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“Rick is going to pay for this, Lily.” Her voice barely contains her rage. “His parents are just as enraged as we are. They’ve assured us he won’t get away with this. Also, they’ll be paying your father and I for the wedding, of course.”
My chest tightens at her words, and I drop my gaze to the floor. I know she means well, but hearing her anger only fuels my own, making it harder to breathe.
“Mom, I just… I need some space right now,” I whisper, my voice shaky.
She hesitates for a moment, her gaze softening. “I understand, sweetheart.” She reaches out and squeezes my hand before leaving the room, closing the door gently behind her.
I lean against the wall, sliding down until I’m sitting on the floor, my head in my hands. This wasn’t how things were supposed to be. My entire world has been turned upside down in a matter of minutes, and all I want is a chance to catch my breath.
I can’t take it anymore. The chaos, the anger, the sadness — it’s all too much for me to bear. Grabbing my purse, I push myself off the floor and almost sprint towards the door. My only thought is to get away from everything and maybe, just maybe, find a moment of peace.
I burst through the door, breaking into a run — and bumping right into someone.
“Sorry!” I exclaim.
It takes me a split second to realize that it’s Felix. His brown eyes are filled with concern, but there’s also a hint of warmth in them that makes me feel safe.
“Hey, Lily…” he starts, trying to say something, but I cut him off by wrapping my arms around him and burying my face in his chest.
His strong arms envelop me instantly, pulling me closer to him.
“Shh, it’s okay.” He strokes my hair gently.
For the first time since Rick left me at the altar, I feel like I can breathe again. Like maybe, somehow, I can survive this terrible day.
“Everything’s going to be all right,” Felix whispers, his voice full of conviction. He doesn’t know how or why, but he believes it, and that gives me hope.
“Thank you,” I whisper back, my voice muffled by his shirt.
We stay locked together for a moment longer, holding onto each other amidst the chaos and uncertainty. His chest is so broad, and his arms are strong around me. I’ve hugged Felix before, but none of the hugs have been like this… so secure, so… perfect.
I feel heat collect in my cheeks. I should step out of the hug, but I can’t seem to make myself do so.
“Lily!” my mom calls out, her voice strained. “There’s a car waiting for us outside.”
Reluctantly, I pull away from Felix, and our gazes lock once more. My heart aches at the thought of leaving him, but I know I have no choice.
“Take care of yourself, Lily.” In his eyes is something more. I want to ask what, but I need to go. I need to make my getaway while I have the chance.
As I nod, trying to hold back more tears, a spark of hope ignites within me. Maybe Felix is right.
Maybe, despite all the heartache and humiliation, everything really will be all right.
As I walk away from him and towards the car waiting outside, I cling to that hope with all my strength.
CHAPTER 6
FELIX
The sun beats down mercilessly on the palace’s tennis court as I work out my frustration over what happened at Lily’s wedding. Each powerful swing of my racket sends the ball hurtling through the air towards Enrique, who’s obviously been growing annoyed with my poor serve.
I’m not playing today to win, though.
The sharp thwack of the ball connecting with the racket echoes in my ears, drowning out the memories of Rick and his betrayal. I haven’t talked to Lily since that day, but she’s been haunting my thoughts ever since.
“Come on, Felix! Focus!” Enrique yells as he returns a particularly aggressive serve of mine.
Sweat drips from my brow as I lunge for the ball, my muscles tense and my legs ready to spring into action. My mind, however, is elsewhere — consumed by guilt and concern for Lily.
