I stare at Sophie again. Our eyes lock. It’s physically painful to see her. She gives me a sad smile, then glances back at the bride and groom. The sooner I talk to Garrett, the better.
Sophie
During and afterthe wedding photos, I’ve kept myself busy by helping with everything I can to distract me from Viper. Anything to keep my distance, because this whole wedding has stirred up a mix of emotions within me. Anger, resentfulness and sadness threaten to drown me.
I spot a waiter carrying a tray of champagne flutes, and I bolt straight toward him and grab two glasses. I down the first, take a deep breath, relax my shoulders, and begin to sip the next one like a lady.
Hands on my shoulders make me squeak and jolt, nearly splashing my drink everywhere. Luckily, I have a firm grip on it. It’s Harrison with one of his easy smiles on his face.
“How are you doing? You look stressed.”
“I am.”
“Have you spoken to Dad yet?”
I huff. “I keep walking away from him. I’ve done my best to avoid him.”
He gives me a sad smile. “I can tell he misses you.”
I dab the corners of my eyes. “Well, being without Viper is destroying me.”
He pulls me into a hug.
“Everyone, take your seats,” says Reaper over the microphone. “Everyone, welcome the newlyweds,” he says as Bomber and Zara walk in, holding hands and smiling. Everyone claps, and there’s a mix of cheers, hollers, and wolf whistles from the MC men. Zara and Knox take a seat at the table at the head of the room.
As I make eye contact with Viper, I’m struck with sorrow at the sad smile on his face.He feels it too.The hollow ache of knowing I’m missing out on a future with Viper.
I can’t concentrate on the toasts by Zara’s and Bomber’s parents. Instead, I glance down at my wedding ring. I’ve been meaning to take it off, but I can’t.I don’t want to get divorced.
I emerge from my dreamlike state when people start clapping.
“Now for the father and daughter dance,” says Reaper. Zara’s father meets her at her table and takes her hand as they walk to the middle of the dance floor. He twirls her around first as they smile at each other. The music plays, and they waltz together. I dab at the corners of my eyes and blink rapidly, trying not to allow the tears to fall. I wish I had that kind of relationship with my father.
“Excuse me,” I mutter under my breath. I put the napkin on the table, gently pull my chair out, and rush down the corridor toward the restroom.
“Sophie!” I hear my name being called. I turn to see my father, and behind him is Viper. Worry is etched on their faces.
I glare at my father. “You don’t get to comfort me. You stopped me from having my first healthy relationship with him.” I gesture over Dad’s shoulder. He turns and looks at Viper before looking back at me.
“I’m trying to keep you safe.”
“No,” I hiss. “You’re trying to control me. You think you know what’s best for me, but you don’t.”
Viper steps forward. Dad’s mouth opens, but he glances at Viper, then back to me.
“Do you want to know why I’m so worried about your safety?” Dad asks. There’s a sadness in his voice that I’ve never heard before.
I inch back from him, surprised there’s a reason beyond his arrogant overprotectiveness. “Yes, I do.”
“Your mother is why.”
I suck in a sharp breath. “What about Mom?” He never talks about her.
“She was kidnapped when she was pregnant with Harrison due to a business deal going south.”
My heart crashes against my ribcage. “Is that why she left?” I ask. It comes out as a whisper.
“No. I don’t think she ever planned to stay. She admitted that she wasn’t cut out for motherhood, and being kidnapped further reinforced her belief that she didn’t want a family. As a result, she willingly signed over all parental rights to me.”
