Page 66 of It's Only Ever Been You

Emma hesitates, her smile faltering for just a moment before she glances at the floor. “I think I’m just going to head to bed. It’s been a long day, and tomorrow’s going to be a longer day.”

Her words hit harder than I expect. I search her face, looking for some indication this isn’t what it sounds like. But all I see is her guarded expression, the way she’s avoiding my eyes.

“Are you okay?” I ask softly, leaning in so no one else can hear.

“Yeah,” she says quickly, almost too quickly. “Just tired. We’ll talk tomorrow, okay?”

Before I can respond, she’s gone, blending into the crowd as she heads for the elevators. I stand there, rooted in place, trying to piece together what just happened. Something’s wrong—something more than just wedding stress—but for now, all I can do is let her go.

I linger in the lobby for a moment, staring at the elevator doors as they close behind her. Something about her smile, the way she spoke, feels… off. She said she was tired, and maybe she is, but I can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to it.

Back in my room, I kick off my shoes and sink onto the edge of the bed, my phone resting in my hand. For a moment, I debate whether I should text her or just let it go. But the uneasy twist in my gut wins out.

Ethan: Hey, just wanted to check on you. You seemed a little quiet earlier. Hope you’re okay.

I hit send and toss the phone on the nightstand, running a hand through my hair. Maybe I’m readingtoo much into this. Maybe she’s just tired, like she said.

The minutes tick by, and my phone remains silent. Finally, I reach for it again, only to see the small “read” receipt beneath my message.

She saw it. She’s choosing not to answer.

The realization twists something sharp in my chest. I toss the phone back onto the nightstand and force myself to lie down, staring at the ceiling. I tell myself not to jump to conclusions, not to assume the worst. But it’s hard to fight the growing sense that something is slipping through my fingers—and I don’t know how to stop it.

……………………………………………………………

The wedding day dawns with a flurry of activity. I spend most of the morning in Jace’s suite with the other groomsmen, helping him get ready and keeping things light.

Jace is quieter than usual, his usual confidence muted under a layer of nerves. He adjusts his cufflinks for the third time, scowling at his reflection.

“Relax,” I say, clapping a hand on his shoulder. “You’ve got this.”

He gives me a tight smile. “Yeah, I know. It’s just… a lot.”

His tone catches me off guard. Jace is the most self-assured guy I know, but right now, he looks like he’s carrying the weight of the world.

“You sure you’re good?” I ask, lowering my voice so the others can’t hear.

He hesitates before nodding, but there’s a flicker of something in his eyes. “Yeah. Just wedding jitters, I guess.”

I watch him for a moment longer, debating whether to push, but I let it go. Everyone gets cold feet, right?

……………………………………………………………

The ceremony is perfect. Sierra looks stunning, her gown catching the light as she glides down the aisle on her father’s arm. Jace stands at the altar, his expression softening the moment he sees her. It’s like nothing else exists for him but her. I can’t help but admire the way he seems to settle, the tension visibly melting from his shoulders as she approaches.

For a second, I let myself imagine what it would feel like to stand up here with Emma, to see her walking toward me, knowing she’s mine. The thought catches me off guard, a pang of longing I didn’t expect tightening in my chest.

But then my eyes drift to where Emma stands off to the side with the other bridesmaids, her bouquet clutched tightly in her hands. Her dress hugs herin all the right places, and the soft curl of her hair frames her face like a halo. She looks perfect, every inch the elegant bridesmaid, but something’s off. The smile on her face is picture-perfect, the kind you’d expect for a wedding, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. It’s like she’s somewhere else entirely, a million miles away.

I try to focus on the ceremony, but my thoughts keep drifting back to her. What happened between last night and this morning?

Sierra begins her vows, her voice trembling slightly as she speaks, and it pulls me back to the moment. Her words are heartfelt, filled with promises of love and partnership, and Jace listens intently, his eyes never leaving hers. But as she finishes, I catch a flicker of something in Jace’s expression when he glances briefly at Sarah, sitting a few rows back with the other guests. It’s quick, almost imperceptible, but it’s there.

Sarah’s reaction is harder to miss. Her eyes glisten, and for a moment, I think she’s just emotional about the wedding. But then her gaze drops to her lap, and her hands tighten around the clutch in her lap like it’s the only thing keeping her grounded. She doesn’t look back up, not even when Jace clears his throat and begins his vows.

His words falter slightly at the start, the pause stretching just long enough to draw a few confused murmurs from the crowd. But he recovers, delivering vows that are as polished asthey are sincere. He’s good at this, at saying all the right things, but there’s a tension in his jaw that wasn’t there a moment ago.

I glance between him and Sarah again, wondering if I’m the only one picking up on whatever the hell is going on. But the ceremony continues without a hitch, the guests seemingly none the wiser.

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