Page 12 of Modern Romance November 2024 5-8

‘Mum...’ Grace was pleading, but clearly torn, and when Carter stepped in to help, she ran after her friend. ‘Violet...’

As he was best man, and very used to taking control, Sahir did his duty and tried to help Carter calm the mother of the bride—but to no avail.

‘Who’s he?’ Mrs Andrews demanded, eyeing him with suspicion. ‘What’s he doing in my home?’

And Sahir knew it was best that he too leave.

Even though she’d been half expecting it, so many dreadful memories were flooding back, and Violet was deeply shaken as she walked briskly down the corridor.

‘Violet, wait!’ Grace was clearly distressed as she caught up with her. ‘Mum doesn’t mean it...’

‘I know that. She’s confused and doesn’t know what she’s saying...’

Grace looked as if she was on the verge of breaking down. ‘I honestly thought things would be okay...’

‘And they shall be,’ Violet reassured her. ‘So long as she doesn’t get another glimpse of me. Go back in and enjoy things. I’ll wait outside...’ She gave her brightest smile. ‘You can make it up to me with champagne later.’ Violet squeezed Grace’s hands. ‘Forget it happened.’

Violet couldn’t forget it, though.

She stepped outside and took a huge breath, determined not to cry. Her nails were digging into her palms as she tried to steady her breathing, and she felt a hot tear splash out.

‘Damn,’ she cursed, thankful that she was alone. Well, apart from a woman leaning on her car—but she was too busy looking at her phone to notice.

Even so, Violet moved to the side of the building.

It was possibly a throwback from her childhood, but Violet loathed the thought of anyone seeing her upset or knowing that she was feeling vulnerable.

Yet despite her efforts to contain them, the tears kept right on coming.

She scrabbled in her purse, even while knowing she hadn’t brought a tissue. Violet was simply too used to picking herself up and carrying on rather than caving in to tears.

Just not today.

She sniffed and dabbed under her eyes, then saw the black ink of running mascara on her thumbs.

‘Here...’

She started as she saw the best man was offering the pocket square from his morning suit. ‘I’d ruin it,’ she sniffed. ‘You’d never get your deposit back.’

‘Take it.’

‘Please go.’

‘I can’t. It’s my duty to ensure things go smoothly.’

‘So, I’m part of yourduty?’

‘You are,’ he said, relieving her of the bouquet.

Having placed it on the ground, he held out the square of silk again, but she didn’t notice. Her eyes were closed and she was back to leaning against the wall and scolding herself. ‘Stop it, Violet.’

Sahir had another suggestion. ‘Breathe.’

She did as he said and inhaled deeply, and then she did it again, before speaking urgently. ‘Grace mustn’t see how upset I am.’

‘I’m sure she doesn’t expect smiles after all that.’

‘I don’t cry...’ Violet attempted to explain the anomaly this was. ‘I mean, Inevercry.’

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