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rfectly in front of him, and his knuckles were visibly pale. I wondered how much effort it'll take to turn around, and walk away from this. To one side of Saxon stood a younger version of him. He was impossibly beautiful, and too pretty to be pure just like Saxon. His smirk looked like it had been living on his confident face for years. The weight of everyone's stare suddenly dragged on my gown like it had doubled in its original weight. Rick, my uncle, looked like he was trying not to cry or something else all together. Rita, my uncle's wife, smiled at me, and Lake squeezed my hand, trying to keep me in one piece. The vows felt scripted and fake, like a bad drama I was forced into. Saxon said his words like a man practicing for a movie line. I flinched when he slid the ring into my finger. Just enough when his fingers brushed mine, like he didn't want to come in contact with me. But it seemed an obligation demanded it. Saxon leaned in like it was a brutal sentence when the priest said, "You may now kiss the bride." His lips barely touched mine in zero seconds, no trace of warmth or effort. And I was sure the crowd saw it too, because the room carried a murmur. When the ceremony ended, confetti flew and flashbulbs sparked brighter than my smile, then Saxon Vanished. I later spotted him taking photos with fans, signing autographs like he was the best groom of the year with an award waiting to greet his hands. I said goodbyes to Rick first, and his relieved face made me think he thinks I'm walking into a safe place. Rita hugged me and assured me I was going to be fine, but she herself knew that was a lie with the look on her face. And then Lake, her goodbyes took longer. She held my hands tight, searching my face for evidence that shows I've been lying to her for days. She searched like it held a code only she could crack. "You've been acting off," Lake said. "Ever since you returned back from signing those papers." I forced a smile on my face and lied with my eyes. "I'm just exhausted. The wedding preparations could actually weigh on the bride." I finished, feigning a laugh. But I was sure Lake didn't believe the crap. "Did he hurt you that day?" "No. I've answered that more than a hundredth time now, Lake." "Something just tells me you're not telling me the truth. You're lying to me." I cried inside and wished I could tell her about how scared I was that day. But the shame that had followed me hadn't left yet. "I'm not." I said, trying not to give myself away with a serious expression. Lake furrowed her brows, and before she could speak again, I saw a shadow looming over me from behind. "It's time to go," Saxon's voice cut through the air l