Emily stood radiant in her wedding gown—graceful and composed—beside Sebastian Whitmore, who was drenched in sweat, struggling to breathe, a visible food stain on his tuxedo.
“Poor girl,” someone murmured.
“She’s only doing it for the money.”
“She must be disgusted at the thought of sharing a bed with him.”
Emily heard every word.
But she lifted her chin with dignity.
She took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the sweat from Sebastian’s forehead.
“Are you alright, Mr. Whitmore?” she asked softly.
“Would you like some water?”
Sebastian froze.
He had expected disgust—
revulsion—
hatred.
Instead, he saw compassion.
Care.
“Water,” he whispered.
Throughout the ceremony, Emily stayed by his side.
When it was time for photos, she didn’t step away.
She held his hand—large, rough, trembling.
THE TEST
After the wedding, they were taken to Sebastian Whitmore’s mansion.
“You’ll sleep on the sofa,” Sebastian ordered inside the bedroom.
“I’m too big—you won’t be comfortable in the bed. And one more thing…
Clean my feet before I sleep. And feed me.”
Sebastian was testing her.
He acted lazy.
Messy.
Rude.
Cruel.
“This food is disgusting!” he shouted, throwing his plate.
“You’re too slow! Wipe my back!”