The wedding boutique was nestled on a high-end street lined with designer storefronts and sparkling window displays. Its entrance was pristine, framed by trimmed hedges and blooming white roses, the glass doors glinting in the morning sun. Damien pulled into the reserved spot near the entrance and killed the engine in one fluid motion. Ava's hand rested in her lap, her knuckles pale from how tightly she was gripping her purse.

As the doors of their car opened, a sleek black SUV pulled up to the curb.

Ethan and June stepped out.

Ethan’s eyes landed on Ava immediately, his expression hardening like cracked stone. His jaw clenched, a muscle ticking...