We turn through the doorway at the top of the aisle. My eyes immediately lock with Tabitha’s, and the world stands still. She’s a vision. Shiny dark hair falling in soft, loose curls. Cheeks flushed. The stark white of her dress makes her skin appear more bronze than usual. I swallow roughly, reminding myself that this day is a farce. A carefully constructed facade meant to fool everyone. But not me. I’m not meant to be fooled by it. Yet here I am, heart pounding in my ears, lungs struggling for air, fucking hearts in my eyes as a woman who tolerates my presence glides down the aisle toward
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