Chapter 464

Dominic froze.

The man who had faced countless battles suddenly felt his heart submerged in scalding oil.

He didn't answer Evelyn's question.

Instead, he crushed her lips in a possessive kiss, stealing both her breath and any chance of further conversation.

No one could fathom how long he'd waited for this moment.

Since childhood, he'd known Evelyn Sinclair would be his wife.

After overcoming every obstacle, she was finally in his arms. He burned to declare to the world that this woman belonged to him.

Yet she hesitated to become his bride.

That was unacceptable.

Evelyn gasped for air when he finally released her.

Dominic pulled her close, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. "If you want to postpone the wedding, I'll consider rescheduling. But if you ever think of canceling..." His voice turned dangerous. "I'll drag you to that altar bound in ropes if necessary."

Tears pooled in Evelyn's eyes, making her delicate frame appear even more fragile.

Dominic tilted her chin up. "What's wrong lately? We're partners. Soon to be husband and wife. Share your burdens with me."

He knew her tendency to suffer silently.

Evelyn blinked rapidly, swallowing back tears.

"Dominic..." Her whisper trembled as she studied his striking features.

Her erratic moods puzzled him.

A single blink sent tears cascading down her cheeks.

"Don't cry." Panic edged his voice.

Nothing terrified him more than Evelyn's tears.

When her silent weeping continued, he gathered her against his chest, kissing away each salty drop. But her quiet sobs only intensified.

Dominic rocked her gently, as one would comfort a child. Gradually, her trembling subsided.

The bedroom held only the sounds of his steady breathing and her occasional sniffles.

He'd initially blamed pregnancy hormones for her mood swings. Now he sensed something darker at play.

After tomorrow's engagement ceremony, he'd launch an investigation.

Evelyn's sensitive nature meant threats wouldn't make her talk. He'd uncover the truth another way.

The thought of humiliating Dominic tomorrow shattered Evelyn's heart.

But if she didn't, that woman would destroy his reputation.

She couldn't bear imagining him behind bars when his crimes came to light.

Noting her calmer state, Dominic brushed his lips against hers. "You're about to become a bride. Tears don't suit you. Agitation harms both mother and child."

Evelyn bit her lip and nodded. Suddenly, her fingers clutched his sleeve.

Her glittering eyes met his with desperate intensity. "I love you, Dominic. So much. If I ever hurt you... know it's not by choice. Promise you won't hate me?"

Dominic traced her lips thoughtfully before answering. "I promise."

His unconditional trust broke her anew. Tomorrow she'd betray that trust.

The cruel reality carved through her chest like a blade scraping bone.

She had no alternative.

The Carlton Hotel's lavish interior resembled a dreamscape.

Graceful fountains danced to melodic tunes in the grand lobby.

Inside the bridal suite—

Abigail and Olivia gaped at Evelyn's wedding gown transformation.

Waddling forward, Abigail placed a hand on her rounded belly. "You finally bagged the boss! Stunning doesn't begin to cover it!"

Olivia beamed. "Half of A City's elite are out there—faces we only see in society pages. The Blackwood connections are insane! Dominic's pulling out all stops for you, Evie. This puts celebrity weddings to shame."

Before the mirror, Evelyn sat motionless. Her upswept hair and form-fitting gown accentuated every curve, drawing envious glances.

Their joyful praise should have delighted her. Instead, dread coiled tighter in her stomach.

Dominic entered abruptly.

"Mr. Blackwood," the women chorused.

Impeccable in his tuxedo, he nodded curtly at them before his gaze softened on Evelyn. "It's time."

He guided her toward the ballroom with possessive hands.

The venue overflowed with guests. The Blackwood and Sinclair families occupied front-row seats—Reginald Sinclair wiping his eyes while Gwendolyn Sinclair radiated joy.

Applause erupted as the couple appeared. Some guests even chanted for Dominic to kiss his bride.

He obliged without hesitation, claiming Evelyn's mouth in a searing kiss that left the crowd cheering. His grip on her waist suggested he'd never let go.

At a nearby table, Lillian Prescott's smile froze.

Beside her, Cassandra Prescott clapped politely, a sinister smirk playing on her lips.