Page 3 of Closer

The door creaks open, and Anne peeks her head in, her perfectly coiffed hair not moving an inch.

The first time I met her was at Gemma’s Halloween party years back. She was dressed as Audrey Hepburn, looking like she’d stepped right out of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Elegant, poised, perfect, and chatting upSebastian, of course. I remember the jealousy that clawed at my insides. Now she’s my sister-in-law. Funny how life works out sometimes.

Anne’s eyes scan the room before entering. “Ricarda, would you mind giving us a moment alone?”

Ricarda’s nostrils flare. “Signora Edmunds, we’re on a very tight schedule. There’s still so much to—”

“Please.” Anne’s voice is polite yet firm. “Just a few minutes.”

Ricarda purses her lips but nods curtly before stomping out, taking the make-up artist with her.

Anne glides over, the picture of elegance. “Hey.” Her gray eyes search mine, and I feel exposed, like she can see right through the layers of makeup to the real me underneath. The terrified girl who wants to run.

I avert my gaze. “Shouldn’t you be with the other bridesmaids?”

“I wanted to check on you first. How are you feeling?”

“Fine. Just… nervous.”

“Of course. It’s a big day.” She studies me, and I shift under her scrutiny. “You know, if there’s anything you want to talk about…”

I shake my head quickly. Too quickly. “No, no. I’m fine, really.”

“Lil.”

My throat tightens. I can’t break. Not now. “What? I said I’m fine.”

“Mhm. Really? Because you look like you’re about to face a firing squad, not walk down the aisle.”

A choked laugh escapes me. “Is there a difference?”

“You know you don’t have to do this, right? If you’re having second thoughts…”

Is she giving me permission to call this off? “I… I don’t know. Everyone expects this, and the guests. Ricarda, they’re all here.” I fidget with my engagement ring, the diamond weighing heavy on my finger. “It’s not that simple.” The venue has been booked for months. The food, the flowers… everything is prepared and waiting.

How can I possibly stop this now?

“What do you want?” Anne places a hand on my knee, her touch gentle. “This is your life. Your future.”

I blink back tears, not wanting to ruin the makeup artist’s hard work. “I want…” Sebastian. I want him to whisk me away from here and run away together like we joked about. “I want to marry Jason.”

She sighs. “You have options. No matter what anyone else says or thinks.”

Options. Right. Like running away from my own wedding is an option. Like breaking my uncle’s heart after everything he’s done for me is an option.

I squeeze her hand on my knee. “Thank you. But I’m fine.”

“It’s never too late to—”

Ricarda, trailed by the makeup artist, bursts in once more. “The bride needs to get ready now.”

“You deserve to be happy.” Anne pulls me into a hug. “It’s your decision.”

“Hurry, let’s fix you up.” Ricarda moves me to the full-length mirror.

The girl in the reflection stares back, and I don’t recognize her at all. The intricate lace bodice clings to my torso, and the full tulle skirt cascades around me like a silken waterfall. My dark hair is swept up, accented by tiny pearls. The makeup artist has done her work flawlessly. My cheeks are flushed, and my eyes are smoky. I look every bit the radiant bride, but the image doesn’t bring me any joy.

I force my happy face because that’s what I do best.

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