You Can’t Deny It
The ceremony ends just as the sun dips entirely.
The only light comes from the bulbs that hang from the branches. I look around.
It’s like something out of a dream, with fairy lights strung between trees and tables draped in pristine white cloth. The air buzzes with chatter and laughter as everyone moves toward the reception area.
I spot my mom and Jake standing near their table, surrounded by well–wishers. My stomach churns, but I force myself to step forward, weaving through the crowd until I’m standing in front of them.
“Congratulations,” I say, my voice soft but steady as I smile at my mother, even as my lips
tremble.
Her eyes narrow, a flicker of irritation crossing her face. “At least you stuck around tonight,” she says, her tone sharp enough to slice through me.
I falter, the smile slipping. “I’m sorry—”
“There’s no point, Alina. Just save the apologies. They don’t mean anything anymore.”
Heat rises to my cheeks, embarrassment and guilt crashing together. I nod tightly, not trusting myself to say anything else.
No one deserves to be yelled at on their wedding day.
Instead, I turn to Jake, who’s watching the exchange with an unreadable expression.
“Congratulations, Jake,” I manage, forcing a smile as I step forward to hug him.
His arms come around me, his hand on my naked lower back. I pull away quick, not
letting his touch linger.
“Thanks, Alina,” he murmurs, his voice almost too intimate. His eyes linger on mine for a beat too long, leaving me flustered. I rub the back of my neck as I look around the place
for Aiden.
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You Can’t Deny it
When I don’t spot him quickly, I retreat to my seat at the family table, where Zaid is already waiting. He looks at me with a raised eyebrow over the rim of his glass.
I can tell immediately that it’s alcohol by the same and the way he grimaces.
Aiden’s presence warms my other side as he sits beside me. He gives me a small, reassuring smile, and I return it, grateful for his reappearance.
The awkward silence stretches as everyone takes their seats.
My mother and Jake decided to sit at the family table instead of having a sweetheart table. The silence is awkward and we all look at each other. I’m wondering if anyone else
can notice how tense we all are.
It’s Zaid who decides to break the silence. He leans forward, arms on the table, and looks directly at his father. “How long will you two be gone on the honeymoon?”
Jake shrugs, his expression casual. “We’re heading to Italy, but I’ll only be there for a few days. Diana plans to stay for three months.”
I turn to my mother in disbelief. “You’re staying in Italy for three months even though Jake is coming back home?”
She shrugs, sipping her champagne. “I might as well enjoy the time there. It’s not every day you get to shop and relax in Tuscany.”
I bite the inside of my cheek, fighting the urge to say more. Of course, she’d use her honeymoon as a solo vacation. Should I really be surprised at this point?
This marriage is a sham.
The music shifts, a romantic melody filling the air as Jake stands and offers his hand to my mother. Everyone watches as they glide onto the dance floor for their first dance. I
lean into Aiden, resting my head on his shoulder as we watch them twirl.
“They look…” Aiden says softly.
“Please don’t say happy,” I reply, though my gaze flicks to Zaid. He’s on his phone, his fingers flying over the screen.
When he looks up and sees me leaning against Aiden, his scowl deepens, his jaw
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You Can’t Deny It
tightening.
Aiden laughs, still thinking about my response, and he presses a kiss to my forehead.
The song ends, and my mom takes the microphone, her smile radiant. “Tonight isn’t just about Jake and me. It’s about family. So I want all of us to dance together, to mark the beginning of our new family.”
A collective cheer rises as everyone’s eyes land on us. My mom grabs Aiden, and I reluctantly follow, my heart pounding as I step into Jake’s arms.
At least other people are beginning to join the dance floor and it isn’t just us.
Jake’s hand rests lightly on my waist, his other hand holding mine. “You seem uncomfortable.”
I stiffen. “I’m not. It’s just… this whole thing is a lot.”
Jake leans closer, his gaze intense. “No, that’s not it.”
I look at him, wide eyed. His fingers caress the skin of my waist, my dress doing nothing to cover it. My skin prickles and the moment his eyes drop to my lips, I try to pull back.
He keeps me in place. “Is the fact that you’re dating your step–brother the only thing that bothers you about this wedding?”
I frown at him, pulling on his hold. “No.”
He tilts his head, eyes watching the curve of my neck. “Is it that I took your virginity?”
I swallow, looking around to make sure no one could hear him. “That’s definitely part of
it.”
“There’s something more, though, isn’t there?”
I avoid his gaze.
“You’re uncomfortable because you have feelings for me.”
The air leaves my lungs, my pulse racing. I open my mouth to deny it, but the words stick in my throat.
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You Can’t Deny It
“You can’t deny it, baby.” He leans in close so the words are whispered against my cheek.
I can’t look at him, can’t breathe. The song ends, and I stumble away, right into Aiden’s
waiting arms.
“Hey,” he says gently, his hands steadying me. “You okay?”
“Yeah,” I whisper, forcing a smile. “Let’s just dance.”
The dance with Aiden is simple, easy, and exactly what I need to catch my breath. He holds me close, his warmth calming the storm raging inside me.
The moment the song ends, my heart drops to the pit of my stomach.
It’s Zaid’s turn.
