Separate Weddings, Separate Lives novel Chapter 21

Elijah spoke of himself as weak, as though he were nothing more than an ordinary man who could not withstand even the slightest storm.

Louisa knew all too well how terrifying online outrage could be. One negative headline was enough to bring down a century-old company.

"But if you marry me, people will still say awful things," she said, voicing her concern.

"I do not live by other people's words," Elijah said, taking her hand again.

"So many people are watching right now. If you refuse to marry me, they will say you regretted it and want to go back to Thaddeus."

"I don't," Louisa denied quickly.

A faint smile curved his lips. "Then stop worrying. Leave everything to me."

With that, Elijah tightened his grip on Louisa's hand. His dark eyes, heavy with pressure, swept slowly across the crowd. He did not say a single word, yet everyone held their breath.

The vast wedding hall fell so silent that even a pin dropping would have been heard.

Just as the air grew almost suffocating under his presence, Elijah finally spoke. "To my beloved family and friends, thank you all for attending my wedding today.

"This is the first wedding of my 30 years, and it'll also be the only one. The woman beside me is my wife. She's the only woman I have ever loved, and the only one I will love for the rest of my life.

"It was I who loved her in silence all these years. You see me holding her hand now, but you don't know that I waited ten years for this moment.

"I hope for everyone's blessing. And if anyone harbors ill intent, then you are standing against me, Elijah, and against the Holten family."

It was a warning, but also a declaration of how much he valued her.

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