Page 107 of Wild Tangled Hearts

I swallow hard, trying to shake off the feeling of being watched.

Alex tightens his grip on my hand and smiles at me as we sit. “Hal looks like he’s about to pass out,” he whispers.

I chuckle. “As long as he doesn’t take off.”

"No chance of that," Alex replies, his eyes still fixed on the front of the church. "I've never seen him so in love."

The ceremony begins, and the church falls into a reverent hush. My heart swells with emotion as Kimmy, radiant in her white gown, starts her walk down the aisle. Hal's eyes glisten with tears of joy as he watches his bride approach. It's a beautiful moment, a reminder of the power of love to bring two souls together, and I can't help but hope for my own happily ever after.

Maybe, hopefully, with Alex.

The vows exchanged between Hal and Kimmy are heartfelt and tender, filled with promises of love, loyalty, and unwavering support. They share their first kiss as a married couple, sealing their commitment with a passion that's palpable, and the church erupts into applause.

As we exit the church, the sun bathes the newlyweds in a warm, golden glow. I look up at Alex, a smile tugging at my lips. "It was a beautiful ceremony, wasn't it?"

He nods, his eyes fixed on me, something stirring in his gaze as he brushes his thumb tenderly across my cheek. "Yeah, it was."

His touch sends a shiver of warmth through me, and my heart beats again with a steady rhythm of hope.

The reception is a lively affair. Alex and I sit together, enjoying the delicious dinner and the heartfelt speeches from the wedding party that bring tears to my eyes. Amid the celebration, I spot Sebastian at one of the tables, and he flashes me a seductive smile when he catches my gaze, his dark allure as potent as ever. I quickly look away, focusing on Alex, whose presence grounds me.

The night wears on, and the dance floor fills with couples swaying to the music. I take Alex's hand, pulling him onto the dance floor. We move together, lost in the rhythm of the music, our smiles reflecting the happiness surrounding us.

As Kimmy and Hal prepare to leave, Kimmy wraps her arms around me in a warm and heartfelt hug. Her eyes sparkle with happiness as she holds me close. "Bella," she says with a grin, "hopefully, the next wedding will be yours."

My stomach flutters at the thought, and I return her hug, a mixture of emotions swirling within me. "Maybe," I reply and shrug playfully. “Weirder things have happened. But,” I say, glancing over at Jess, who is flirting shamelessly with one of Hal’s brothers. “Jess is giving it her all in the competition.”

Kimmy chuckles, and she gives me one final squeeze before releasing me and turning back to her new husband, sharing a look that would rival any romance novel cover. It's a subtle affirmation that love is a beautiful and unpredictable journey, and I can't help but feel a surge of hope and excitement for the future.

I scan the bustling reception hall, looking for Alex. He's nowhere to be seen among the sea of smiling faces and dancing couples. An uneasy feeling starts to creep over me, but I push it aside, hoping he's caught up in a conversation or helping out with something.

Jess drags me onto the dance floor, and I don’t resist. We laugh and twirl, and the world fades away for a while. But as the songs blend into one another, I begin to feel a need for fresh air, for a moment of solitude to clear my head.

Where is Alex?

I excuse myself and step outside into the cool night air. The serene silence of the night is a stark contrast to the bustling reception inside. I take a deep breath, relishing the calm.

But my peace is short-lived as I hear a couple arguing, one voice all too familiar. As I round the corner of the venue, my heart stops. In a dimly lit corner, I see Alex, his back to me, engaged in a heated conversation with Angie. My stomach clenches at the sight of them together.

Angie spots me, and her gaze is piercing like shards of glass being thrown my way, but then a wicked smirk spreads across her lips. She wraps her arms around Alex’s neck and pulls him into a passionate kiss.

My heart feels like it's been ripped apart, and the world around me blurs into a whirlwind of confusion and pain. Without a second thought, I turn and run, the courtyard and its painful scene quickly disappearing behind me.

“Bella,” Alex’s voice calls out behind me. Tears blur my vision, each step echoing the torment in my heart. All I can think of is escaping the pain, humiliation, and overwhelming heartbreak that threatens to consume me.

As I run through the dimly lit parking lot, I feel a crushing weight on my chest. Desperation to get away fills my every step, and I don't notice the figure that suddenly steps into my path.

I collide with him, nearly stumbling to the ground. Strong arms reach out to steady me, and I look up, my vision still blurred by tears.

Sebastian.

His concerned eyes search mine. "Are you alright?" he asks, his voice laced with worry.

I can't find the words to respond. All I can do is shake my head and let the tears flow freely. In this moment of vulnerability, I'm grateful for his presence, even though it's a stark reminder that I made the wrong choice by choosing Alex.

“Are you hurt?” Sebastian asks, those dark eyes searching mine.

I take a shaky breath and speak through the tears, "I just need to call an Uber."

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