's

lt necessary. I wished, more than anything, that my dad could have been there on my wedding day. Lost in th

cing at him. "Sorry,

u're okay... you've been

ine," I said softly. "I just... I wish Dad would have been here. Even if the wedding

like that, so I hastily added, "But, well, he had to be at Natali

do your mother and sister

nwilling to share the reason for my guilt. Maybe I deserve it, I though

ld you, you do not deserve to b

ts held me back. There was so much I

aking the silence. "So... what now?

ast. I don't even have a place set up yet." He glanced at me, embarrassed. "I was staying

y home for now. Just until we sort out something permanent. I have some m

an't live off you like that. I'm s

Come on, Liam. This isn't ideal for either of us. Besides, I'm pretty

ut Uncle Bertram chuckle

y here for a few days. I'll be starting my new job soon, and once I get

ing us. "That's a sound plan.

y home was spent in silence. Liam rem

invited anyone for mine-why bother? They never really liked me. I'd rather avoid a wedding with people who treated me like

ntered. "I'll be in my room if you

ful for his support. He gave me a reassuring

ing to my cheeks. "Let's go inside," I said quickly, breaking the silence. He

up the stairs towards the family rooms. I

ifferent part of the house. His confusion grew as we approached the servants' quarters. I o

rvants before we move on?" he aske

y. "Liam. This is my room. This is where we'll be staying," I said with a small, apologetic smile. "I know it

as if I'd just spoken another language. "Ava..." His voice trailed

on? Why are you liv

o sound casual. "Wel

"Your life? Ava, you're a Patel, and yo

t wanting to go down that road. "I'm tired, Liam

o explain. This was how things had always been for me, a

s brow furrowed. I heard him whisper something that sounded like: "Ve

him correctly. "What did you

quickly, shaking his hea

ed, although I d

dded in agreement, my eyelids growing heavy. As I drifted of

's reception has started. Groaning, I rolled over, trying to block out the noise when suddenly

mother says you should join the maids in the kitchen. We ar

iliation. Just then, I saw Liam's hand grip th

ere," he said, his

eaded, desperation c

g this happen. You won't

, thumping his way downstairs with his fists clenched. My heart r