Pact Of Love Under Oath

The Hampton Mansion rose with quiet grandeur in the heart of Tuscany, surrounded by rolling golden vineyards and a gentle breeze that carried the promise of a remarkable day. Inside its walls, opulence and grace mingled effortlessly with the intimacy of family, setting the ideal stage for what everyone believed would become the most memorable wedding of the year.

Seated before an elaborate mirror, Alicia Michelle Hampton wore a white satin robe while a group of stylists carefully arranged her hair and makeup. Her mother, Paige Hampton, watched every moment intently, her eyes sparkling with both pride and anticipation.

"Today has finally arrived, sweetheart," her mother whispered, her hand caressing Alicia's cheek with tender affection. "You are about to become the most stunning bride anyone has ever seen."

Laughter floated through the room as Sofía and Alexandra, her sisters, joined by her sister-in-law Katerina, assisted with the finishing touches to her dress. The atmosphere brimmed with happiness, and a lively sense of celebration drifted through the air like a song only they could hear.

Alicia returned their smiles, but nervous excitement coiled tightly in her stomach. She felt no fear, only anticipation. Her love for Marcus ran deep. Ever since the day their paths crossed, she believed fate had woven their lives together, and now, they would finally declare that love in front of everyone they cherished.

Absentmindedly, she reached for her phone while one of the stylists perfected her lipstick. She longed to send Marcus a message, to remind him of her love and to confess how she could hardly wait to see him at the altar. As soon as she unlocked her phone, however, a fresh message appeared on the screen.

Viviana had sent it.

Her closest friend. Her soul sister.

Alicia's brow furrowed. She had not expected to hear from Viviana at that particular moment. Perhaps it was a comment about the decorations, or maybe a playful remark meant to soothe her nerves?

The instant Alicia opened the conversation, everything around her seemed to freeze.

Her breath left her lungs in a sharp, helpless rush.

A video filled the screen.

Even from the tiny preview, the image was painfully clear.

Marcus.

Viviana.

Together.

Her heart slammed violently against her chest as she tapped the screen, her fingers shaking uncontrollably.

The video began to play, and what appeared before her eyes was so brutally real that it shattered every part of her at once.

Marcus had Viviana in his arms, holding her with a passion Alicia had never witnessed before. His mouth moved over Viviana's with the same hunger he once used when he promised Alicia forever. Their clothes were rumpled, their breathing heavy, their bodies pressed together without restraint... There was no denying what she was seeing. Marcus was intimate with Viviana.

It was a betrayal.

A cruel strike that pierced straight through her soul.

Alicia felt her throat tighten as if it were closing in on itself, her skin turning cold.

No.

No.

This could not