Chapter 9
I met Travis when I was eighteen. He begged my mom to give him lessons wouldn’t let up until she said yes.
That w
was the first time life had started to feel a little lighter.
My mother had fallen seriously ill from years of hardship and betrayal. And Travis… he ran around day and night for the both of us. He
even hired a top–tier international medical team to create a custom treatment for her.
For a long time, I kept my feelings for him buried deep. I didn’t dare accept his love.
But he pursued me for three whole years–relentless.
The day I finally said yes, he picked me up and spun me around like a kid on Christmas morning. He was that happy.
Knock knock
The makeup artist peeked in: “Miss Whitman, it’s time to change into your wedding dress.”
The moment I stepped into the gown, a butterfly landed softly on my shoulder.
My eyes filled with tears. “Mom… is that you?”
Julian appeared quietly behind me, his fingers lacing through mine. “It’s her. She came to bless us.”
Then, turning to the butterfly, he said with genuine warmth, “Thank you for coming. I promise–I’ll take good care of Elise.”
The butterfly circled around us again and again before finally fluttering out the window.
I watched through teary eyes as it drifted farther and farther away. Jullan gave my shoulder a gentle pat
“Easy there, you’re smudging your makeup. You’ll scare our guests looking like a raccoon
My voice trembled. “Is he here?”
Julian’s face darkened as he nodded.
“Elise”
He hesitated, but I cut him off.
“Julian, this is something I need to handle myself.”
He smiled faintly, understanding in his eyes. “I know. I just don’t want you getting hurt.”
H
As Julian and I walked hand–in–hand toward the ceremony, Travis shot up from the crowd.
“Elise?! What the hell–why is it you?!”
He pushed his way toward me, trying to grab my hand. “You’re my wife! You can’t marry someone else! Did he force you? Come with
I pulled my hand away with a soft laugh.
“Mr
- r. Langley. Long time no see
His eyes wem wide. “What… what did you just call me?”
Still smiling. I repeated it. “Mr. Langley ”
Before he could say another word, I added with a mocking tone, “Congratulations, by the way. Two brides, right? Must be exhausting
celing them, and yet he
you are at our wedding I’m honored.”
Julian stepped between us calmly. “Mr. Langley, would you kindly step aside? The ceremony is about to begin.”
