Chapter 2 Do You Take This Man?
# Chapter 2: Do You Take This Man?
The wedding ceremony unfolded like a meticulously choreographed dance. Sunlight streamed through stained glass windows, casting rainbow patterns across the ancient stone floor. The chapel was filled with the elite of Europe—wine merchants, tech moguls, old money families whose bloodlines were as carefully cultivated as the Monette vineyards.
I stood at the altar beside Gideon, his hand warm in mine, his smile perfect for the photographers. He looked genuinely happy, as if the bathroom incident had never happened. Perhaps in his mind, it hadn't—just another indiscretion in a life built on entitlement.
"You look radiant," he whispered, squeezing my hand.
I smiled back, wondering if he could taste Odessa on his lips when he'd kissed me at the beginning of the ceremony.
The priest droned on about love and fidelity—words that now rang hollow in this hallowed space. I let my gaze drift over the assembled guests, noting Odessa in the front row, her eyes red-rimmed, her fingers clutching a handkerchief monogrammed with my initials. A gift I'd given her last Christmas.
And there, standing near the side entrance, was Callum Monette. Unlike everyone else who sat in reverent attention, he remained standing, one hand holding a crystal champagne flute, the other in the pocket of his impeccably tailored suit. His eyes never left me—not watching the ceremony, but watching me watch the ceremony.
When Gideon began his vows, his voice was smooth and convincing. He promised love, devotion, and fidelity with such conviction that for a moment, I almost believed him. Almost felt sorry for what I was planning.
"Clarette," he said, "you are the missing piece I've been searching for my entire life. With you, I am whole. With you, I am better. I promise to love you, protect you, and cherish you until my dying breath."
The audience sighed collectively. Odessa stifled a sob.
Callum took a sip of champagne, his expression unreadable.
Then it was my turn. The priest turned to me, his ancient face solemn as he asked the question that would determine everything:
"Clarette Vervain, do you take this man, Gideon Monette, to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love, honor, and cherish, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?"
Time seemed to slow. I could feel every heartbeat, hear every breath in the silent chapel. My eyes drifted to the cellar door visible through the side window, where Callum had threatened me hours before. He was watching me now, his gaze intense, challenging. Was that a slight shake of his head? Was he daring me to say no?
This was the moment. I could walk away. I could expose them both—the unfaithful groom, the predatory father-in-law. I could leave the Monette family to their secrets and their wine and their wealth.
Instead, I looked directly at Callum as I said, "I do."
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The words fell from my lips like perfectly cut diamonds—hard, brilliant, and worth a fortune in what they would cost him.
Callum's expression darkened, his knuckles whitening around the champagne flute. I had defied him, knowing the consequences. Knowing he would make good on his threat.
The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur. Rings exchanged, final blessings given, the kiss that sealed our fraudulent union. Gideon's lips were soft against mine, his hands respectfully at my waist for the benefit of the cameras. The perfect groom.
At the reception, I danced and laughed and played the blushing bride. I accepted congratulations from people whose names I'd memorized from dossiers, whose connections I'd mapped like constellations in the Monette universe. Every handshake was a contract, every smile a promissory note.
As evening fell and the party moved to the grand ballroom, Gideon was pulled away by a group of investors. I found myself alone by the champagne fountain, watching the golden liquid cascade down crystal tiers.
"You said the words," Callum's voice came from behind me, low and dangerous. "I warned you what would happen."
I turned to face him, maintaining the smile of a happy bride for anyone watching. "Yes, I did say them. And I meant them."
"Liar." His hand brushed mine as he reached for a champagne flute, the contact sending electricity up my arm. "You don't love him."
"Love isn't why people like us marry, Callum." I sipped my champagne, letting the bubbles dance on my tongue before adding, "You of all people should understand that."
His eyes narrowed. "Then why?"
I leaned closer, as if sharing a secret with my new father-in-law. "Because taking something from the inside is so much more satisfying than trying to break in from the outside."
Before he could respond, I spotted Gideon returning, his face flushed from drinking.
"Later," I whispered to Callum, "you can show me exactly how you planned to make good on your threat."
I walked away to meet my husband, feeling Callum's eyes burning into my back. The game had begun, and I had made the opening move.
The question now was: who would be the first to fall?
