Page 19 of Theirs to Possess: The Marriage Claim

“I think I have everything I need.” Marcella nods.

Neither of my parents says a word as they exit the room.

“If you need anything, I’ll be available,” Evelyn tells me.

“My clutch?” I ask. She’d taken charge of it after the ceremony.

“I’ll be right back with it.”

“Thanks.” For her, my smile isn’t fake.

Dorian and Brennan flank me, and the moment their weight is at my sides, the sense of ownership is suffocating. I feel small between them, dwarfed not just by their sheer size but by the unspoken power that radiates from them.

Marcella snaps the image.

There’s a click.

Then another.

Brennan’s gaze flicks toward Dorian, and they exchange glances that seem weighty, but I’m left out of whatever it is.

A few minutes later, Evelyn returns. She catches my eye and places my purse on a table.

When there’s finally a break in the photos, I seize my chance to escape—at least for a blissful few minutes. “Excuse me,” I murmur, already stepping away. “I need to freshen up.”

Dorian captures my elbow.

He has to know it’s a pretense. After all, Marcella’s team just fixed my appearance.

“I need to use the restroom,” I clarify. At least he can’t object to that.

He sweeps his gaze over me, studying my face. “Don’t be long.”

It’s not a request.

When I leave, Brennan shockingly follows me. Have I given up all semblance of freedom?

In the relative safety of the powder room, I lean against a wall.

Then I decide to see what kind of damage has been done to my reputation by Marcella and my husband.

I go into one of the stalls for privacy and pull out my phone.

There are messages waiting for me—from an unknown number, but I know instantly who they’re from.

Oh my God, Isla. I’m so sorry. I just saw Scandalicious.

A second follows.

I never meant for you to take my place. But you have to understand—I couldn’t do it. Not with what I learned. I just couldn’t.

I close my eyes. Then I read the final one.

Please forgive me.

Even though I don’t blame her for running, I hate being in this situation.

My hands are shaking as I delete the messages.