hand settled lightly on her back to guide her down the aisle, her stomach twisted. The chapel's grande

g the couple to notice her trembling hands. Jasper, standing near the entran

she beli

they neared the doors, hi

ect? She nodded quickly, avoiding his pierc

" he replied with a sm

er guilt grow tenfold. He had no idea tha

oom in warm light, and every table was adorned with arrangements of white orchids and gold-rimm

ene during the planning phase, y

her a glass of champagne. "You're sup

u," she hissed, clutc

ied with a smirk before d

he flinched at the contact, but he didn't seem to notice.

said, raisin

raying he couldn't see the

small details about Clara's family, avoided long conversations

observant.

"You're quieter than usual," he said softly, his hand r

. "Just tired. It'

but didn't s

a concerned expression. "Mr. Ashford, the Hathaways would like a moment with Clara-

a beat. She hadn't

ly," Luke said, his

We should thank them before they leave

weakly. "

ense. Clara's mother, a tall woman with sharp features and an

her voice clipped. "You've b

d, unsure ho

en a busy night. Thank you both fo

er eyes off Sam. "We need t

'm not feeling well," she b

she turned and hurried out

ainst the door, struggling to catch her

tled her, an

oice called fro

ding she wasn't there

in there. We

door. Luke stepped inside,

he asked, his ton

churned. "What

barely spoke to anyone, and you ran out o

racing for an excuse. "I

rrowing. "This is more than bein

hung in the air. She knew she c

he door opened, and Jasper

blem," he said

expression darkening.

ancing nervously at

rained from

confusion giving way to ange

th to explain, but

g," Luke said coldly, his vo

hat, the lie be