Page 108 of Sinful Wrath

Zara seems to relax as she gently rocks Sasha back to sleep.

“You won’t be saying that when Leo is trying to eat yourwedding bouquet.” Bianca smiles. “If it’s still long enough, hewillput it in his mouth.”

“Welcome to the mad house, Lucia.” Zara grins. “In a few hours, you’ll officially be part of the family!”

I lower my gaze as my throat thickens, and not in a good way.

“Lucia? Is everything okay?” Bianca asks.

The excitement seems to have been sucked out of the room as all eyes turn to me.

“Of course.” I smile.

Elle pauses, her fingers hovering over my curls.

Bianca shakes her head. “That’s a lie if ever I heard one.”

She gets to her feet, careful not to wake a now sleeping Ben, and moves to perch on the edge of the armchair beside me.

“What’s going on?” She reaches for my hand.

“Nothing.” My voice cracks.

“I thought you and Mikhail were getting along great. What’s changed?”

“W-we were. It’s just…” I wave a hand as my eyes start to well with tears. “It’s an emotional day.”

I pretend to touch up my makeup just to keep my hands busy.

Thankfully, Ben starts stirring again and turns Bianca’s attention away from my lack of enthusiasm.

Zara gets to her feet. “I think we should go and get the twins settled. We will see you on the other side!”

Bianca and her leave of the room.

The moment the door closes behind them, Elle puts her hands on her hips and gives me a look that tells me I’m about to get a lecture.

Ignoring her, I get to my feet and adjust my silk robe.

“I need to change?—”

“Lucia.”

“I don’t want to be late.”

“What the hell is going on?”

I pause, letting out a long breath as I stare at my wedding dress.

“I told you, I’m just getting emotional.” I keep my back to her. “Everything’s happened so fast, you know? I just can’t believe I’m actually getting married today.”

I gingerly run my fingertips over the delicate lace of my dress as I try my best to keep it together despite the fact that my chest is being cracked open.

“Yeah, I’m calling bullshit.” Elle moves to stand in my line of sight. “I know you too well, Lucia. So, you might as well drop the act and tell me the truth because you’re really starting to freak me out.”

The pity in her eyes is enough to send me over the edge.

“I overheard Mikhail and his cousin talking the other day.”