chap 3 A Bride Without a Groom
A Bride Without a Groom
Within minutes the ballroom was nearly empty.
Reporters had somehow already gathered outside the estate.
Police vehicles lined the driveway.
Helicopters circled overhead.
Inside one of the private lounges, Amelia sat alone, still wearing her wedding gown.
Mascara streaked down her cheeks.
Every dream she had imagined since childhood had died in less than ten minutes.
The door opened.
Julian entered.
She stood immediately.
"Why?"
He remained near the doorway.
"Because none of this was ever about a wedding."
"You used me."
His silence answered the question.
"You let me fall in love with you."
"I did."
"You proposed."
"Yes."
"You promised we'd build a family."
"I meant every word."
She laughed bitterly.
"Don't lie to me now."
Julian lowered his eyes.
"That's the tragedy."
"What?"
"I truly loved you."
She froze.
"If you loved me..."
"...why destroy me?"
May you like
Julian took a slow breath.
"Because I couldn't destroy him without sacrificing us."
