Page 136 of Closer

I press my eyes shut, rolling my neck. Sebastian’s words echo in my mind.It’s going to be okay, princess. I’m right here with you.

I cling to that thought like a lifeline. He is here. He’s with me. We’re in this together.

I open my eyes, meeting my own gaze in the mirror. I can do this. I have to do this.

For me. For Sebastian. For us.

Maybe I’m lucky, and they’re not coming.

I smooth down my dress, take one last deep breath, and head for the door.

And scene.

I exit and stop short, stunned.

Anne sits beside Ella, smiling and animated, while Levi and Landon chat with Elijah.

They actually came. They’re really here.

Uncle Marc. Is he here, too?

I hide behind the pillar, peeking around to search for him.

Suddenly, something yanks me backward, and I stumble, startled.

“Long time no see.”

“Jason.” I try to keep my voice steady. “What are you doing here?”

“We need to talk.” He steers me into an alcove, out of view.

“Let go. You’re hurting me.”

His grip only tightens, his fingers digging deeper into my flesh. “Have you lost your mind? You and Barron back together?”

I jerk my arm, trying to free myself, but it’s a weak attempt.

“Stop trying to get away from me.” His tone is calm, but the danger is unmistakable. “You’re making it worse.”

I wince under the pressure of his hand. “Please.”

“You were supposed to be marrying me, Lil! And now you’re parading around with him like it doesn’t matter that you left me at the altar.”

“Jason, please.” I hold up my other hand in surrender. “I never meant to hurt you, but I didn’t love you the way you deserved, and neither of us would have been happy if we’d gone through with it.”

“We just would have needed more time.” Jason’s voice cracks with emotion. “You think Sebastian can give you the happiness that I couldn’t?”

I take a closer look at Jason. His hair is a mess like he’s been running his hands through it nonstop. Dark circles under his bloodshot eyes. Wrinkled shirt untucked, tie loosened. This is bad. He’s unraveling right in front of me.

“Jason, hey, let’s take a breath here, okay?” I try to keep my voice soothing. “I know you’re upset, but this isn’t the place.”

“Don’t patronize me.” He laughs, but it’s hollow. Bitter. “You think I give a fuck about making a scene? You didn’t on our wedding day.”

I soften my tone. “I’m not trying to patronize you. I want to make sure you’re alright.”

“Alright?” He scoffs. “I haven’t been alright since the day you left me standing at that altar like a fucking fool.”

The pain in his voice cuts deep. I did this to him. I broke him. “I’m so sorry. I never wanted to hurt you.”

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