappear , her thoughts still tangled with the odd exchange she'd overheard earlier . She and her aunt quietly entered the apartment . Mary wasted no time sinking into the living room couch , rubbing her temples as if the evening had been exhausting . Delilah , on the other hand , remained standing by the door for a moment , her mind racing . She hadn't wanted to bring up what she'd overheard in the car - too risky with the driver nearby - but now that they were alone , she couldn't let it go . " Aunt Mary , " Delilah began , her voice cutting through the silence . " What were you and Elder Donato talking about earlier ? " Mary looked up , startled by the sudden question . " What do you mean ? " " At the table , " Delilah clarified , stepping closer . " I heard you talking to him . What were you discussing ? " 0.00 12.047 Chapter 8 Mary blinked , trying to maintain her composure . " Oh , we were just talking about the wedding preparations , dear . Nothing important . " Her voice was light , too casual , and it only made Delilah more suspicious . Delilah folded her arms , her gaze steady on her aunt . " Are you sure that's all it was ? " chers Mary hesitated , her eyes briefly darting away before she nodded . " Yes , of course . Just the wedding . " Delilah's brows furrowed . She wasn't sure what to make of it . The truth was , she hadn't understood much of the conversation . She had only caught her name and the word " safe " in Italian . Her limited grasp of the language left too many gaps , but something didn't sit right with her . " Safe , " Delilah muttered under her breath , repeating the word she had heard . Mary shifted uncomfortably on the couch , noticing Delilah's growing doubt . " Delilah , you don't need to worry about anything . The Donato family is only concerned with making sure everything goes smoothly . " Delilah narrowed her eyes slightly . " Is that all ? Because I could've sworn there was more . You and Elder Donato seemed ... secretive . " 13.75 % 13:04 Chapter 8 1788 Vochu Mary forced a smile , but it didn't reach her eyes . " There's no secret . It's just a lot to prepare for , you know ? Weddings , especially one like this , come with a lot of responsibility . Everyone wants it to go perfectly . " Delilah studied her aunt , sensing that something was being left unsaid . But without more details or understanding of the full conversation , she couldn't push any further . She didn't want to start a confrontation without knowing the full truth . She sighed softly , letting it go for now . " Alright then , " Delilah said , her voice resigned . " I'll take your word for it . " Delilah had tried everything to stop the wedding . She had pulled off tantrums , faked sickness , but none of it worked . Every excuse she conjured was dismissed , every plea ignored . Now , here she stood , dressed in her wedding gown , a heavy resignation weighing on her heart . The dress hugged her curves , accentuating her slim waist and full hips . It was an ivory satin gown , the material sleek and smooth , shimmering faintly under the soft light of the ceremony space . 29.72 % 13.04 Chapter 8 RIVOX hers The bodice was adorned with delicate lace with a modest neckline , while the fitted silhouette clung to her every curve , trailing down into a graceful train that swayed as she moved . Her veil was pinned neatly in her hair , falling softly around her face , but it did nothing to hide the internal struggle etched on her features . She could feel Mary's presence beside her as they prepared to walk down the aisle . The music began , filling the church with a serene melody . Delilah took a deep breath , her bouquet of roses trembling slightly in her hand . She wasn't nervous about getting married - no , she was frustrated . She didn't want this marriage . She didn't want to be tied to Marco . Her gaze drifted down the aisle , landing on Marco , who stood at the altar in his sharp black tuxedo . He looked handsome , that much was undeniable . } The tuxedo fit him perfectly , his tall frame exuding confidence and strength . As their eyes met from afar , she felt a blush creep up her cheeks , but she 13 040 Chapter 8 quickly hid it , forcing her expression into something neutral . " I'm not interested in this marriage , " she thought to herself , trying to shake off the unwanted feelings . " ... If anything , I'd rather just have a fling with him . " Her mind betrayed her , recalling the dirty dreams she'd been having- dreams of Marco , his hands on her , his body pressed against hers . It infuriated her how she couldn't seem to forget about him , couldn't shake the thoughts that plagued her mind . 250 hrs " A fling would make me forget . " She muttered to herself . "One night , that's all I need . But this marriage ... it will only bind me to him for life . I can't deal with that . " Just as Delilah walked down the aisle , arm in arm with Mary , Marco's eyes never left her . He admired her as she moved closer , the sway of her gown , the soft rustle of fabric against the stone floor . And when she finally got near enough for him to see her curves properly , he licked his lips , a flicker of something darker crossing his gaze . When Delilah finally reached the altar , the officiant began leading a prayer . Marco couldn't stop staring at her , his heart racing at her closeness . 59.65 % 13.04 Chapter & 11 для путноета Her presence sent a thrill through him , a desire that had been simmering for so long it was almost unbearable now . He bit his lip , suppressing a groan . His thoughts were anything but holy as he imagined her curves beneath him . Once this marriage was done , he could finally have her to himself , just like he'd always wanted . Delilah bowed her head slightly , closing her eyes during the prayer , but she felt it - the unmistakable sensation of someone's gaze burning into her . She lifted her head slightly and looked to the side , locking eyes with Marco . He quickly cleared his throat , attempting nonchalance , but she wasn't fooled . " He's the one staring at me , " she thought , her mind snapping to his usual flirtatious behavior . He was always looking at her like that , like she was something to be devoured . She glanced away , her cheeks warming . 76.21 % 13040 Chapter 8 The officiant continued with the ceremony , guiding them through the traditional rites . Zu where When it came time for the " Speak now or forever hold your peace " portion , Marco barely paid attention . He didn't expect anyone to object - they were the only ones present , after all . Even Elder Donato wasn't here , busy with work as usual . There were no guests , no friends . The wedding was private , as both Mary and Marco had insisted . As the officiant invited objections , Marco was ready for them to skip this part and move on . " Let's just get this over with , " he whispered , eager for the wedding to end so he could finally claim his bride . } But just as he opened his mouth to suggest it , the sound of a loud car engine echoed through the quiet ceremony space , breaking the stillness .