Ethan walked over to me.
His hand paused beside mine, waiting until I gave the slightest nod. Only then did he gently lace his fingers through mine.
“I didn’t want this here,” he whispered. “I swear, Maya. I only told them I was getting married today because they couldn’t reach you.”
I believed him.
My father had transformed my wedding into a punishment long before anyone wearing gray ever stepped through those doors.
Denise Walker turned toward me.
“Ms. Whitmore, we may need to speak with you later. You are not accused of wrongdoing.”
Dad exploded.
“Of course she isn’t! She doesn’t know anything. She never knew anything.”
The words struck harder than I expected.
Because he intended them as another insult.
I lifted my head and met the eyes of the man who had refused to escort me down the aisle.
“You’re right,” I said. “I didn’t know. But I’m listening now.”
PART 3
