Chapter 8 - THE WEDDING THEY TRIED TO STOP
Elena postponed the wedding.
Not canceled.
Postponed.
Daniel understood.
“I don’t want our wedding becoming evidence in somebody else’s case.”
He smiled faintly.
“Very romantic.”
She laughed carefully because smiling still pulled at healing tissue.
Six months later, they married at city hall.
Twelve guests.
No Mercer backyard.
No giant family tables.
Arthur attended.
So did Daniel’s mother.
Thomas came but did not speak about business.
Vanessa did not attend.
Vivian sent a letter.
Elena returned it unopened.
Robert was under court order to stay away.
The wedding lasted twenty-two minutes.
Afterward, Daniel asked:
“Do you regret not having the big one?”
Elena touched the faint scar along her cheek.
“No.”
Then:
“I regret thinking big meant loved.”
May you like
Daniel took her hand.
That line stayed with him.
