Chapter 7
Guests began arriving while the family fell apart behind white doors.
Alicia knocked twice.
“Mr. Whitaker, people are asking if the ceremony is delayed.”
I looked at Claire.
Her face was streaked with tears.
Her wedding dress hung behind her like a question.
“What do you want?” I asked.
She stared at me.
“You’re asking me?”
“It’s your wedding.”
“You said you could stop it.”
“I can. That does not mean I want to decide your life without you.”
Her lips trembled.
Raymond laughed.
“You hear that? Performance. He wants to look noble while holding the venue hostage.”
Ethan turned toward him.
“Be quiet.”
Raymond smiled.
“Careful, son. You don’t know this family.”
Ethan stepped closer.
“I know enough to see you hurting her.”
Claire whispered, “Ethan.”
He looked at her.
“If you want to marry me today, I’m here. If you want to stop, I’m here. If you want everyone gone, I’ll help clear the room.”
My throat tightened.
Good man.
Better than the adults around him.
Claire sank into the chair.
“I don’t know what’s real.”
I took one step closer.
“That’s what lies do. They don’t just hide facts. They make you distrust your own heart.”
She covered her face.
“I was so angry at you.”
“I know.”
“I let them cut your suit.”
I looked at the torn fabric.
“Yes.”
“I laughed.”
“Yes.”
The word hurt her.
But it needed to.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
Raymond rolled his eyes.
“There it is. He gets his apology, and we all bow.”
Claire stood.
“Stop.”
He froze.
She turned toward him.
“You don’t get to speak for me anymore.”
Marlene reached for her.
“Claire, sweetheart—”
Claire stepped back.
“No. I need space from both of you.”
Raymond’s face hardened.
“You’re being emotional.”
Ethan moved again.
Claire’s voice shook but held.
“I am allowed to be emotional on my wedding day.”
Then she looked at me.
“Dad, can you walk me somewhere quiet?”
Dad.
The word nearly took my knees.
“Yes,” I said.
“Please.”
May you like
I held out my hand.
This time, she took it.
