esent

with her because seven days late

. The deep V-neckline plunged just above her chest, trailing down to her abdomen, revealing

she couldn't bring herself to defy her mother w

y reminded herself, trying to p

ntire marriage. After all, why celebrate with strangers when none of her closest friends were pres

ur. David's voice rang out, steady and assured as

her stern expression, and then to her father, who offered her a soft, understandin

ed, offering a silent yet p

ut then, the priest's voice broke throug

e David Park to be your l

ing. The weight of the question pressed on her ch

on, David was sti

ntal glare, her father's empathy, and Simon's barely concealed anger. Everyone was waiting. Waitin

d

iled warmly, continuing his blessing, but Avery barely register

nd slid the wedding band onto her finger. For a mom

ost arrived. The priest's vo

seal your vow

ore than a brief, emotionless peck. David

lled with a surprising passion, something she hadn't prepared for. His hand pressed agai

emotions swirled inside A

n,' her mind screamed. And

's head spun. She stared into David'

cting so unexpectedly? Firs

g more? Or was David just putting on a sh

her mother's piercing gaze. Around them, the guests b

nder her breath, still tryi

ed in hers as they made their way out of the venue. He led her to the wa

is tie, ripping it off and tossing it to the side. Unfortunately, th

ng her eyes and waiting for

his phone, te

ally asked, notic

the eye," Avery sa

casually, as if it was no b

disbelief creeping into her vo

a tie," he replied,

hit my eye!" s

d it blind your eyes? You're just looking

. "What? Why would I want to talk

, a smug grin

I?" He c

avid P

g grin-only fueled Aver