But his eyes weren’t on her. Slowly, dread clawing through her chest, Clara followed his gaze—toward the aisle. Stephanie stood there in a wedding gown, her lips curved in a triumphant smile. Clara shook her head, unable to comprehend. “What’s happening?” she asked, her voice rising, desperate. “Step aside,” Liam said again, firmer this time.
And then Stephanie’s voice cut across the silence like a blade: “You heard him.” A rush of whispers rippled through the guests, disbelief mounting. Clara felt the betrayal hit in waves—first confusion, then humiliation, then the crushing weight of helplessness. Her bouquet slipped from her grasp, petals scattering across the floor.