Chapter 110: The Groom Who Never Came

Toward her window. Sienna instinctively stepped behind the curtain. Her heart skipped. She peeked again only a second later. The limousine was already pulling away.

Within moments it disappeared beyond the estate gates. She remained standing there.

Watching the empty driveway. "He’s gone," she murmured. Aria walked over beside her. "He had to leave early."

"Security preparations."

"Ceremony arrangements."

"The council will be there." Sienna nodded absentmindedly. Her gaze remained fixed on the gates. Something felt... Off. The mansion buzzed with excitement.

Servants hurried through hallways carrying flowers and crystal decorations. Musicians were arriving. Chefs worked nonstop in the kitchens. Guests would begin arriving within hours.

Everything looked perfect. Too perfect. Sienna couldn’t shake the feeling growing in the pit of her stomach. This wasn’t simply a wedding.

It felt like two armies were preparing for battle while pretending to celebrate love. She wrapped her arms around herself. "What exactly are you planning today, Viktor?" No answer came.

Only the distant sound of helicopters circling high above the Kessler estate, and the endless movement of guards preparing for a day that everyone hoped would end with wedding vows...but many secretly feared would end in blood.

—

By eight-thirty that morning, the wedding venue had already become the most heavily guarded place in the city. Black SUVs lined both sides of the long driveway.

Security checkpoints had been set up at every entrance.

Guests were searched before being allowed inside, while snipers occupied nearby rooftops, their rifles trained on every possible threat.

Everything appeared perfect. Exactly as planned. Except.. The groom wasn’t there.

Viktor Kessler’s convoy rolled through the underground entrance of the sprawling convention complex at precisely 8:42 a.m.

Marcus stepped out first, scanning every corner before opening the rear door. Viktor emerged in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo. His expression was unreadable.

"Everything is ready, Boss." Marcus walked beside him. "The guests have started arriving." Viktor adjusted the cuff of his sleeve.

"And the council?"

"They’re already inside."

"The Capris?"

"Still on the way." Viktor nodded. Instead of walking toward the grand ballroom. He turned in the opposite direction. Down a private hallway. Toward another section of the massive building.

Marcus exchanged a quick glance with the other guards but asked no questions. Whatever Viktor was planning. Only he knew. Nine o’clock.

The musicians began playing. Crystal chandeliers illuminated the enormous ballroom. Red roses decorated every aisle.

Hundreds of guests filled the seats. Politicians. Business tycoons. Crime families. Foreign investors. Everyone had come to witness what was supposed to be the wedding of the year and allies of the Capris.

Only one problem remained. The altar stood empty. The officiant checked his watch for the fifth time. "He’ll be here." Someone whispered.

"It’s Viktor Kessler."

"He doesn’t do anything without a reason." The guests nodded. Surely the groom was simply delayed.

Nine-thirty. The ballroom became noticeably louder. People had stopped admiring the decorations.

Now... They were whispering. "Where is he?"

"Has anyone seen Viktor?"

"I heard his convoy arrived."

"So why isn’t he here?"

"I don’t know."

The murmurs grew louder with every passing minute. Ten o’clock. Another convoy stopped outside. The Capri family had arrived. Don Capri stepped out first wearing an expensive charcoal suit.

His face remained calm. Beside him... Aliya emerged wearing a breathtaking custom-made wedding gown. Layers of delicate lace flowed behind her as two attendants carefully adjusted the train.

She looked every bit the perfect bride. Until she noticed something. "There isn’t anyone at the altar." Her smile faded. She turned toward one of Viktor’s staff members.

"Where’s Viktor?" The woman hesitated.

"I’m... not sure, Miss." Aliya’s heartbeat quickened. "What do you mean you’re not sure?"

"I’ve been informed Mr. Kessler hasn’t entered the ballroom yet." For a second. Everything around her became strangely quiet. She hurried back toward the limousine.

Don Capri noticed immediately. "What happened?"

"He’s not there." Aliya’s voice trembled. "What?"

"The altar..."

"It’s empty."

"He isn’t there." Don Capri frowned. Inside the limousine, Elena reached over and held Aliya’s hand.

"Sweetheart."

"Calm down." Aliya shook her head.

"No."

"No."

"He promised."

"He promised he’d be waiting." Elena gently squeezed her fingers.

"Take a deep breath."

"I’m sure there’s an explanation." Aliya looked at her father.

"Dad..."

"You don’t think Viktor lied to us?" The question hung heavily inside the vehicle.

Don Capri answered without hesitation. "Nothing will happen if you panic." His voice remained steady.

"I won’t allow anyone to humiliate my daughter." Aliya tried to believe him. She truly did. But a strange feeling settled inside her chest. One she couldn’t explain. Don Capri looked through the tinted window toward the grand entrance.

"Maybe you should go inside." Aliya immediately shook her head.

"No."

"The groom is supposed to be there first."

"That’s how weddings work."

"I can’t walk down that aisle if he isn’t waiting." Don Capri sighed.

"We can’t sit in this car forever."

"He’ll come."

"Let’s go inside." Reluctantly, Aliya nodded.

The ballroom doors opened. The wedding coordinator smiled professionally. "Ladies and gentlemen..."

"Please rise."

"The bride has arrived." Everyone stood. The musicians began playing once again. Aliya slowly stepped onto the white carpet. Her bouquet trembled slightly in her hands. Every eye in the room followed her.

But she wasn’t looking at the guests. She was looking ahead. Searching. Looking for one man. Nothing. The altar remained empty. The officiant offered an awkward smile.

As if silently asking her to keep walking. Aliya did. Each step became heavier than the last. The whispers returned almost immediately. "He’s still not here."

"Did Viktor change his mind?"

"Surely not."

"This is embarrassing."

"I heard he is already married."

"No."

"I heard it’s political."

"What if he never intended to marry her?" The voices blended together. Every whisper felt like another knife twisting inside Aliya’s heart. She reached the altar.

Then waited. Ten-fifteen. Nothing. Ten-thirty. Still nothing. Guests shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Some discreetly checked their watches. Others had already begun texting. Journalists quietly exchanged information among themselves.

No one understood what was happening. Eleven o’clock. One full hour. Aliya remained standing. Her feet ached. Her smile had completely disappeared. Inside...

Her thoughts spiraled out of control. He isn’t coming. He lied. This was all a joke. He made a fool of me. She swallowed hard. No... Viktor wasn’t that kind of man. Was he? Another thought surfaced. Maybe...

Maybe something happened. An accident. Yes... That’s the only explanation. Her breathing became uneven. He must have been attacked. He’s probably unconscious. Maybe he’s in surgery. Maybe he’s in a coma.