Chapter 39
Elaine’s POV
When I was a little girl I always imagined how my wedding day would be, I saw the love my parents had for each other and I desperately wanted that too. I imagined my mom dressing me up and my dad walking me down the aisle to meet the love of my life. It’s ironic how differently my childhood dreams were compared to this.
“Tell them I’m ready p>
My voice comes out calmer than I feel.
Ivy looks up from fixing the last clasp on the back of my dress. Her eyes are already shiny. She presses her lips together, nods once, then does that thing where she cups my face like she’s the older one even though she’s not.
“You look insanely beautiful,” she says quietly. “In a terrifying way. He’s definitely not ready for you p>
“Neither am I,” I say.
I glance at Ivy while she’s adjusting my bracelet and say, “Can you get me an apple drink real quick It’ll help calm my nerves”
She gives me a look, already suspicious, but nods anyway.
I keep my face neutral, steady, like I’m just another nervous bride.
But in my head, something sharp curls into place
Calm my nerves, sure, but that’s not the real reason at all
She smiles, but it wobbles. Then she turns and slips out of the room.
A few seconds later, the door opens again.
All three of my brothers walk in.
Lucas stops first, like his feet forget how to move. Noah bumps into his back distracted by his phone,he mutters a curse, then looks up and goes quiet too. Caleb swallows hard and looks away like staring at me too long might break him.
No one says anything.
“Okay,” I say, forcing a breath. “You’re all making this worse p>
Lucas clears his throat. “Sorry.” His voice is rough. “You just… you just look outwardly beautifu p>
“Thank you.” I said smiling at him despite myself.
Noah steps closer, adjusts the edge of my sleeve with hands that are shaking just a little. “If you say the word, we walk out. Right now p>
“We can still find another way,” Caleb adds. “We always do p>
I shake my head. “Not this time p>
Lucas’s jaw tightens. He looks angry and helpless all at once, which somehow hurts more. He offers me his arm. “Then I guess I’m walking you down p>
I loop my arm through his. He squeezes once, hard.
I nod even though my chest aches Stick to the plan
The drive is short, too short. The building comes into view and my stomach drops. This building isn’t small, It’s a massive and ancient church probably here for ages.
Lucas helps me out of the car and the moment I step out, cameras flash crazyly at me, Lucas literally has to use his body as a shield, I think I would have gone blind if he didn’t do that. I don’t look at them though, I look straight ahead.
Inside, the music starts.
We walk.
Every step feels heavier than the last. The room is packed. Faces blur together. I focus on not tripping, on breathing, on keeping my spine straight.
Then I see him.
Zane stands at the front with my grandfather beside him. Dark suit. Perfect posture. His hands are clasped in front of him like this is a board meeting instead of a wedding, his wedding.
He doesn’t turn around at first.
Someone nudges him. Maybe my grandfather or maybe instinct.
He turns.
For half a second, his mask cracks.
It’s small. Anyone else would miss it. But I see the way his shoulders stiffen. The way his eyes sharpen like he didn’t expect this version of me.
Good.
Then it’s gone.
By the time I reach him, his face is unreadable again.
Lucas leans down. “You okay p>
“Ask me again later,” I whisper.
When he places my hand into Zane’s, his grip lingers. A warning maybe?. But then he steps back.
Zane’s hand is warm, firm and Possessive.
I hate that my pulse reacts.
“You look… beautiful,” he mutters, barely moving his mouth.
I don’t look at him. “Keep your compliments to yourself p>
Silence.
I glance sideways, waiting for something. Annoyance?, anger? Anything.
I get nothing.
He faces forward again like I’m an inconvenience he’s already accepted.
The officiant clears his throat and begins speaking.
I stare straight ahead, my fingers curled tightly around Zane’s.
Christ I can’t stand him.
Everything about him makes my skin crawl
I despise the way he breathes, even the sight of him makes something ugly coil in my chest
I’ve never wanted to punch someone more in my life like I wanted to punch that perfectly fined jaw of his.
My teeth ache from how hard I’m clenching them around my anger
I hate the calm way he ruins my day just by existing p>
I get pulled from my thoughts by someone clearing their throat near me. And as the words wash over us, I make myself a quiet promise.
If he thinks this ends with vows, he has no idea who he just married.