The cripple who claimeda principessa novel

Facing Amber's expectant gaze , Julian looked torn . Finally , he turned to me . " Seraphina , we aren't married yet . Technically , you aren't the Donna . So just for now , let this go . After the wedding , I'll make it up to you with an even bigger surprise ." The man I was marrying wasn't Julian anyway , so the tattoo meant nothing to me now . But as my eyes fell upon it , a flood of memories returned . Years ago , he had pointed to that very tattoo and sworn my name would be the only mark he ever allowed on his body . Now , for another woman , he was ready to erase it .

My eyes fell to the spot on his arm where my initial had once been . Now it was just a blurred , scarred mess from the laser removal , a new design for Amber already inked over the ruin . He grabbed his jacket , trying to cover the ugly mark , and said to me , " On our wedding day , I'll give you a proper explanation . " In that moment , the tattoo that had haunted me for years lost its power . And with it , so did the man who had bound me for so long . " You're right , " I said , my voice flat . " I'm not the Donna yet .

It's not my place to be concerned ." Julian hadn't expected me to concede so easily . His expression grew complicated . Then , he repeated , " I promise . On our wedding day , you'll get the perfect explanation . " At his words , a flash of jealousy crossed Amber's face . I didn't answer him . I just watched Julian pull his jacket sleeve over that patch of scarred skin . I put down my cutlery and asked seriously , " Julian , since I have no issue with the tattoo , shouldn't you return my cufflinks ? " Julian stared at me in disbelief . " You want the family heirloom cufflinks back ?

What are you trying to say ? Are you telling me you don't want to marry me ? " I nearly laughed . Who was the one who didn't want this marriage ? But I held my tongue , desperate to preserve what little dignity I had left and not sound like some bitter , scorned woman . I just said calmly , " I simply don't think it's appropriate for you to wear them anymore . " Julian ripped the cufflinks from his sleeves and tossed them onto the table in front of me . " Fine . They don't suit me .

Time for a new pair anyway ." 18:17 3 Chapter 3 With that , he dropped his napkin , took Amber's hand , and stormed out . My fingers gently traced the obsidian set in the cufflinks . I had gone to hell and back to find these matching gems in a Sicilian mine . Since he didn't cherish them , he would never get a second chance . Over the next few days , I threw myself into my wedding preparations . I didn't see Julian once , nor did he call . The long hours and stress brought my migraines roaring back . After running out of medication , I had to drag myself to the private clinic .

My vision blurred . I stumbled down the hall , one hand braced against the wall for balance , when a familiar voice cut through the haze . " The doctor said you're fine , so stop worrying , " Julian said softly . I looked up and saw him in the waiting area , cradling Amber in his arms . It had been a long time since I'd seen such tenderness in his eyes . Amber leaned against his chest , feigning weakness . " My stomach just hurts so much . I think I need to rest for a few days . But your wedding is in three days . How can I not be there as your bridesmaid ? " Julian gently stroked her hair .

" Don't worry about that . The ceremony can wait . Your health is what's most important ." Watching them , I couldn't suppress a cold , bitter laugh . When I got home , I found Julian on the phone , arranging to postpone the venue . He noticed the medicine in my hand , and his brow furrowed . He asked , " Headache again ? " I hummed in agreement . He glanced at his phone , hesitating before saying , " I need to go out of town for a few days . We'll have to postpone this wedding too . There are too many urgent family matters to attend to . " My expression was carefully blank .

" You're going to Amber , aren't you ? " 4 Chapter 4 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.