I looked at Matteo.
He was watching me.
Something passed between us—an entire conversation in a single glance. I wanted to mouth the words, to tell him across the crowded ceremony that I'd figured it out, that I knew what I wanted, that it was him. It had always been him.
But then, the officiant was pronouncing them husband and wife, and Sebastian was kissing Aria, and everyone was cheering, and the moment slipped away.
The reception was held in the hotel's grand ballroom, transformed into something out of a fairy tale. More flowers, more candles, more of that golden light that seemed to follow this day everywhere.
I tried to get to Matteo three times.
The first time, my mother intercepted me. "Isabelle, darling, come meet Aria's aunt. She wants to discuss commissioning a dress for her daughter's wedding."
The second time, one of the bridesmaids grabbed my arm in panic. "The bustle is stuck. Aria needs you immediately."
The third time, Femi appeared at my elbow.
"There you are." He slid his arm around my waist, pulling me close. "I've been looking for you everywhere."
"Femi, I need to?—"
"Dance with me first. Please." His eyes were bright, eager. "I've been waiting all day for this."
He led me to the dance floor before I could protest. The band was playing something slow, romantic. He pulled me into his arms, and we swayed together like we had a hundred times before.
Over his shoulder, I saw Matteo watching from across the room.
Our eyes met. Held for one painful moment.
Then someone moved between us, and he was gone.
"You look absolutely beautiful," Femi murmured against my ear. "The most beautiful woman here."
"Aria's the bride."
"Aria's lovely. You're stunning." He pulled back to look at me, his expression suddenly serious. "Isabelle. These past few weeks, trying again with you... it's been everything I hoped for. Everything I've wanted since I let you go the first time."
"Femi—"
"Let me finish, please." He took a breath. "I know we've had our struggles. I know I haven't always been what you needed. But I'm willing to work on it. To be better. To give you everything you deserve."
The music swelled around us. I saw people watching, smiling at what they assumed was a romantic moment.
No. No, no, no. I knew what was coming. He was about to do it again. He knew he was losing, and just like Switzerland, the only way he could think of to keep me was the promise of forever. But he didn’t know that I was already gone.
I wasn’t his to keep.
"Since we're trying again properly," Femi said, his voice rising so others could hear, "why don't we just take the leap and go all the way?"
He released me. Dropped to one knee.
The room went silent.
From somewhere to my left, I heard Xavier's voice: "Oh, come on. Not this again."
Sebastian laughed. "Okay, Kim, you can bring out the wedding dress now."
Kim's laughter rang out. "Don't tempt me!"
