As I settle into my seat after hiding for hours, I tuck my black dress beneath me, preparing myself for the encounter ahead. I lift my gaze and see that Arlo Hayes is sitting across from me with a beautiful brunette woman dressed in an elegant red dress beside him.
His expression remains flat as he meets my eyes, and I hold his dark stare, memories of our last encounter lingering in my mind—the day I killed Maddox. I reach out for a glass of red wine in front of me and as I bring it to my lips, he nods subtly, raising his glass of whiskey ever so slightly, a small understanding between us before he takes a sip. I smirk against the rim of my glass before drinking. It is a tiny gesture on his behalf, but it speaks volumes.
As soon as Reign's deep voice fills the room behind me, I cautiously turn my head to see him standing at the other end, a piece of paper in hand as he begins his best man speech. Shifting in my seat, I listen intently to his words, feeling a pang in my heart when he mentions how proud Chaos would have been of Cody and Lucy. Tears start to mist my eyes, and I catch Reign throwing glances my way, signaling his desire to speak to me.
Once he finishes, we all clap, and I turn in my seat as the food is served promptly. Staring down at the delicious, luxurious spreadbefore me, I pick up my fork until suddenly, the pretty woman sitting beside Arlo leans forward, catching my attention. I lift my eyes to meet her, and she offers me a soft smile.
“I’m sorry, I had to tell you that you look beautiful. I love your dress. It is to die for.”
My eyes meet Arlo's as he leans back in his chair, resting his arm on the back of hers. I then return my gaze to her, offering a smile.
“Thank you. As do you.”
She smiles before she continues.
“Are you here alone?”
I nod before looking down at my food, picking up a piece with my fork.
“I am.”
As I bring it toward my lips, my eyes meet hers.
“You must be Arlo’s wife?”
She glances at Arlo beside her, her long brown curls bouncing, and he gives her the smallest of smiles, his thumb moving softly down the back of her arm in a loving gesture before he speaks calmly, lifting his chin.
“This is Swan Morozov.”
I notice my body no longer cringes at the sound of my birth name, instead it gives me a sense of empowerment. Their eyes lock with mine, and she smiles again, extending her hand toward me.
“I’m Wren Hayes. It is so good to finally meet you. I have wanted to ever since Arlo told me about you.”
Her easy-going personality puts me at ease, and I drop my fork, taking her hand in mine graciously where we shake firmly.
“It’s really nice to meet you as well, Wren.”
We both return to our food, and she continues the conversation.
“So, are you only here for the wedding or are you here to stay in New York?”
I chew on my food slowly, looking between her and Arlo, wondering what she is implying, realizing she must know everything and when I swallow, I respond.
“Just for the wedding.”
She inhales deeply before giving a small nod.
“I don’t think I could—”
I cut off, not knowing what I am saying, and I shake my head once before looking down at my food again, feeling her eyes all over me, thinking about what to say next.
“You know, when I first met Arlo, I didn’t think I could, until I did.”
Her words speak to me, and even though they do not go into full detail of what she means, I understand them perfectly. When I peer into her eyes, they ease before she looks at Arlo beside her and they gaze at one another as she places her palm on his thigh. The love between them is strong and clear.
“I met him when I was just the nanny.”
She returns to me with a beaming smile while leaning in.
