tr

ed with tension. It's not every day you

sked. I shrugged, gripping the he

nnouncement, and then you'll handle the rest," I mu

laced with confusion. I glanced at her over my shou

stopped in her tracks, watching as I climbed onto the podium-t

as every head turned toward me. Murmurs and whispers rippled through th

e having a wonderful time?" I asked, forcing a polite s

been a slight c

called out, cutting me off. My throat t

fore they knew the bride was missin

re somewhere, an

er

around to know who it belonged to. But I did an

ate, his gaze locking onto mine as if

d the podium, his voice calm but commanding. Gasps echoed a

nt, I felt it again-a ghost of something I didn't want to name. I quickly looked away, f

you're doing?" I hissed unde

e pulled me closer, his lips brushing my ear as he spoke in a

unshine. I'll expla

k, lingering just long enough to make it seem genuine.

," he announced turning the microphone on, his voice smooth

caught a glimpse of something in his eyes-softness,

aring at me, her brows raised in confus

week," Adrian added, his tone so casual it migh

I couldn't believe it. I was covering for him

worth it, I t

test smile I could muster before stepping off the stage, dragging A

snapped the moment we were out of ears

brow, unbothered

unshine," he replied, h

ere were over a hundred people in that room, and you ju

er were already settled. "The woman I was supposed to m

to create even the smallest barrier bet

not. I'm not doi

resence looming until I coul

ge your mind?" he asked, hi

spat, holdi

like he was negotiating over a

efuse, but he cut me o

His expression remain

wisted, but

nt of mo

ce was like steel, and for a moment,

dreaming of in Seattle. I could secure my future. And beyond all of that, there was t

ight. For everythin

reath, meeting

y voice steady. "

r worse-and to