Chapter 108

That morning, before lsaac had left for the office,Verena had told him she would be staying at her new villa with her friend for the night.

She hadn't expected him to call at such an hour.

Verena darted to the open-air balcony to answer,her lips curving playfully. "We really do share a telepathic bond,don't we?"

Isaac had been lying in bed for quite some time, but sleep refused to come. He picked up a book from the bedside table, turned its pages, and stared at the words for nearly half an hour-yet not a single sentence sank in. Every page only mirrored Verena's face.

After wrestling with his thoughts, he finally chose to call her. He hadn't truly hoped she would pick up, yet,to his surprise, she did.

Leaning back against the headboard, Isaac sounded a little taken aback. "Were you thinking of me too?"

Verena didn't reply directly. Instead, she parried with a question of her own. "And you? What was it tha kept me in your thoughts?"

As her voice poured through the receiver, Isaac absentmindedly toyed with the corner of his book. "I was wondering if you were nervous."

Resting against the railing, Verena smiled."Funny,my friend just asked me the very same thing."

His curiosity sharpened. "And what was your answer?"

She dodged again, throwing the ball back into his court."Are you nervous?"

Isaac didn't chase her evasions. He let the silence stretch a moment before admitting with a faint smile,"A little."

Verena's grin grew wider at his words, echoing her own heart, her eyes shimmering beneath the bright moonlight.

She teased him lightly, "It's all right. If nerves get the better of you tomorrow, just hide behind me. I'll take the lead. I don't mind being the woman who calls the shots."

Her cheerful laughter rippled through the line, and Isaac couldn't help but be carried along by her joy.

After a spell of lighthearted chatter, Verena grew playful again. "So, how's it going without me tonight? Darling,are you lonely and restless?"

Suddenly,silence fell.

Verena frowned, thinking he might have hung up,but a glance at the screen showed that the call was still connected.Why no sound?

At last, after a good ten seconds, Isaac's low voice reached her. "Tomorrow night, I won't be."

He knew full well she didn't care for him as much as he longed for, but still he couldn't resist her teasing and sweet words.

Before Verena could gather her thoughts, he added,"Get some sleep. Goodnight."

It wasn't until the busy tone echoed in her ear that she snapped back to herself. Wait... what had he just said?Tomorrow night, he wouldn't be.

With her cheeks burning, Verena pressed her hands to her face, wondering if those bold words had truly come from Isaac. Since when had he grown so smooth-tongued?

Meanwhile,Isaac lowered his phone and placed a palm over his chest.

The simple question Verena had tossed at him had sparked a blaze there, and the fire refused to die down. What unsettled him most was his own heartbeat,hammering so hard it seemed almost loud enough for her to hear.

In those long seconds of silence, he truly feared that Verena might have caught the frantic rhythm of his heart.

He sat still against the headboard,waiting for the storm in his chest to quiet.

The room was utterly silent.

Then, after a long pause, his voice-low and hoarse -slipped into the stillness. "Calm down...stop beating so fast."

Otherwise,the groom who stood before her tomorrow would look less like a young man in love and more like a weary,worn one.

The next morning, Verena finished breakfast with Miranda, just as the makeup artists arrived promptly at seven.

With their skilled hands, Verena and Miranda changed into their wedding gown and bridesmaid dress.

Miranda gave Verena a long look, admiration sparkling in her eyes. "Girl, you look breathtaking." Verena raised a brow and shot back with candor,"You're just as breathtaking."

Each woman had her own artist, which sped up the process considerably.

The villa had been transformed the day before-balloons brightened the ceilings, roses lined the paths,and every corner seemed drenched in festivity.

In the middle of this, Gavin arrived.

"You're here so early?" Verena asked in mild surprise.

Pouring water into their glasses, Gavin answered, "Of course. I'm here to back you up."

"Did you bring what I asked for?" Miranda pressed.

"Wouldn't dare forget it." Gavin slipped a small folded piece of paper from his jacket and handed it to her.

Unable to move much while her makeup was underway, Verena glanced at Miranda through the mirror."What is it?"

Miranda's reflection offered only a mysterious smile."You'll find out soon enough."

That smile set Verena on edge. With such secrecy,trouble was sure to follow. By nine, both were ready.

Since the wedding gown was cumbersome, Miranda helped Verena upstairs to the bedroom,with Gavin trailing behind to carry the train.

The three chatted until Miranda checked the time."The groom should be here any minute. Gavin, go see if they've arrived."

"On it." Gavin nodded and stepped out.

Moments later, he burst back in, excitement spilling over as he shut the door.

"They're here! Just reaching the front gates!"

Hearing this, Miranda swiftly pulled Verena's veil over her face.

Then came footsteps outside.

Three sharp knocks, followed by a lively voice."Beautiful bride, we've come to take you to the ceremony. Come with your handsome groom!"

Verena immediately recognized Stevie's tone.

The groomsmen joined him, chanting in chorus,"Beautiful bride, we've come to take you to the ceremony.Come with your handsome groom!" Miranda called back through the door, "The bride won't walk out so easily. Not a drop of sincerity yet,and not even a glimpse of her."

As she spoke, Gavin braced himself against the door.

Stevie,prompted by Cayden, bargained from outside."At least let the bride say a word to the groom!"

Verena chuckled quietly, imagining Isaac keeping his silence,letting others do the clamoring.

Miranda crossed her arms with a smirk. "We're the bride's guardians today. If you want her voice, you'll have to get through us first."

"Guardians or not, at least let us see the bride!" Slater demanded,pounding the door.

"Exactly, this isn't fair," Bobby chimed in.

Gavin loosened his grip, leaning casually against the frame.

Half in jest, he said, "Bobby, this door won't yield so easily. I still remember those punches you gave me last time. Unless Isaac makes it up to me, neither he nor you will see the bride."

Verena knew Gavin was bluffing; he wouldn't truly bar the way. Besides, the groomsmen would find a way around it, so she stayed quiet.

Miranda, however, blinked in surprise and turned to Verena. "Hold on-what's this about? Gavin got beaten up?"

Her tone grew excited.

Verena chuckled. "I'll explain later."

Just then, Isaac's amused voice sounded from the other side. "I'll compensate-with interest."

Something thin and rigid slid under the door.

Gavin bent to pick it up and blinked. It was a bank card.

"Wow, that's generous!" Gavin exclaimed,stunned."I was only teasing; no need for lsaac to get so worked up,right?"