Page 87 of Temptation and Tyranny

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. The raw gratitude in her features was almost too much to bear, knowing the darkness that lurked beneath the surface of our world. A darkness I was still very much a part of, even as Steele had managed to escape it.

“Cooper,” Steele said, his tone softening, “I know things have been...difficult lately. But I want you to know, you’ll always have a place here. With us.”

The sincerity in his voice threatened to undo me. I cleared my throat, fighting back the sudden rush of emotion. “I appreciate that, Steele. Really. But you know as well as I do that our worlds don’t mix well.”

A shadow passed over Steele’s face, but before he could respond, the wedding coordinator announced that it was time for the couple’s first dance. With a last, meaningful look at me, Steele led Ashlynn to the dance floor.

As I watched them sway to the music, lost in their own world, I couldn’t help but think of Allegra again. Of the dance we’d shared at the hospital gala. The way she’d fit so perfectly in my arms, as if she’d been made to be there.

I downed the rest of my champagne in one gulp,wishing it was something stronger. This was Steele’s day, his and Ashlynn’s, and I was happy for them. I was. But with every passing moment, the weight of my own choices pressed down on me, threatening to crush me under their weight.

As the evening wore on, I found myself drifting to the edges of the party. The joy and love that filled the room felt like a rebuke, a constant reminder of what I’d thrown away. I stepped out onto the terrace, grateful for the cool night air on my flushed skin.

The gardens stretched out before me, softly lit by strategically placed lanterns. It was beautiful, peaceful in a way that seemed at odds with the despair in my heart. I leaned on my cane, staring out into the darkness, lost in thought.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

I turned to find Ashlynn standing in the doorway, a gentle smile on her face. She looked radiant, happiness seeming to emanate from her very being.

“Shouldn’t you be inside, Mrs. Steele?” I asked, forcing a lightness into my tone that I didn’t feel. “It is your wedding day, after all.”

She moved to stand beside me, her eyes scanning the darkened gardens. “It is. And it’s been perfect. But I couldn’t help but notice that you seemed...troubled.”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “Just thinking, that’s all. Nothing for you to worry about on your big day.”

Ashlynn was quiet for a moment, and when she spoke again, her voice was soft with understanding. “You’re thinking about her, aren’t you? Allegra?”

The sound of her name, spoken aloud, sent a jolt through me. “How did you—”

“I know you, Cooper,” she admitted. “Steele’s worried about you. We both are.”

Frustration bubbled up inside me. “There’s nothing to worry about. It’s over. Done.”

“Is it?” Ashlynn challenged gently. “Because from where I’m standing, it doesn’t look very ‘done’ at all.”

I turned to face her, ready to argue, but the compassion in her look stopped me short. There was no judgment there, no condemnation. Just genuine concern.

“I don’t know what to do,” I admitted, the words feeling like they were being torn from my chest. “I pushed her away, convinced it was the right thing to do. But now...”

“Now you’re not so sure,” Ashlynn finished for me.

I nodded, unable to meet her knowing eyes. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, Ashlynn. Done things I’m not proud of. But pushing Allegra away...I think that might be the biggest mistake of all.”

Ashlynn was quiet for a long moment, her hand coming to rest on my arm. “It’s not too late, you know. To fix things.”

I laughed bitterly. “Isn’t it? After everything that’s happened, all the things I said to her...How could she ever forgive me?”

“Love has a way of forgiving the unforgivable,” Ashlynn said softly. “Trust me on that.”

Before I could respond, Steele appeared in the doorway. “There you are,” he said, smiling at his new wife. “I was beginning to think you’d run off with the best man.”

Ashlynn laughed, moving to his side. “Never.Though, I was trying to talk some sense into him.”

Steele’s eyes met mine over Ashlynn’s head, a silent question in them. I shook my head slightly, not ready to have that conversation. Not here, not now.

“Well, I hate to break up the party,” Steele said, “but our car is here. Time for us to make our grand exit.”

As the newlyweds said their goodbyes and made their way to the waiting car, I hung back. Watching them drive off into the night, heading for their honeymoon and the start of their new life together, I felt a resolve begin to form in my chest.

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