AMY’S POV
It was finally my wedding day.
I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my dressing room, my heart pounding so loudly I could barely hear anything else.
The new designer was behind me along with Teresa, who was my chief bridesmaid, adjusting the final details of the dress.
I had to explain to Teresa why I couldn’t use her dress anymore and Richard compensated her for the work she had done.
When she found out who the designer that would be making my new dress was, she was ecstatic because it was her role model and she begged me if I could get her to work with the designer for the new dress.
Just one word from Richard and it was done.
The gown was even more beautiful than the first one.
The bodice was covered in delicate lace that cascaded down into a flowing, ethereal skirt.
Tiny pearls were sewn into the fabric, catching the light and sparkling like scattered stars.
The train swept behind me in a graceful arc, making me feel like a princess from a fairytale.
“You look absolutely stunning,” Teresa breathed, stepping back to admire her work.
“I can’t believe i got the honour of assisting a world class designer to make this.
It’s perfect.”
“That’s because you have a natural talent,” the designer praised her and her cheeks turned red.
I opened my mouth to say something, but before I could, the door opened and a nurse pushed my mother into the room in a wheelchair.
She had been discharged from the hospital but she was still recovering.
When she saw me, her eyes filled with tears.
Her hand flew to her mouth, her voice breaking.
“Oh, Amy,” she whispered.
“My baby girl. You look so beautiful.”
I felt my own eyes sting.
“Mom…”
She reached out, and I knelt beside her, taking her hand.
She cupped my face, her thumb brushing away a tear I hadn’t realized had fallen.
“Your father would have been so proud of you,” she said softly.
“He had always gushed about this day.”
I choked back a sob.
“I wish he could be here.”
“I know, baby. I know.” She squeezed my hand.
“But he’s watching. I promise you that.”
My two other bridesmaids, old friends from school, bustled into the room in their purple floral dress, their faces lit up with excitement.
They gasped when they saw me, their hands flying to their mouths.
“Oh my God, Amy!” one of them shrieked.
“You look like a goddess!”
“The most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen,” the other added.
“Alpha Richard is going to lose his mind when he sees you.”
When I had invited them for the wedding, they were confused at first because they thought the wedding was in two months time.
I had to explain everything to them and to my surprise I didn’t get the reaction I was expecting.
It turns out they never liked Derek and they were in support of me being with Richard because he was hotter.
“Alright, ladies, let’s give her some space to breathe. We need to get her to the venue soon,” Teresa ordered.
My mother kissed my cheek, then allowed the nurse to wheel her out.
My friends followed, chattering excitedly, leaving me alone with Teresa for a moment.
She stepped closer, her voice dropping.
“Are you okay?
You look nervous.”
“I’m terrified,” I admitted.
“I don’t know what to expect. Derek is going to be there. His parents are going to be there. Everyone is going to be watching me.”
Teresa took my hands, squeezing them firmly.
“You’ve got this, Amy. You’re marrying the most powerful Alpha in New York. You’re becoming a Luna. And you look like a million bucks. Hold your head high and don’t let anyone make you feel small.”
“You’re right.
I can do this.”
“That’s my girl.” She grinned.
“Now let’s get you married.”
**********************
The car ride to the venue was a blur.
I stared out the window, my mind racing, my hands trembling in my lap.
Teresa sat beside me, chattering about something I couldn’t focus on.
When we arrived, I was led to a small room just outside the main hall.
Through the doors, I could hear the murmur of the crowd, the soft strains of music.
My two bridesmaids stood beside me, their bouquets in hand.
But as I stood there, waiting for the music to cue, a wave of grief washed over me.
I had always imagined my father walking me down the aisle.
His arm linked through mine, his steady presence guiding me forward.
But he wasn’t here.
He would never be here.
Tears pricked at my eyes, and I blinked them back desperately.
“Amy, are you okay?” one of my friends asked, concerned in her voice.
I nodded quickly.
“I’m fine. Just thinking about my dad.”
She squeezed my arm gently.
“He’s watching, Amy. He’ll be walking with you in spirit.”
The music began; the bridal march, soft and beautiful.
My heart leaped into my throat.
“This is it,” Teresa whispered.
“You’ve got this.”
I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders, and stepped through the doors.
The hall was breathtaking.
White flowers cascaded down every surface, candles flickered on every table, and the soft glow of chandeliers cast a warm, romantic light over everything.
The guests rose as I entered, their eyes fixed on me.
I took my first steps down the aisle, my legs trembling beneath me.
I kept my eyes forward, focusing on the figure at the altar.
Richard.
He was standing there, tall and commanding, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit.
His dark hair was slicked back, his green eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made my breath catch.
He looked…
magnificent.
Like a king awaiting his queen.
As I moved further, I caught sight of my mother in the front row on one side of the hall.
She was dabbing her eyes, her face streaked with tears, but she was smiling.
Then my gaze drifted to the other side.
Derek.
They were staring at me, their faces frozen in shock.
Derek’s mouth was hanging open, his eyes wide with disbelief.
His mother looked like she’d swallowed a lemon.
I forced myself to ignore them, to keep walking.
My eyes locked with Richard’s, and he gave me a warm, reassuring smile that seemed to say, I’ve got you.
You’re safe.
I smiled back.
When I reached the altar, he took my hand, helping me up the small steps.
His fingers were warm and steady, grounding me.
I stood beside him, my heart pounding, my face flushed.
The officiant began the ceremony, his voice echoing through the silent hall.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Richard Wellington and Amy Hart…”
I barely heard the words.
All I could focus on was Richard’s presence beside me, the way his thumb stroked the back of my hand, the way his eyes never left my face.
“And now,” the officiant said, “if anyone has any reason why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
Silence.
My heart pounded.
Please, please let this go smoothly.
Then, a chair scraped against the floor.
“I OBJECT!” The familiar voice rang in the hall.
I didn’t need to look to know who it was.
I turnrd to see Derek shot to his feet, his face red with fury.
The crowd erupted into murmurs, every head swiveling toward him.
“This wedding is a goddamn joke!” he shouted, storming toward the altar.
“My uncle is marrying my mate! This is insane! It’s disgusting!”
Richard’s grip on my hand tightened, but his expression remained calm.
“Derek, I advise you to sit down and not cause a scene.
Go back to your seat.”
“Don’t tell me what to do, you bastard!” Derek spat.
“You think you can just steal my mate? You think you can humiliate me like this? You’re nothing but a bastard child, and bastards always act like bastards!”
My eyes widened.
The crowd gasped.
I stepped forward, my voice sharp and clear.
“Derek, I am no longer your mate. I rejected you, and you accepted. I can be with whoever I choose.”
Derek’s eyes snapped to me, blazing with fury.
“You’re nothing but a whore!” he shouted.
“You ran to him because he’s richer than me. That’s all you’ve ever been; a gold-digging slut who’ll spread her legs for anyone with money. That was why you rejected me, isn’t it?”
The words hit me like a slap.
The crowd erupted into whispers, fingers pointing at me, judgment in their eyes.
My face burned with humiliation.
Tears pricked at my eyes, and I felt my resolve begin to crumble.
I wanted to run.
I wanted to flee this hall, to escape their accusing stares.
“Don’t you dare,” another voice echoed in the hall, drawing everyone’s attention.