The church was quiet except for the faint shuffle of silk and murmured whispers. You stood at the altar, your hands trembling slightly in his. This was the day everyone had been waiting for—your perfect wedding. But your chest felt tight, the air thick and suffocating.

Out of the corner of your eye, you saw him. Rafe Cameron. He was sitting in the back pew, his jaw tight, fists clenched on his lap. He hadn’t spoken to you since the engagement, hadn’t even looked at you in weeks. But now, here he was, his presence louder than the vows you were about to make.

The officiant’s voice echoed in the church, heavy and deliberate. “If anyone here knows any reason why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

The silence was deafening. You tried to steady your breathing, your pulse pounding in your ears. And then it shattered.

“I can’t.”

Rafe’s voice was clear, unsteady, and raw. Gasps rippled through the guests as every head turned. Your heart stopped as he stood, his eyes locked on yours, his usual arrogance replaced with something almost… desperate.

“I can’t just sit here and watch this happen,” he said, his voice breaking. “I know I’m the last person who should be saying this, but I can’t let you marry him. Not when I love you.”

Your breath hitched, and tears welled in your eyes. The groom turned to glare at Rafe, but you barely noticed.

“Rafe, don’t do this,” you whispered, but your voice lacked conviction.

He stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. “I’ve made mistakes. I’ve hurt you, I know. But I’ve never stopped loving you. And I can’t let you walk away when I know we’re meant to be.”

The room held its breath. Rafe’s voice softened. “Say the word, and I’ll leave. But if even a part of you feels the same way… don’t say ‘I do.’”

Your chest tightened. You looked at him, at the man waiting for you at the altar, and back at Rafe. The world was silent, waiting for your choice.