Mark, still busy with the rescue of Agent 12, kept his phone turned off.After all, he had already given precise instructions to Linda Mattes.He didn’t want anyone to notice and track Briana’s call.If the enemy lines discovered that he was married...Linda, in the office where she monitored the situation, watched the scene with a frown. It was time to do something.“They won’t give up. I need to do what Lord Ferro instructed.” Linda picked up the phone.Meanwhile, at Sandro’s apartment, Briana seemed frozen in the living room.Where was her wedding dress?Mark had promised to take care of everything, but the truth was that he hadn’t kept her informed about any preparations.Luana returned from Briana’s room, this time no longer hiding her smirking smile.“There’s no wedding dress, is there?”“No.” Briana was forced to admit, gritting her teeth.“So there’s nothing more to discuss. Let’s go to your cousin’s wedding.” Luana didn’t suggest; her tone indicated an order.Briana scanned L
“Hello, am I speaking with Mrs. Ferro?”Briana couldn’t believe she didn’t have a heart attack at that moment.An unknown number was looking for MRS. FERRO! How was that possible?Clinging to hope like it was a light at the end of the tunnel, Briana nearly fused the phone to her ear.“Are you with Mark? Where is he? Put him on the line NOW!”“Mrs. Ferro, please remain calm. I’m calling only to inform you that you need to wait patiently at your Cousin Katrina Vasconcelos’s party, soon to be Mrs. James Ross.”“Who are you? How do you know Mark?” Briana didn’t want to know anything else.She just wanted two minutes with Mark to curse out everything that was stuck in her throat!How could he disappear and leave her in the dark? That’s unacceptable!Linda, strictly following Mark’s instructions, continued, “Mrs. Ferro, it is imperative that you wait at the Rocha Event Hall."Please, don’t complicate things. I’m simply relaying the instructions I received.”Without further ado, Linda ended
Briana clutched the phone as if she were strangling her own parents.But it wasn’t just them. She began to feel suspicion and displeasure at how Mark was handling the situation.Okay, he’s planning a surprise for her? But why did it have to be like this?Leaving the apartment unseen, leaving a note that didn’t explain anything, letting everyone think he’s hiding because he couldn’t honor the bet...Why did Mark have to make the bet in the first place?If Briana goes to Katrina and James’s wedding, isn’t she just asking to be further humiliated?Luana, once again trying to be the comforting friend, placed her hand on Briana’s right shoulder. “Friend, you have two choices: stay here in the apartment and stew over a marriage that was never meant to be, or go to your cousin’s wedding and honor the bet that your failed husband didn’t have the guts to.“At least you’ll show that you have honor. I’m sure that if you have a proper talk with your grandmother, she might even forgive you and rei
Mark decides that the moment is safe to make a call.He is in an abandoned building in the isolated area of Braspolis, along with the commanders who are assisting in the rescue of Agent 12.They are in a long negotiation. The head of the espionage team is managing the conditions over the phone while his assistants monitor everything on computers, recording audio and examining any suspicious movements from the enemy.Due to the nerve-wracking and extreme situation, Mark hadn't dared to even keep his phone on, but now he could at least call Linda.Linda answers at her office, "Lord Ferro?""How are things?" he asks seriously."I sent the message. I had to do it because Lady Ferro was feeling down and coerced," Linda reports with concern."I need her to wait for me. And what about the guests?"Linda smiles with satisfaction. "I pushed a bit more, and several decided to attend even with the last-minute invitation."The Aurélia Cathedral is being prepared in full swing. It will be on time,
Althea softened her voice and spoke in a tone that reminded Briana of her childhood."Briana, please. At least this time, can we celebrate a family occasion? Forget that it's your cousin's wedding. Let's forget the animosities."Your parents are here and they're even getting along. I'm sure it will be good for you to take your mind off your problems for a bit.""And how do you know I'm going through problems?" Briana asked, not as convinced as Althea hoped."I'm not referring to that. We all go through problems." Althea quickly corrects herself. "Today I want the family gathered to celebrate an intimate occasion."Since Briana was already convinced, she gave a slight smile. "Okay, Grandma Althea. I'm coming, and I'm bringing Luana Barros with me.""Feel free to bring her along. See you soon."The two women say their goodbyes and hang up.Luana approaches Briana. "I called a taxi while you were talking to your dear grandmother.""Do you still want me to wear white?" Briana raises her e
Briana and Luana arrive at the Rocha Event Hall.They are stunned by the Victorian-style hall and the large crowd of guests. They can recognize several influential people and celebrities among the buzz.After all, the Vasconcelos family still held significant importance in Braspolis, and no one wanted to miss this wedding.One of Linda Mattes' challenges in convincing people to attend Mark and Briana's wedding was the fact that Katrina and James's wedding was happening on the same day.The bet was a matter kept only among the interested parties. But James and Katrina were confident they would win.Katrina retreated to the bridal suite, where she was now receiving special treatment.Hairdressers, makeup artists, and a few friends were present as she was styled, made up, and pampered for what promised to be the happiest day of her life.For instance, while she was getting a chocolate-based hair treatment, a professional was massaging her feet."Oh, I'm so happy!" Katrina smiled with her
Someone entered the Groom's Suite. It was James's future brother-in-law."Chris, has anything interesting happened out there?" Frank turned to him."Hello, everything is perfect and up to standard," Christopher announced with a proud smile.The other groomsmen left, smirking.They had overheard James openly stating that he was marrying Katrina for power and money, and here was the future brother-in-law completely unaware of the groom's true intentions."By the way," Christopher continued, "Everything is as per the last-minute arrangements and changes ordered by Grandma Althea.""They're paid to handle it," James responded coldly and indifferently while adjusting his hairstyle and tie in the full-length mirror. "Is there a complaint?""No, no complaints, but I've been wondering if you're not overdoing it a bit," Christopher scratched his neck. "When I told you that the Pauper had arranged accommodations for my Luana, I wasn't trying to scare you.""We're not afraid of that damn leech!"
Briana and Luana walked through the interior of the Rocha Event Hall, amazed at the production involved in the wedding party."Bri, your cousin seemed pretty desperate, huh?" Luana teased. "It looks like she was afraid of losing the bet.""It doesn't just look like it; she was really scared." Briana smiled, feeling confident.So, Mark is a broke failure? How did they spend so much on the preparations, decorations, food, and drinks?Why so many important people from the most exclusive circle of Aurélia?Briana and Luana reached the area where more people were gathered, the main hall where the ceremony would take place.Upholstered chairs were arranged in two sections: one for the bride and one for the groom.At the altar, the priest was already in place, being served soda by a waiter.Sandro and Nadir interacted with each other as if nothing had happened. At another point, Gilson and Claudia were radiant, talking with journalists and columnists.Briana began to worry. Did Mark manage t