In the bridal suite, Mary sat quietly with Briony.

The wedding ceremony was just thirty minutes away.

"Briony, are you nervous?" Mary asked gently.

Briony looked over at her. Mary was dressed in a blush-pink bridesmaid gown, looking sweet and lovely, though the gentle swell of her belly made the dress sit awkwardly on her frame.

"Mary," Briony murmured, reaching for her hand.

Mary's hand was cold and slick with sweat.

"Listen to me," Briony said, her tone grave. "No matter what-whether it's the baby you're carrying or Ferdinand himself—you must remember that you come first. If anything happens, you save yourself before anyone else. Promise me."

Mary caught the strange seriousness in her voice and opened her mouth to reply, but before she could, the door swung open.

Ferdinand strode in, immaculate in a white suit.

Briony quietly released Mary's hand.

Ferdinand carried an insulated container, his eyes fixed on Briony, paying no attention to Mary at all.

"I asked Belinda to make you some nourishing soup, and she also prepared a few of your favorite side dishes," he said.

He crossed the room, slipped an arm around Briony's shoulders, and spoke gently, "Once the ceremony starts, I might not be able to take care of you. You've been looking pale-have a little soup first, all right?"

Briony nodded faintly.

a day like this.

pressed a

of disgust flashed in Briony's eyes, her brows drawing together for

almost that of a maid, and reached out for the container. "Let me help Briony with the

led Briony to the sofa

served the soup into

it to me," Ferdinand said. "I'll feed

not necessary," Briony replied coolly. "I'm perfectly capable of feeding

took the bowl Mary passed him and let

her soup,

of

nearby,

loved him. Ferdinand, however, only had eyes

Briony didn't love Ferdinand

three of them, not a single one would get what they

destined to be a tragedy

...

ceremony began right on

ancient, sacred church, every pew was nearly filled. The red carpet was strewn with fresh rose petals, and the Wedding March echoed beneath the high stone

Ferdinand stood tall

church doors swung

a flowing white gown entered clutching a bouquet, entered, supported by supported by Mary and the stylist, Linda.

as every eye in the chapel turned to

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