The Husband Beside Me (The Devil Trilogy Book 2) Read Online Free Page A

and smiled. She turned around and picked up my white and soft pink peony bouquet and handed it to me. “Okay, let’s get this party started,” Sofia smiled and sniffled.
    My father reached out his arm and I intertwined my arm with his. Sofia opened the door and I was taken aback. In just a few hours, the entire place was transformed into a wonderland of flowers and small tea lights. It was utterly breathtaking. Large twigs were placed in an enormous vase on the front table with small white flowers attached to them. A small light from above lit the table, highlighting the place cards. Tiny lanterns lit the walkway for me as I made my way to the Greenhouse where Daimon and the rest of our guests were waiting. Just before we were about to enter, I stopped my father and Sofia.
    “It’s okay, Addie,” Sofia said as she squeezed my hand. I took a deep breath and looked over to see Jessica smiling.
    “Cue the music,” Jessica said into her mini walkie-talkie.
    As the doors opened, soft music played, and both my father and Sofia walked me down the aisle. A white silk carpet laid at our feet. I looked up to see Daimon waiting for me in front of the grand fireplace. Large candles were lit inside the fireplace, while a soft golden light lit the room from all sides. Dazzling white flowers were artistically placed all around, their gentle smell teasing my nose. I could hear the quiet whispers of the guests as I made my way to Daimon, who looked utterly gorgeous in his black suit. He left some stubble and his longish hair was softly slicked back. His striking blue sky eyes zeroed in on me, and in that moment, all I could see was him.
    He reached out his hand as my father and Sofia both let go of me, giving me to Daimon. He took my hand and held on tightly. He didn’t say one word to me the whole ceremony. The only thing I heard was his “I do.” He placed a simple white-gold ring on my finger and continued to avoid me. I tried to make eye contact; I wanted his approval. I hated that I sought it, but I wanted it. Once it was my turn, I hesitated saying it.
    “Addie?” the officiant said.
    “I do,” I murmured. I took the ring and placed it on his finger. I didn’t bother to look at him as I did it.
    Disappointment hit me hard. Once the ceremony was finished, Daimon turned to me and smiled. I smiled as well, reminding myself I was blurring the lines. This was all a lie, an elaborate lie. He reached down, taking my face in his hands and kissed me. It was gentle and sweet. It felt divine, like he was melting away all my anxieties. Everyone cheered and he finally broke the spell and released me from his lips. Jessica and her minions came in and ushered everyone out. I found it odd that she did that. I was about to step out as well, but Daimon grabbed onto my hand and pulled me back. The doors of the Greenhouse closed and only Daimon and I remained.

Reception
    “Take a few steps ahead of me,” Daimon instructed, letting go of my hand.
    “What?” I breathed.
    “Just do it, Addie,” he demanded. I walked in front of him and stopped. “Turn around and face me.” I turned around slowly and looked back at him. “You look…you look so fucking beautiful,” he sighed. Heat flooded my cheeks at his words and the way in which he spoke them. I finally felt the approval I sought out from him, but I pushed it down, not wanting to acknowledge how it made me feel.
    “Well, you paid for it,” I said, waving my hands in front of me, smiling meekly.
    “Either way, you look beautiful,” he stated as he smiled enigmatically.
    “You’re not too bad yourself,” I offered.
    “I know. I always look good.” He grinned as he pulled on his suit jacket; his sky-blue eyes were brightened by his dark features and dim lighting that had surrounded us.
    “Now what?” I asked anxiously.
    “Well…” he walked over to me, his every step controlled and precise. He lowered his gaze as he looked into my eyes. “Tonight, we act like a happy,