Adaline (The Wallflower Series Book 3) Read Online Free

took a step behind Carla’s best friends, her fellow bridesmaids and began the trek down the white aisle. She walked with her head up high, trying with all her might when she approached the row of Vikhrovs to not let her gaze wander to him. But as soon as she stepped to the front of the procession, standing beside the white columns beside the priest, she couldn’t help it. And her breath hitched when their gazes met.
    Dominic gave her a slight smile before turning his attention behind him to Carla. No longer imprisoned by his stare, Adaline quickly did the same. But she wished she hadn’t. Carla looked beautiful with the sun shining on her white dress and tanned skin. Her natural blonde locks were straightened so that the breeze could flow through them more easily. Decorating her face was the same smug smirk Adaline had grown accustomed to seeing on her cousin. After all, she loved being the center of attention. And what better day to take advantage of than her wedding day?
    After Carla was finally standing before her husband-to-be, Adaline’s mind wandered until before she knew it, everyone was clapping and shouting their congratulations to the newlyweds. Eventually, everyone was directed to the white tent for the wedding reception and took their seats in preparation for a five-course meal. Carla had truly gone all out regarding the food; she had wanted the best of the best. And so there was not only fresh seafood but also some of the finest Parisian desserts that money could buy.
    Adaline took her seat with the rest of the immediate family at the front with Carla and her husband, Trent, in the center of the long table. After the formal dinner, she watched her cousin begin her first dance as a married woman with a slight smile. They may never be friends but there was still a part of her that was happy for her cousin. Despite Carla’s outspoken reveal regarding Trent’s money and upbringing, Adaline still hoped that there was true love there. Maybe Carla would actually find the happiness that had eluded her for so long because of materialism and wealth.
    Her aunt eventually interrupted her thoughts. Victoria came up and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder,
    “You should make your rounds and say hello to everyone. Carla is a bit too busy at the moment but it’s the proper thing to do. Start with the Vikhrovs.”
    Adaline merely nodded her head in assent. She made her way over to the table nearest them. The family was in conversation, their attentions torn between the dancing and the food. Adaline gently cleared her throat and approached Nikolai and his wife, Natalia first.
    “Hello Mr. and Mrs. Vikhrov. My name is Adaline. I just wanted to come and thank you again for taking the time to attend Carla’s wedding. The Langs are very happy to have you here.” Adaline paid particular attention to her accent, knowing that for some people they would associate it with a lack of intellect. Consequently, she had not been asked to speak on Carla’s behalf as was customary for close relatives. But she thought nothing of it; she didn’t want to speak in a room full of virtual strangers.
    The older gentleman nodded his head, “Aren’t you Victoria’s niece? I don’t believe we have officially met.”
    Adaline forced a smile. “No, we haven’t,” she lied. In fact, they had met on several occasions but the man had never bothered to acknowledge her presence being that she was merely adopted into the Lang family. Or at least that is what Adaline preferred to assume. She didn’t want to think he had dismissed her because of her disability. Even though she did have a cochlear implant, she still had her daily difficulties with hearing and speaking.
    “Well, it’s nice to meet you. This is my wife Natalia.”
    Everyone around the table personally introduced themselves to her after that, excluding Dominic who merely gave her a familiar smile. She was most interested in the woman on Dmitri’s arm. Sasha wore her long locs