Chapter 14

The morning light fell across Zoe's face. She opened her eyes in confusion, only to discover she was barely clothed. The unfamiliar, comfortable weight and warmth of an arm draped across her waist jolted her awake. The man beside her was still sound asleep, and every muscle in her body ached as though she'd been pulled apart and pieced back together. Even the lingering grip at the top of her thigh still felt painfully vivid. Zoe shut her eyes in despair. She had spent a night with him despite not knowing his name. Panicked, she snatched up her clothes and slipped out before he could wake up. She was too afraid to face an explanation. But she didn't know that the moment she left, the man opened his eyes. His dark gaze followed her retreating figure with a depth she would never have imagined. Soon, the day of the wedding arrived. Zoe stood outside the grand hall, staring blankly at the heavy doors before her. The last time she was here, Elijah was waiting inside, and she had secr