The cripple who claimeda principessa novel

The Don of the Griffin family , Alistair Griffin , was shocked to hear I wanted to marry Rhys . But considering his son had been in a wheelchair for years , he knew this might be Rhys's only chance at marriage . It was unlikely any other woman would agree . So , Alistair granted my request , even offering a generous portion of the family's assets as a dowry . As our two families discussed the wedding arrangements , I glanced out the studio window and saw Rhys in his wheelchair . He was in the manor's garden , engrossed in a book .

Though I could only see his profile , it was clear he was strikingly handsome , and his deep , ocean - blue eyes were mesmerizing . I found myself staring . Suddenly , a tranquilizer dart shot out from the shadows of the bushes . I watched , breathless , as Rhys launched himself from his wheelchair , deftly dodging the dart and flicking a pebble back into the darkness with impossible speed . My heart hammered against my ribs . Weren't his legs paralyzed ? How could he be standing ? I blinked , certain I had imagined it .

When I looked again , he was sitting quietly in his wheelchair , as if nothing had happened . I began to wonder if my mind was playing tricks on me . The wedding details were quickly settled . Afterward , I went back to the villa I shared with Julian to pack my things . When I opened the door , I found Amber perched on the living room sofa , wearing the haute couture gown I had designed myself . Amber gave me a contemptuous smirk . " Oh , Seraphina , you're back . Julian says you make a killer cocktail . I'm parched . Be a dear and fix me something .

" I ignored her and headed for my bedroom . Just then , Julian appeared , his expression souring at my dismissal of her . " Seraphina , Amber just wanted to try one of your cocktails . She meant no ha supposed to be the Donna of the Griffin family , and you're acting this petty ? supposed to trust you with this family ? " Amber immediately clutched Julian's sleeve , her face a mask of feigned innocen 18:17 ' re 2 Chapter 2 " Julian , don't talk to Seraphina like that . It's all my fault , I should have called first .

Since Seraphina doesn't like me , I should probably just go ." She started for the door , but Julian caught her arm . " How could anyone not like you ? You're so charming and lovely . Look , I even brought you a gift ." He then produced a car key and pressed it into Amber's hand . " I had the dealership customize it for you. You can drive it to my wedding . You'll be the star of the show . " Amber accepted the key , beaming . " This must have been so expensive ." Julian stroked her hair indulgently . " It's nothing . A mere half - million . Anything for you .

" I ignored them both , my heart a leaden weight in my chest as I walked toward the kitchen . Last time , Amber had complained her bridesmaid dress wasn't as gorgeous as my wedding gown , so Julian forced me to switch to a simpler dress . He had told me then , " Seraphina , darling , Amber is sensitive about her humble background . That gown of yours is so extravagant , it'll only make her feel small . Besides , you're beautiful in anything you wear . " I had believed him and given up the gown I'd spent months choosing .

I never imagined he was secretly buying Amber a limited - edition sports car behind my back . At dinner , Julian asked casually , " Have you gone over all the wedding arrangements ? " I nodded . A flash of displeasure crossed his face . He pressed , " Did you check the signature on the marriage contract ? It's a family tradition . We can't afford I feigned ignorance . " I've checked everything . It's all in order . " any mistakes . " Julian was about to push the issue , but Amber interrupted . She pointed to a faded tattoo on his arm .

" Julian , that tattoo of Seraphina's initial is so pretty . If I had a tattoo of my name to go with my dress , it would be even more stunning ." Julian hesitated , his expression conflicted . That tattoo was a symbol of his status as the family heir , personally inked by his father , the Don . He knew exactly what it represented . 18:17 Lucia Morh Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she's not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.