22 Mrs. Desmond Volkov

Desmond straightened his back when Enzo and Elsa stopped in front of the altar. His gaze was fixed on Elsa but to his disappointment, his bride was not looking at him. 

He hated how her gaze was fixed on her dress. He wanted her to look at him. He wanted her to smile at him. 

"If you ever hurt my daughter, I will—" 

"Don't worry Mr.Marino, I will never hurt her." Desmond extended his hand. "I can assure you that Elsa will forever stay safe as long as she is with me." 

Enzo sighed and placed Elsa's hand on Desmond's before taking his place in the front row. 

"We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two souls..." 

The ceremony started but Desmond and Elsa were having their own conversation. 

"So you are not going to even look at me." Desmond tightened his grip on her hand with a hope that she would look at him.

She looked at him briefly before looking at the minister who was getting them married. She refused to give him what he wanted. She wanted to show him that just like him, she wasn't interested in this marriage. 

She hadn't showed up at the altar in a white gown all dolled up because she wanted to. This was a forced union and just like him, she would never let him forget that. 

As the ceremony proceeded, Desmond's frustration increased. He wasn't getting frustrated because Elsa refused to look at him. The fact that it was bothering him so much frustrated him even more. 

He wasn't even married to her yet but he could already feel her strong influence in his emotions. He could only imagine what would happen later. 

"Do you Desmond Volkov take Elsa Marino as your lawfully wedded wife?" 

"I do," he answered. 

The priest then looked at Elsa. "Do you Elsa Marino take Desmond Volkov as your lawfully wedded husband?" 

This time she looked at him. "I do," she said without taking her eyes off him. 

"You may now exchange the rings." 

Desmond took the ring from Carl's hand and placed it on Elsa's left ring finger. 

She followed his suit and did the same. 

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," The priest proclaimed. "You may now kiss your bride." 

Elsa's breathing hitched when Desmond lifted her veil and leaned forward. Her heart raced rapidly when his lips brushed against hers. 

Just when she thought he would pull away, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her towards him. 

She placed his hands on his chest and looked at him. 

He then pressed his lips against her forehead before whispering in her ears. "Mrs. Desmond Volkov, you are finally mine." 

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