Disowned...

Bella

Xander's words jerked me back to reality and I saw Hardin's chest rise and fall as he heard them.

I blinked at Xander who was wearing a proud and mocking smile from the corner of my eyes. His attitude was pissing Hardin the fuck off and while I should correct his claim on me, I quite enjoyed the shock on Hardin's face upon hearing Xander call me 'his'.

“I'll protect you. I'm right here.” That was what

his eyes said as he gently squeezed my hands in his.

I heaved a sigh of relief at the reassurance he offered but the room still seemed to be spinning.

“What's going on here?” My father asked, coming out of his home office, fuming. He couldn't care less about the ceremony so he went in there as soon as Hardin and Beth were pronounced husband and wife and the company merger was completed.

The anger and pain grew as I watched him walk towards us. I didn't let go of Xander's hand just to spite him and let him see that I wasn't alone.

The guests all watched on with their mouths agape,