Chapter 8
A week later, the Phillips Wright wedding–the social event of the year–began right on schedule.
They’d streamlined the ceremony for Jenna’s pregnancy, but the luxury still left guests breathless. Each arrival received a gift bag worth thousands. Everything, down to the last detail, was custom–made.
The Juliet roses blooming everywhere? Elijah had commissioned those gardens ten years ago, just for Jenna. The crystal chandeliers dripping from the ceiling? Custom–designed to match her taste. Even the place settings were handcrafted by artisans to her specifications.
Every detail screamed Elijah’s devotion to Jenna. The guests couldn’t stop gushing.
“They’re such a perfect match. Childhood sweethearts, can you believe it?”
“Did you hear how he almost died saving her?”
“God, to marry someone like him–that’s the dream…”
Elijah barely registered the chatter. He kept staring at his phone, hesitating.
Gloria should have landed and checked into her hotel last night. But he hadn’t heard a word–no calls, no texts, nothing. She was still his responsibility–her father had trusted him to look after her.
He typed out a quick message: “How are you?”
Just as he hit send, the wedding coordinator knocked. “Mr. Phillips, we’re ready for you to take your place.”
Elijah set his phone down. “Coming.”
As the door closed behind him, his screen flashed once. Next to his message appeared a bright red exclamation mark.
The wedding march began. Elijah watched Jenna glide down the aisle in her white gown, the dress Gloria had designed hugging her curves.
It should have been a heart–stopping moment. Instead, he felt strangely detached.
As Jenna approached, another image flickered in his mind: Gloria in that same dress, practically dancing toward him, eyes shining with love, calling his name softly.
“Elijah.”
“Elijah?”
The vision blurred with reality as Jenna waved at him, concern in her voice. “Everything okay?”
He shook his head, trying to clear Gloria’s image. “Just perfect. You look stunning.”
His casual compliment made Jenna blush.
12.03
Add: TTL
To Declaim My Own Lifa
1520
Chapter 8
The officiant asked them to join hands, then began the vows. When it came time for Elijah to say “I do,” he hesitated.
His eyes swept from Jenna’s expectant face to the eager guests, finally landing on the empty doorway.
Years ago, Gloria had sworn she’d crash his wedding if he ever married someone else. He’d taken the threat seriously enough to post extra security today.
But the ceremony was almost over, and the girl who’d promised to fight for him hadn’t appeared.
He should have felt relieved. Instead, an unfamiliar emptiness gnawed at him.
Could Gloria have meant it? Was she really over him?
12-02
