What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger novel Chapter 70

Dawn broke with merciless precision. Eugene's assistant arrived to escort me to what should have been the happiest day of my life.

Just as Claire had promised, I arrived at the grand cathedral in my hospital gown - stark white cotton against the opulence of marble and mahogany.

Her dress whispered against my exposed ankles like a serpent's scales as she arranged the veil over my head.

Her laugh echoed through the bridal suite.

"Happy wedding day, dear Victoria," she whispered.

"Did you really think a veil would transform you into a proper bride? It's just to hide those useless eyes of yours. We can't have you embarrassing everyone, can we?"

When my face failed to show the devastation she craved, Claire's frustration was palpable. But before she could strike, Eugene's voice cut through the tension like a frozen blade.

"Where's your wedding gown, Victoria? Is this pathetic display your attempt at revenge? Meeting me at the altar dressed like a pauper?"

The assistant's practiced hands guided me toward the changing room. As I reached for the ties of my gown, heavy footsteps approached from behind.

"Blind or not, you're quite the beauty," a male voice growled, thick with menace.

"Be a good girl now, sweetheart. I'll make it worth your while."

Rough hands seized my shoulders. I fought back with every ounce of strength, but he was like a granite wall.

Desperate, I sank my teeth into his flesh until I tasted blood.

"You little bitch!"

He hurled me to the floor, his heavy breathing hot against my neck. "Time to learn your place."

As he tore at my gown, a shrill voice pierced the air from the doorway.

"Victoria! How could you?" Claire's voice dripped with theatrical shock.

"On your wedding day to Eugene... how dare you!"

The man above me paused in his performance, panting with exaggerated desire. "The blind whore couldn't help herself."

The cathedral exploded into a symphony of condemnation, voices lashing out like poisoned arrows in the dark.

"Eugene Thorne's fiancée - blind?"