The Devil's obsession with the Heiress

[Music recommendation: RY X - Bad Love]

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It was four in the afternoon when, one by one, luxury cars ascended the long, winding road leading up the hill of Astoria before disappearing through the gates of the private estate.

But as the guests stepped out one after another, every single one of them came to a complete standstill.

They were simply mesmerised by the wedding venue.

The property belonged to Gavriel, after all, and none of them had ever been granted the privilege of setting foot on it before. Nobody could have imagined that hidden within such a secluded corner of the hills lay a paradise of such breathtaking beauty.

When Aliana’s car finally came to a halt, she turned her light grey eyes toward the window and her breath caught in her throat at the sheer sight of the landscape.

While planning the wedding, when Gavriel had suggested holding the ceremony at one of his private estates in the hills, she had readily agreed. Believing it would be the safest option for a more intimate ceremony and the wisest choice when it came to security.

But never... not even for a second... had she imagined she would be stepping into a place that looked as though it had been plucked straight from a painting.

A gentle knock sounded against the glass, drawing her out of her thoughts. She tore her eyes away from the scenery to look at Alester, who was standing outside, smiling brightly down at her.

Warmth settled deep in her chest at the sight of her father looking so genuinely happy, his usual regal posture softening just for her.

And before she realised it, she found herself smiling back.

As always, he opened the car door for her before extending his hand, just as he had done ever since she was a little girl.

The familiar gesture made emotion rise in her chest.

"Ready, princess?" he asked softly.

Swallowing the lump forming in her throat, she gave him a gentle nod before slipping her hand into his, allowing her father to help her out of the car.

The morning had been nothing short of a whirlwind from the moment she opened her eyes.

Designers hurried around her, her mother fussed over every little detail, while Jade and Nigel remained by her side, making sure everything was perfect as they prepared her for the biggest day of her life...

Hers and Gavriel’s wedding day.

It felt almost surreal how quickly the hours had slipped through her fingers until the moment finally arrived for her to leave Vanderbilt Estate.

Surprisingly, Cillian had accompanied her throughout the journey at Gavriel’s request since her parents had insisted he could not be seen before the ceremony.

Warmth spread through her veins at the thought of him honouring that request, especially after the emotional storm they had weathered together the night before.

Her makeup artist had nearly surrendered while trying to conceal the countless dark hickeys he had so carelessly scattered across her neck and the soft swell of her chest.

Only Aliana knew how she had managed not to melt into the floor from sheer embarrassment.

But perhaps that had been his intention all along.

Every lingering mark, every stolen memory from the previous night, had chased away the ghosts that had haunted her for so long.

Her mind, her body, and her soul were consumed by the exquisite temptation that was Gavriel Valentine, and she found herself smiling despite herself.

He truly had become her walking talisman. The one person capable of silencing every fear, every haunting thought, with nothing more than his presence.

And today was the day she would marry him.

Carefully stepping out of the vehicle, she paused as Nigel and Jade stepped forward to adjust the heavy train of her gown. Her father offered his arm, and she slipped her hand through it with practised ease.

Cillian stopped in front of her, a bright smile stretching across his face as his eyes lingered on her for a brief moment before he grinned.

"Well, my duty ends here. I should hurry back to our groom before he starts terrorising everyone for making him wait too long for his bride."

A soft laugh escaped Aliana beneath her veil before she replied warmly, "Thank you for accompanying me, Cillian."

"Anytime, sister-in-law," he replied with a quick wink before turning around to walk inside the premises.

That was when Aliana’s eyes took in the magnificent sight before her.

It was a breathtaking Baroque and Renaissance-inspired mansion, boasting towering domes, carved stone columns, and long rows of illuminated windows that cast a rich golden glow.

Every level of the grand structure was draped in cascading pink flowering vines, softening the imposing weight of the stone facade and making it appear as though nature had reclaimed the estate in the most beautiful manner.

From the multiple terraced levels of the mansion, several waterfalls were spilling gracefully into a crystal-clear emerald pool below. Thousands of pink flower petals floated across the calm surface of the pool, adding an incredibly romantic touch to the scenery.

A wide staircase rose from the water’s edge towards the mansion’s grand entrance, its steps lined with countless candles that created a glowing pathway. Similar candles were scattered across the terraces, balconies, and garden borders, bathing the entire estate in a warm, intimate light despite the evening sun.

The surrounding landscape was thick with towering tropical trees and palms, creating a truly magical atmosphere hidden away from the rest of the world.

Just then, Nigel and Jade rose to their full height and smiled broadly at her.

"All set, boss," Nigel replied with a bright grin, looking sharp in his dark grey suit.

"Let’s go get you married!" Jade chimed in enthusiastically. She was dressed in a sleeveless, soft pink bridesmaid gown, her hair elegant in a low bun.

Alester chuckled at their energy, and Portia leaned over to place air kisses on each side of her daughter’s cheeks, careful not to disturb her veil or makeup, and whispered, "I cannot believe my sweet daughter is about to be married."

Portia’s eyes welled with emotion, prompting Nigel to offer a clean handkerchief. "There you go, ma’am."

"Thank you, sweet Nigel," Portia murmured, dabbing the corners of her eyes.

Jade stepped in to give her a gentle side hug. "There, there, Aunt Portia, no waterworks. It’ll ruin your makeup before you step in front of the guests."

Portia let out a small laugh before replying dramatically, "Oh, it’s waterproof, honey."

A round of laughter erupted from everyone before Alester spoke. "Now, now, let’s not keep the groom waiting. It’s time to head inside."

With that, they all made their way towards the mansion’s entrance until they reached the grand doors, which remained firmly shut, concealing everything that awaited beyond them.

Men in black stationed on either side of the grand double doors spoke quietly into their earpieces before moving in perfect unison. The massive doors slowly yawned open, revealing only a sliver of what lay beyond before they stepped aside.

Portia was the first to enter, her elegant figure disappearing into the hall.

Shortly after, Nigel stepped forward as one of Aliana’s bridesmaids, muttering under his breath, "Oh God... please don’t let me trip."

A soft chuckle threatened to escape Aliana before Jade followed, flashing her a playful wink that somehow eased the tension in her chest.