Page 3 of Damsel in Defense
“Yes.Go!Go!We’ll talk tomorrow morning.Safe travels back to Toronto.”
I nod, already dreading continuing our conversation.I’ll have to make sure I find some time tonight to give the situation some thought—because faking a rehab stay is not something I want to do or feel comfortable lying about.
Cece and I are out the door and parting at the elevator moments later.Taking a deep breath as the doors close in front of me, I prepare myself.
This evening will be an emotional one as I watch my big brother commit his life to another.But it will also be a mental roller coaster too.
I hate small talk.
Even with the ceremony being small—close family and friends only—the inane chatter and repeated questions always grate on me.
By the end of the night, I know my eyes will be sore from all the tears I’m about to cry, and my cheek muscles will be tight from fake smiling and laughing.
The pleasant chime of the doors opening rings out, and I step into the crowded lobby.
“Miss Westwyld, right this way,” a suited gentleman directs me.Nodding, I follow his lead.“First time in Barbados?”he asks.
I stifle my laugh.And so, it begins.
CHAPTER TWO
VICTORIA
The clinking of crystal washes over the group of tables on the beachside patio.With the hugest smile on his face, my brother stands and nods to everyone surrounding him.
“I’m afraid it’s that time of the night where you have to listen to me speak.And you all know how much I love the sound of my own voice.”I shake my head at my brother’s joke, laughing with the rest of the group.
“I firstly want to thank all of you for joining us today.”He looks over at a beaming Bryn.“Every day since I met Bryn has been the best day of my life—I’m a truly lucky man—but today has been something magical.A day that I will not be able to put into words for a very long time and a memory I will cherish until my last breath.All of you, dear friends, have added to the magic of the day, so I thank you for travelling here and supporting us.Cheers to you.”
I raise my Shirley Temple drink in his direction, toasting to his gratitude.His next words have me freezing in place.
“I also want to acknowledge those who couldn’t be here today.As some of you know, recently, my grandmother passed away.She raised me and Tori.She was our rock, a force to be reckoned with, and a woman who loved with her whole heart.Grandma Angie left us too soon and too suddenly, but I know she’s looking down at us today.Blessing us.”
Slowly, I place my glass on the table.My hands begin to tremble, tightness building in my chest.I stare at my brother, trying to breathe through my growing panic, until my sight goes watery.Tears start to pool in my eyes, and I know I only have a matter of minutes before I really lose control and make a fool of myself.
“And lastly, but most importantly,” I hear Henrik continue, “to my bride, my one true love, my queen.I love you.Thank you for trusting me with your heart and your future.I promise not to fuck it up.”There’s a pause, and then applause and laughter break out.He must have kissed her.I can’t see through my tears to really know.“Now, let’s party!”
More applause and cheers break out.I take that as my chance.Standing abruptly from the table, I rush out the curtained doors, not knowing or caring where I’m going.I just need to get away.Far away.
There’s a burning in my chest.A tightness that is so uncomfortable but so familiar.I’m on the verge of a panic attack.
Stumbling around, I spot through my watery vision a garden path off to the side.As quick as I can make my body move, I head in that direction, hoping to hide in the tall hedges.
I don’t know how long I turn and twist down the path, but eventually, I come to a small water feature.The splashing of the water is soothing, and I fall onto a nearby bench.My breath is coming too rapidly, my hands shaking too hard.I can’t get control of myself.
My mind starts to imagine worst-case scenarios, the “what-ifs” of me passing out here alone.Henrik won’t notice I’m missing—he’s starting his own family now.
And the one person I could always rely on is…gone.
I’m all alone.
The world around me begins to spin at that thought.
That’s when a calm voice reaches me.
“Hey.You’re okay.You’re not alone.”
I can’t see the figure clearly, and the voice doesn’t sound familiar to my panic-ridden mind, but still, I reach out.His cool hand lightly clasps mine, then squeezes.That squeeze helps ground me.
