I set the pen down carefully and force myself to breathe.
No one speaks for a beat.
Then Theo’s voice breaks the silence, quiet and uncertain.
“Lu…?” he says, like he’s asking if I’m okay without daring to ask.
I don’t look at him. If I look at Theo, I might crack.
Instead, I keep my eyes on the contract and say, “I’m fine.”
Julian’s gaze shifts to Theo in warning.
Theo shuts his mouth.
Claire enters again, but this time she isn’t alone.
A man in a dark suit follows her, carrying a folder with the same calm energy as a banker or a funeral director.
Julian stands in greeting.
“This is Mr. Hayes,” he says, voice steady. “He’ll be officiating.”
My brain stutters.
Officiating.
My stomach drops so hard I feel it in my throat.
“Today?” I whisper, staring at Julian. “Here?”
He meets my eyes without flinching.
“Yes.”
My pulse spikes. I push back my chair slightly, not standing, but needing space.
“This...” I swallow. “This wasn’t...”
“What did you expect?” Julian asks quietly.
The words aren’t cruel. But they deliver like a slap.
Theo’s chair scrapes as he shifts forward sharply. “Julian...”
My vision blurs for half a second, blood roars in my ears.
I close my eyes.
Breathe.
In.
Out.
My hands curl into fists in my lap because I can’t let them shake in front of all these men.
And all I can think is:Of course.
