Analise’s POV

    We were about to start the wedding rehearsal when Seth showed up with Holden. He knew that neither Charlie nor I were going to be pleased. He acted surprised when our parents said something to him about it. I hadn’t expected him toe, but Charlie had. He actually smiled when he saw Holden. I knew that he had ns for dealing with him. His best friend Mark was his best man, and Drew was standing for him as a groomsman.

    “Holden was kind enough to spring for everyone’s dinner after rehearsal, so I thought it was only right to bring him with me tonight. He won’t be causing an issue, I swear. He just wanted toe,” Seth quickly announced.

    “Do you honestly believe that, Seth?” I asked. I wasn’t trying to start anything; I just honestly wanted to know how he suddenly got to this point. Just the other day at the hospital, he was ready to fight Holden. Then, when Charlie proposed, they were suddenly a united front again. I honestly wonder what Holden said to convince Seth that he deserved redemption.

    “We already have a reservation for after rehearsal, but thanks for the offer,” Charlie replied. Our families watched the interaction between us. When I had lunch with them, the day after our engagement. I found that telling my story had both Charlie’s mother and grandmother quickly reaching across the table to hold my hand in support. Charlie had talked me into going back to Benvenuto. It was my favorite restaurant, and apparently, his grandmother owned it.

    We met for lunch in a private room the day I met his family for the first time. I’ve been here several times, and I hadn’t even known this private room existed. His grandmother, Teresa, had already set everything up for tonight, and I had been looking forward to it all week. I didn’t want to take Holden’s offer. I know him, how he thinks. He would use it to try to make me feel like I owed him something. I’m not going to fall for it.

    Seth wasn’t a member of the wedding party, so I don’t even know why they were here now. He knew that we were going out after this. The whole purpose of that was for our families to get to know each other better. So why would he do this? I was disappointed in him, and I didn’t try to hide it. Seth had the good sense to avoid eye contact with me. He knew I was upset with him. But I just turned my back on them both. I’m not ying along with whatever ns they’ve got going on tonight,

    “I’m sorry, where were we?” I asked the wedding nner. She started giving everyone instructions again, and I looked over at my mother.

    I had already spoken to her about tonight and tomorrow. I wasn’t going to put up with the Seth and Holden show. They always acted as if they had my best interests at heart. But in reality, it was always a power y to try to force me to do whatever they wanted. I’ve stopped ying along, they just refuse to acknowledge it. My parents, and Charlie, are backing me up now. My father took my arm as we watched everyone go through the motions.

    Seth and Holden had sat down at first. Quietly minding their own business. I had finally rxed when they came out to the hallway where Dad and I were waiting.

    “You look beautiful, Ana,” Holden told me.

    Seth immediately agreed, “You do. I’m so happy for you. But are you sure that he’s the one?”

    “I’m sure. More sure of this than I’ve ever been in my life. Neither of you needs to worry about me; I’m very happy,” I replied without looking at either of them. I had my eyes on Charlie, who was watching them carefully.

    I knew Charlie was up to something. He knew I was worried about our wedding being disrupted. It was odd; it was as if Charlie was genuinely happy about Holden showing up. He expected that Holden would try to cause an issue at the rehearsal. Mark was next to him texting. I knew that they were good friends and had served together for several years. They had something nned. I’m sure whatever it was will not be good for Holden.

    Charlie had very loyal friends. Mark had told me earlier that tomorrow, everyone assigned to work would be at our wedding. He told me not to worry. Our wedding would go off without any issues. I believed him. He was just as confident and charismatic as Charlie, and just as experienced. They both could assess a situation and see what needed to be done quickly. The wedding nner motioned for us to wait one moment for Emily to get to the front of the venue. Walking slowly after Gwen.

    Holden suddenly asked, “Are you sure about this? Is he threatening you? Forcing you to marry him? You don’t even know him, Ana. How are you so sure you can trust him? You’ve known him for less than three weeks, Ana. I don’t know how he got your father on his side, but something isn’t right here. I can’t believe that you would rather marry him than me.”

    At this, I turned to look at him. I knew Dad was about to let him have it, but I squeezed his arm. I needed to be the one to shut them down. They seemed sure I was doing this against my will, and I needed to set them straight.

