Fated To Not Just One But Three novel Chapter 503

Chapter 503: The Wedding

Nora’s POV

The morning of my wedding arrived with a quiet heaviness that I couldn’t shake. I was supposed to feel happy, excited even. Every girl dreamed of this moment: the gowns, the laughter, the preparations. But all I felt was empty.

Olivia had gone above and beyond. Despite everything happening in her own life, despite Alpha Lennox’s situation weighing heavily on her, she’d poured her heart into making my wedding day perfect. She’d hired the best designers for both my traditional and white gowns, each hand-stitched with crystal embroidery that shimmered when the light touched them.

The venue, the grand pack hall inside the mansion, had been transformed overnight. Golden drapes cascaded from the ceiling, white roses lined every aisle, and a chandelier of moonstones glowed softly above the altar. It looked like a royal wedding, not a wedding between a maid and a warrior.

Lolita was beside me, humming softly as she pinned the last strands of my hair. She smiled at my reflection in the mirror. "You look beautiful," she said gently.

I managed a weak smile. "Thanks."

Her hands stilled for a moment, and she met my eyes in the mirror. "You know, you can still cancel this."

I froze.

She sighed softly, brushing a curl behind my ear. "I’m serious, Nora. You don’t have to do this. You don’t look happy."

I looked down at my hands, at the silver engagement ring glinting faintly on my finger. "I made my decision," I said quietly.

Lolita frowned. "Yeah, but was it the right one?"

I didn’t answer, because deep down, I didn’t know anymore.

She moved around to face me, folding her arms. "I’ve known you for years. You’re not yourself, Nora. This whole thing, this wedding, it feels rushed."

I let out a shaky breath. "Olivia’s been amazing. She’s done everything, everything I could ever ask for."

"That’s not what I meant," Lolita said softly. "I’m talking about you. You’re supposed to be glowing right now, not looking like someone’s dragging you to your own funeral."

I tried to laugh, but it came out hollow.

Lolita knelt slightly so we were eye-level. "You love him, don’t you?" she asked quietly.

My chest tightened instantly. I didn’t need her to say his name; we both knew who she meant.

"Love who?" I asked weakly.

She gave me a look. "Calvin."

I swallowed hard. "No."

She tilted her head. "You sure?"

"Yes," I lied. "Calvin doesn’t want me. He made that clear. He wants someone better, someone with status, someone his mother would actually approve of. I’m just me."

Lolita’s eyes softened with pity. "Nora..."

I stood abruptly, cutting her off. "Daniel is a good man. He’s kind, loving, and he actually loves me. That’s what matters."

"But you don’t love him," she said quietly.

My throat closed up. "I’ll learn to," I whispered.

The room fell silent. Only the activities from downstairs could be heard.

Lolita sighed, shaking her head. "You’re doing this to forget him."

I looked at her through the mirror, my reflection pale and tired. "I’m doing this to move on."

And that should have made me happy too. But as I looked at him, I didn’t see Daniel. I saw Calvin.

My heart clenched painfully.

When I finally reached Daniel, he whispered softly, "You look beautiful."

I forced a faint smile. "Thank you."

The ceremony began. The priest stepped forward, his voice booming through the hall, reciting the ancient words that bound mates in spirit, even if this was not a fated bond. Guests smiled, some even teary-eyed. But inside, I was falling apart.

My wolf whimpered weakly in my head. "Please, don’t do this."

I shut my eyes tightly, fighting back the sting of tears. My heart was pounding so fast I thought it might burst. Each word from the priest felt like another weight pressing down on my chest.

Then came the final part, the marking.

"Now," the priest said, smiling warmly, "the groom may mark his bride as his mate."

Daniel turned to me, his expression excited, his eyes kind. He reached for my neck gently.

And just as his fangs grazed my skin—

BANG!

The great hall doors flew open with a force that shook the floor. Gasps erupted through the crowd. Every head turned toward the entrance.

My heart stopped. My breath caught in my throat.

And then... our eyes met.