The Cripple Who Claimed a Principessa

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 harm. You're supposed to be the Donna of the Griffin family, and you're acting this petty? How am I supposed to trust you with this family?"

Amber immediately clutched Julian's sleeve, her face a mask of feigned innocence. "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 any mistakes."

I feigned ignorance. "I've checked everything. It's all in order."

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.