    “Charlie wants me, for me. He’s a good man, and he loves me. He saw who I was, and he wanted to be with me. Despite the fact that I’mrger than the women you and Seth seem to prefer. He didn’t hold that against me. In fact, he loves my curves. He desires me, and didn’t run away to another country to try to avoid me. I know you saw the video of him and Drew finding me after Tiffany assaulted me. You should take another look at that video, because you clearly missed something. He was concerned for me. He didn’t call an ambnce and wait. He took action because that’s who he is. I care for him and trust him very much. I’m thankful I finally got it right the third time around,” I stated coldly.

    “Ana, you know you can trust Holden now. He’s changed. He hasn’t been with anyone since he returned,” Seth interjected like that even mattered.

    “Wow, congrattions. Three whole weeks, that must be some kind of a record for you, isn’t it?” I mocked before looking away. “Excuse me, I need to walk down the aisle towards my future now.”

    “Please don’t do this, Ana. I will take his ce. Even if you don’t trust me at the moment, I can wait. We will get married and wait until you decide we can move forward. I will do anything to get you back,” Holden quietly replied.

    “Get me back?” I stopped to look at him. “You were never mine. That was your decision. You took it out of my hands. That was what you wanted. You can’t take it back now that you’ve decided I’m more eptable than I used to be. I’m still the same person I was. The only difference is that I know now that some things, like words and actions, can’t be taken back once they’re exposed. The damage is too great for me to ever do that. I wish you well, Holden, but you’re my past now, not my future. I’m not trying to hurt you when I say that. I just don’t want to ever go back there again,” I replied before stepping into the venue with my father.

    “I’m sorry we didn’t see what happened to you, Analise. But I don’t think that I could be prouder of the strong woman you are today. You handled that with grace, more than he deserved,” my father whispered as we walked slowly down the aisle.

    I know they weren’t aware of what I was going through at the time, but I had to push down my frustration. My parents were both busy with their businesses. Too busy to sit down and have a serious discussion with me about what happened and why I changed. They hadn’t wanted to give up their dream of being rted to the Vaughns. They knew I had a good head on my shoulders. I never had any drama going on. So they already knew that whatever it was, it was serious. That is why they felt guilty. As much as I love my parents, it still hurts that it was eptable for me to suffer, as long as their rtionship was still intact.

    Now that everything is out in the open, their rtionship has changed. It was not the same, despite inviting them to the wedding tomorrow. I know that they still dreamed of me bing a member of their family. Seems like Holden was still holding onto that idea tightly. Why he’s suddenly unwilling to let me go is anyone’s guess. I think it’s because his pride is hurt. Offended, I would dare choose my bodyguard over him. Honestly, I would do it all over again.

    Charlie was watching me as I walked down the aisle. He didn’t hide the love and affection that he felt for me.

    It was there for the whole room to see. I focused on his handsome face, and I couldn’t wait to be his wife. To me, it didn’t matter if he was rich or not. I knew that he loved me, that was what mattered. I could feel the desire he had for me when he kissed me. It was different than with Roger. Roger never kissed me passionately, unlike Charlie. He made my toes curl and anticipation race through me.

    I wanted more when Charlie kissed me, much more. I wanted him to show me just how much he loved me. I couldn’t wait for our honeymoon. I had changed the flight to five hours after the wedding started. We would have our fun, and then fly to Italy for two blissful weeks. I wanted to get Charlie all by myself. We’re using my father’s private jet, so we can skip the line at the airport.

    Charlie never took his eyes off me. He came down the stairs to take my hand. He brought it to his lips, kissing my hand before turning to lead me to where I was to stand. Gwen and Emily were grinning at me. They were both so happy for me. Before we could get to the end. Holden had to interject again.

    “Ana, please. Don’t do this to me. I deserve to be punished for what I did, but if I could go back and change it, I would. Please don’t let him touch you. I want to marry you. I’m willing to be the man you need me to be. I swear I can make this right. Please just allow me to make it right,” Holden begged. He kneeled at the bottom of the stairs, staring up at me. He seemed like he was serious. Why now, all of a sudden? Can he really not stand to lose to Charlie?

    Suddenly, the outer doors opened, and three police officers entered the venue. “We’re here for Holden Vaughn. Pleasee with us. A report has been filed against you.