Page 123 of Maddening Fixation

Despite the resentment standing only inches away from me...

Some fragile, reckless part of my heart still believed this moment meant more.

Perhaps because I’d spent years loving him in silence.

The priest opened the leather-bound Bible once more, preparing to continue the ceremony.

Before he could speak another word, Romeo moved.

It was subtle.

So subtle that most of the congregation didn’t notice at first.

His jaw hardened.

A muscle pulsed beneath the sharp line of his cheek.

Without warning, he lifted one hand and firmly pushed the microphone several inches away from his face.

The priest frowned.

“Mr. Flynn...”

His protest died before it fully formed.

Romeo reached inside his suit jacket with deliberate calm.

Every guard in the church stiffened.

My pulse lurched.

For one terrifying second, I thought he was reaching for a gun.

Instead, he withdrew a dagger.

The blade was exquisitely crafted, its polished steel catching fragments of crimson, sapphire, and emerald light pouring through the stained-glass windows.

Ancient Celtic engravings spiraled along the hilt, transforming the weapon into something almost ceremonial.

There was nothing ceremonial about the look in Romeo’s eyes.

The church fell into absolute silence.

Even the organist stopped playing.

Without the slightest hesitation, Romeo turned the blade toward himself.

Before anyone could react, he stretched out his left hand.

Then, with one swift, practiced motion—

He dragged the knife across his palm.

The sound was soft.

Almost delicate.

But it echoed through the church like thunder.