hapter 14 1/3 Chapter 14 The morning light fell across Zoe's face . She opened her eyes in confusion , only to discover she was barely clothed . The unfamiliar , comfortable weight and warmth of an arm draped across her waist jolted her awake . The man beside her was still sound asleep , and every muscle in her body ached as though she'd been pulled apart and pieced back together . Even the lingering grip at the top of her thigh still felt painfully vivid . Zoe shut her eyes in despair . She had spent a night with him despite not knowing his name . Panicked , she snatched up her clothes and slipped out before he could wake up . She was too afraid to face an explanation . But she didn't know that the moment she left , the man opened his eyes . His dark gaze followed her retreating figure with a depth she would never have imagined . Soon , the day of the wedding arrived . Zoe stood outside the grand hall , staring blankly at the heavy doors before her . The last time she was here , Elijah was waiting inside , and she had secretly wished that it would be Walter one day . Now , she didn't even know whose face awaited her on the other side . She gave a small , bitter laugh and forced the chaotic thoughts away . The wedding march began . The doors opened , and Rowan took her hand . He guided her step by step down the aisle . Zoe's heart softened at the sight of her aging , yet spirited father . This marriage might not have been what she dreamed of , but at the very least , Rowan was with her this time . At that very moment , she immediately became the focus of every guest in the hall . " I never imagined Mr. Quinn's long - lost daughter to be this beautiful . " " Mr. Xiberius is pretty exceptional , too . Everyone had always wondered what kind of woman would be worthy of him , and now , Ms. Quinn has lived up to everyone's hopes . " " It's such a pity , though , I heard she's been married and divorced . " The words , though hushed , still reached Zoe's ears . She frowned , ready to respond , when a voice cut across the hall . " My bride isn't yours to gossip about . " Chapter 14 2/3 Her heart jolted at the sound . She knew that voice . Staring ahead in shock , she saw that the man waiting at the end of the aisle was the same one she had spent that night with . Memories of his teasing words about elopement and that wild evening flooded Zoe's head , making her cheeks burn . It wasn't embarrassment , but fury . This man was cruel . He had known exactly who she was , yet he had toyed with her . He smiled wickedly and strided toward her in polished leather shoes . Then , his hand extended into her view . " Hello , Ms. Quinn . It's a pleasure to meet you . I'm Malcolm Xiberius , " he said . How laughable . Zoe looked up , only to be met with Malcolm's arched brows . " Ms. Quinn , I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you . " Rowan placed her hand into his . " Zoe , this is the son of a colleague and the man I've picked for you , " he warmly said . " Don't worry , I watched him grow up . He won't let you down . " The ceremony flowed on . The officiant stepped forward with the rings and said , " May the bride and groom exchange rings . " Malcolm slid one ring onto her finger . The icy touch reminded Zoe of that night and of the chill of his lips against hers . As though sensing her thoughts , he smiled . His eyes glittered like stars in the night sky . At the sight of that , she trembled as she reached for the other ring . Suddenly , Malcolm caught her hand . " Zoe , before you give yourself to me , I need to tell you something , " he said . His gaze was unwavering and filled with nothing but her as he continued , " This isn't just a whim . I've loved you for 15 years . " Hearing that , Zoe's mind went blank . How was that possible ? She had no memory of him . Malcolm laughed and said , " It makes sense you don't remember . Back then , I was just a skinny and uninteresting boy . We spent one summer together , and from then on , you were rooted in my heart . " I told myself that once I was well - off , I'd come for you . But by the time I was ready , I found out you were married . I thought I had missed my chance forever , so I resigned myself to a lonely life until you reappeared . Chapter 14 3/3 " I'll admit . At first , I schemed. I convinced Mr. Quinn to betroth you to me , then I lured you into my arms . I just couldn't wait any longer . " The raw confession stunned Zoe , and the hall had gone silent . Some guests held their breath while others wiped away tears at the depth of his words . Then someone shouted . " Marry him ! Marry him ! " " Kiss ! Kiss ! " At that , Zoe's face flushed red . While she had been humbly pouring her affection into one person , someone else had been silently watching over her all along . She smiled through her tears , and her hand no longer hesitated as she lifted the ring . But just as she was about to slip it onto Malcom's finger , a sharp crack split the air . The ring flew from her hand , struck by a bullet . It clattered across the floor . Gasps filled the hall as the giant screen behind them went black , the bullet lodged deep inside . The room erupted into chaos . The ring rolled and came to a stop before a pair of worn leather shoes . Zoe's gaze froze , then slowly lifted . It was Elijah . His handsome face was drawn and weary . His eyes were bloodshot , and his hair damp with sweat . She had never seen him so broken . Elijah's lips trembled as he spoke , his voice hoarse with emotion . " Ave ... I've come to take you home . " Chapter 15 Chapter 15