The Don's Unwanted Bride

CHAPTER 20

Alyssa’s POV

Six months ago, I swore I would never marry Hayden Blackwell. I told myself I’d never be a pawn in anyone’s game, especially not my father’s. And yet, here I was, standing at the altar, holding Hayden’s hand, preparing to say vows that felt more like a business deal than a fairytale.

The crowd was a blur. My father sat at the front, proudly watching, his expression unreadable. And right beside him, was Estina.

I swallowed hard, keeping my face still even as my stomach turned.

Estina looked perfect, as always. Elegant, poised, and detached. She didn’t smile. She didn’t look at me. Not once. Her gaze stayed focused ahead, like I didn’t exist.

It hurt more than I expected.

Had I imagined everything we shared? Or was this her way of protecting me? Maybe she couldn’t risk my father knowing. Maybe she was scared.

Hell, maybe she just didn’t care anymore.

I blinked back the burn behind my eyes and returned my attention to Hayden.

His hand tightened around mine slightly, like he sensed my mind was slipping.

“You good?” he murmured, too low for anyone else to hear.

I nodded once. “Yeah.”

“You sure?” he asked again, his thumb brushing against mine. “You look like you’re about to bolt.”

“I’m not,” I muttered. “Not today.”

“Good,” he whispered, his tone lighter. “Because I’d still chase you.”

I didn’t answer.

The officiant cleared his throat and began the ceremony. His words floated in the background like distant noise as I stood there, staring at the man who somehow bulldozed his way into my life and rearranged everything I thought I knew.

I had hated him. Then I tolerated him. Then I feared him. Now?

Now, I didn’t know what I felt.

When it was time for the vows, Hayden surprised me by going first.

He took a deep breath and looked me straight in the eye.

“I’m not going to pretend this is a fairytale,” he said, voice loud enough for the guests to hear, but only meant for me. “You didn’t choose this at first. Neither did I. We were thrown together by people who didn’t ask what we wanted. But I’ve learned something these past six months, Alyssa.”

I stared at him, unable to look away.

He continued. “You don’t back down. You don’t flinch. You don’t let anyone control you, not even me. And that… that makes you the most dangerous woman I’ve ever met. It also makes you the one I want by my side.”

He paused, smirked slightly. “So here’s my vow. I won’t promise you a quiet life. I can’t give you peace. But I’ll give you war, with me, not against me. Every day. Until you say otherwise.”

A small, stunned laugh escaped my lips. The crowd murmured, clearly not expecting that.

The officiant turned to me. “Alyssa?”

I stared at Hayden, then glanced briefly at the crowd. My father’s face was stone. Estina still didn’t look at me.

I turned back.

“I don’t have a fancy speech,” I said, my voice steady. “And I’m not going to lie. I didn’t want this. Not like this. But I’ve learned something too, Hayden.”

His eyebrows rose slightly, curious.

I held his gaze. “You’re a storm. You’re chaos. You push every button I have. But I’m not afraid of you anymore. I’m not running. So I’ll stand in the storm.”

He grinned. “That’s a yes?”

I rolled my eyes. “It’s a maybe. But I’m here, aren’t I?”

The crowd chuckled nervously.

The officiant beamed, clearly eager to wrap things up. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Hayden didn’t hesitate. He stepped forward and cupped my face in his hands, and his eyes searched mine for a beat, like he wanted to make sure I wouldn’t slap him.

I didn’t.

Instead, I let him close the distance.

His lips found mine, warm and commanding, and for a moment the room disappeared. The world faded.

The tension between us, the history, the hesitation, it all melted into a kiss that felt like a beginning and an ending rolled into one.

When he pulled away, my heart was racing.

“You like it,” he replied, still smiling as we turned to face the crowd.

The applause was loud, but I barely heard it. My eyes flicked toward Estina again. She was already leaving. No waves. No glance. Nothing.

Hayden leaned down slightly. “Your Personal Maid back at home?”

“Yes,” I whispered.

“She means something to you,” he said.

I didn’t answer.

Instead, I smiled for the cameras, my hand locked in Hayden’s, my heart somewhere far behind me, probably still trying to understand how I got here.

We walked down the aisle, surrounded by roses, chandeliers, and carefully arranged lies. Everyone clapped. Everyone smiled. Everyone believed this was the moment I’d waited for my whole life.

It wasn’t.

The limo waited outside. Hayden helped me in like a gentleman, then slid in beside me, tugging the door shut behind him.

The moment it clicked closed, his hand was already on my thigh.

I narrowed my eyes. “We’re not even out of the parking lot.”

He grinned. “And?”

“I’m still in this dress.”

“Not for long,” he murmured, leaning in. He leaned in again, brushing his lips near my ear, voice a low, dangerous whisper.

“Get ready,” he murmured, “tonight, I’m going to fuck you till you beg me to stop.”

I shivered. Instantly. Fully. From head to toe.