Katrina, the Forgotten Bride, made her way through the crowd with some difficulty due to her wedding dress. A few bridesmaids helped her with the train. She approached James, ignoring the traditions of the ceremony. "Hey, don't they say it's bad luck for the bride and groom to meet outside the altar?" Karl teased. Katrina didn't care. Seeing the large number of luxury vehicles and a few helicopters parked on the lawn, she was overwhelmed with surprise. This wasn't planned! When she saw Mark and Briana, she rubbed her eyes, thinking she was seeing things. "JAMES! What am I seeing over there? Briana and the Pauper?" "SHHH!" James gave the indiscreet bride a gentle push. Who still dares to call Mark by the nickname the Vasconcelos family gave him in disdain? Mark and Briana gave the losing couple just one glance. "My dear bride and groom, it seems clear who the winner is, huh?" Mark asked with unmistakable pleasure. "We didn't establish a prize if you won," James admitted with
"MOTHER!" The realization that Briana had triumphed once again weighed heavily on Katrina, the loser. "What does this mean? Can someone please tell me what happened here? Was it a dream or a vision from hell?" "That display of affection couldn't have been something from the Devil, niece," Sandro remarked with a hint of pride. Gilson, the envious brother, couldn't bear the idea of seeing Sandro satisfied or accepting the situation. "It looks like you're enjoying yourself, huh?" "It's not about enjoyment, but acceptance," Sandro frowned and addressed his family with a confident voice he hadn't used in years, "You were the ones who came up with this nonsense of a bet. It was your idea, James, right? Satisfied now?" "How on Earth was I supposed to know that idiot would have Josias Rocha's help?" James complained, visibly annoyed. "If you had known, you wouldn't have made the bet?" Sandro smirked mockingly, "That's not the proper stance of an honorable man. It seems you purely wanted
It was late afternoon at the Cathedral of Aurelia, beautifully illuminated and prepared for the wedding of the moment. "Therefore, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!" Inside the nave of the opulent Cathedral of Aurelia, Mark and Briana exchanged their newlywed kiss amidst the enthusiastic applause of all the guests. As previously explained, the Cathedral of Aurelia was famous for preserving its medieval features and had been designated a historic landmark in the kingdom of Aurelia. For this reason, only people like Mark and Josias Rocha could secure this sacred space for a wedding ceremony. Luana, Karl, and others who had seen Mark and Briana before could hardly believe they were actually in the kingdom's most famous cathedral, witnessing a friend of theirs getting married. The wedding was, of course, broadcast live by LCN, prompting other competing networks to do the same. Because of this, people like Lawrence Sodré learned
Briana and Luana were chatting until they noticed that Mark was staring at them. Luana, feeling that she was the main target of his stern gaze, swallowed hard and turned to him. "Mark, I've been thinking. I think you deserve an apology from me." "Really?" Mark's tone was ambiguous: it could have been genuine surprise or biting irony. "Yes, really," Luana continued, nodding with humility. "You may not be rich or a millionaire, but you aren't lacking in possessions and power. Now I'm sure you won't let my best friend go without." "Not at all." Mark smiled, satisfied to see Luana recognizing her mistake. "I sensed you weren't entirely unpleasant, which is why I didn't have you kicked out." "She's my maid of honor," Briana responded playfully. The truth is, Briana didn't need bridesmaids when she entered the Church and walked up to the altar. Mark had already arranged everything for her. Luana cleared her throat. "Ahem… With that, Mark, I wanted to know what happens to my situatio
After the party ended, Briana performed the classic bridal bouquet toss. Countless young ladies crowded around the designated spot where the bride, facing away, built suspense before throwing the bouquet. Even with her back turned, the bouquet landed in Luana's hands! Luana, like an American football player, caught the bouquet as if it were a ball and maneuvered away from the other young ladies who tried to snatch it from her. After that, Mark escorted Briana to the same helicopter. Behind them, everyone applauded, cheered, and wished them happiness. "Hey, darling!" Briana remembered something, "I didn't pack my bags!" "No need." Mark teased. Briana entered the helicopter more astonished than ever. What trick did her husband have up his sleeve this time?******Mark and Briana arrived at their honeymoon destination: a remote island off the coast for private use.Naturally, the island belonged to Mark, but Briana didn't know that yet.The helicopter landed on the airstrip, and t
Mark decided to make something clear. "Briana, I won't count that time we had in your car because you were under the influence of drugs. I also restrained myself as much as I could, fearing I might harm you in some way.""I understand, Mark," Briana replied softly."But now it will be different. We'll both be conscious and willing. The question is: do you trust me?""Yes, dear." Briana smiled."Then, OK!"Everything happened too quickly for Briana.Mark clapped his hands, the remaining lights went out, leaving the room momentarily in complete darkness.Before Briana could say anything, she felt herself being turned onto her back, and an enormous weight pressed and crushed her body against the mattress.Before Briana could say a word, her lips were taken by Mark's in a wild, passionate kiss.It was starting...In the dark room, all that could be heard was the sound of ripping silk and some startled gasps from Briana muffled by the covers.Then, the bed began to shake violently as if a
The next day, the sun's rays seeped into the master suite, illuminating the still-quivering bed, creaking with the headboard banging hard against the wall.Beneath the covers, frantic movements of intertwined bodies could be seen: one body seeming to want to escape while the other one pressed it down firmly.Muffled male chuckles and female sobs from beneath the covers completed the scene.Finally, the bed seemed to take a break.The covers were pulled back slightly, just enough to reveal the heads and shoulders of the couple.Mark kissed Briana in various places on her face, tasting her tears."Stop, you silly man!" Briana complained in a hoarse tone, after screaming and moaning all night long."I can't help but laugh," Mark said, bursting with happiness to be in this situation alone with the woman he loved. "Your reaction is so funny. Why be shy now?""I'm not just some easy woman," Briana tried to defend herself. "And you're not trustworthy!"Several times throughout the night, Mar
Irritated, Christopher left the hotel after receiving a basic treatment from the Head Bellboy. During the car ride, Christopher pounded the steering wheel, outraged by what he had seen. He called Karl a r*pist, but it was very likely that things hadn't happened that way, right? Luana had willingly taken that guy to her suite! What a shameless woman! The car arrived at the Vasconcelos Mansion. Christopher didn't even understand how he managed to arrive without causing a traffic accident. His mind was a confused fog. Shaking his head, he entered the residence, taking a deep breath, hoping no one would notice a small mark near his lips. When he stepped into the living room, he heard raised voices. Maybe he should listen to what people were saying to distract his mind from the frustration he felt. In the living room, Althea was seated in an armchair like a queen. Gilson and Claudia were harshly arguing with her. In Gilson's hand, there was a document. "Mom, you need to stand fir