Page 162 of Dark Endures

“What? I heard it was a done deal.” Filmore turns his gaze to Percival, whose mouth opens and closes like a fish struggling for air.

“It is. But I haven’t proposed yet.”

What? My neck almost breaks as it swings so fast to stare at Maddox.

“We didn’t want to take away from this momentous occasion.” Maddox squeezes my hand.

This time, it feels like he’s trying to tell me to play along.

Why?

I plaster a demure smile on my face and blush prettily.

“How thoughtful of you. But you joining our family just enhances the joy. Doesn’t it, Percival?”

“Of course it does, Father.” Percival’s words are hollow.

“May the Linckester Family always grow in power and wealth.” Filmore’s last words make the crowd go wild with applause.

Why wasn’t happiness on that list?

This isn’t good.

***

“Why don’t Mindy and Maddox stand in for the bride and groom so they can see if any adjustments need to be made?” The coordinator directs Maddox to the front of the aisle next to Joseph, Valen, and Arnold.

Filmore moves to my side. “I will be walking you down the aisle.”

Shivers run down my spine. He means my mom. I’m her stand-in. There’s no way this creepy man would ever walk me down the aisle or even attend my wedding.

Not that Maddox and I are getting married.

Whatever this is, it’s not going to end in divorce. That would break my heart too much. We’ll have an amazing affair until his interest ‘peters’ out.

Though watching Maddox stand there at the end of the aisle under a canopy of twinkle lights and stars makes it easy to imagine what can’t be.

“Here, you need a veil and flowers.” The coordinator stuffs a small spray of cream roses in my hand and pokes a comb into my scalp, settling a veil around my face. “Perfect.”

The orchestra starts playing.

“You two will start walking in ten seconds.”

Filmore takes my hand and rests it on his arm. I fight the urge to cringe away. It’s not as bony as I would expect from a man his age.

“Go,” she whispers.

Slowly, we start down the candlelit pathway. My eyes lock with Maddox’s. Weddings, even rehearsals, do things to women’s minds. Because I could swear his eyes are filled with promise, hope, and…love. The world shrinks. Mom and the hundreds of people watching us disappear. In this moment, it’s about the man I love and the future that flowers and stars make me believe could happen. All too soon, but not fast enough. I come to a stop near Maddox. “Hello.”

That was a stupid thing to say.

“Hello, Beautiful.”

“On behalf of the Linckester family, I give this woman to you, forever joining you with our family.” Filmore’s formal words make me jump inside. He lifts the veil and kisses my cheek.

The urge to rub it off and bleach my skin makes no sense.

“Perfect.” The coordinator steps forward. “Now, Mindy, you hand your flowers to your maid of honor.”

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