Page 187 of Broken Destiny

That was a different story.

Every second inside the church hurt my heart, as if it knew what was coming and was trying to prepare me for the inevitable loss.

“Are you okay?” Harper asked softly beside me.

I nodded without looking at him, lowering my gaze to the floor. My hands trembled in my lap, my fingers curling into the fabric of my dress as I struggled to steady myself.

To come so close to being with Caleb again—to stand within reach of the life we once dreamed of—only to be torn apart once more felt unbearable.

The church bells rang out in celebration, their deep, resonant sound echoing through the high ceilings and vibrating in my chest, signalling that the ceremony was going to start soon.

I lifted my head slightly and saw Simon and Greg enter through a side door and take their positions beside Caleb near the altar.

Everything looked perfect.

Everything looked exactly as it should.

Except my heart.

Soft organ music floated through the church as guests shifted in their seats and whispered among themselves.

I kept my eyes fixed on the church floor, watching the patterns in the polished tiles blur slightly.

From the corner of my eye, with my head still bent, I saw a pair of sparkling golden shoes pass by.

Eleanor.

I recognized them immediately.

My breath caught in my throat.

I didn’t look up until I was certain they had passed me.

Sitting on the aisle on the left side of the church, I had a clear view of the altar once I finally raised my eyes.

Randall stood near the altar in a black suit, leaning slightly on his cane while Eleanor rested her arm through Caleb’s. Her rose-gold gown shimmered beneath the church lights as she kissed Caleb on both cheeks before returning to her seat beside Randall.

Watching Randall, I wished I had been given a chance to speak to him one last time.We had shared such a good rapport once. He had always treated me like a daughter, welcoming me into his home with warmth and kindness, making me feel like I belonged. I would always be grateful for that.

But after everything that had happened, I knew that I would never get the chance to thank him.

The string quartet began to play the bridal song.

People around me slowly rose to their feet.

Bridesmaids in teal dresses glided past my row toward the altar while the music swelled softly through the church.

My heart began to race, and a tingling sensation spread through my chest, creeping into my arms and fingertips until my hands turned numb.

How could I possibly think I could go through this? How did I convince myself that I could sit here calmly and watch the love of my life marry someone else?

A painful ache rose in the back of my throat as tears pooled in my eyes.

I couldn’t do this.

Dear God, help me!

I grabbed the pew in front of me and slowly pushed myself upright, gripping the wood tightly for support as weakness spread through my legs.