That sentence hits harder than I want to. I look away, swallowing.
“And now you get a new chapter,” I say, letting the teasing edge back into my voice.
“One that comes with a massive mansion… and unfortunately a stepson I have to share air with.”
She flicks my arm.
“Jamie.”
“What? I’m being supportive. Just also realistic.”
She laughs – the warm, breathy kind that always makes me feel like home still exists somewhere in the world.
I pull her into a hug. She melts into it, careful not to wrinkle her dress.
“You look incredible,” I whisper.
“Seriously. He’s lucky.”
She squeezes me back.
“Thank you, baby.”
When I pull away, she’s glowing. Nervous, excited, hopeful.
She deserves this.
She deserves everything she’s getting today.
“I’ll go take my seat,” I tell her, stepping back.
“Don’t trip walking down the aisle. That’ll really ruin the aesthetic.”
She rolls her eyes.
“Get out.”
I grin, backstepping toward the door.
And as I slip out of the room, my chest tightens – not painfully.
More like… protectively.
But the second I turn the corner and see Lex leaning against the far wall, arms crossed, eyes pinned to me like a threat —
That warmth evaporates.
Hell isn’t coming.
It’s already here.
And he’s wearing a smirk carved just for me.
****
The ceremony is… fine.
Beautiful, even.
