Chapter 4

The announcement came during what should have been our final wedding party gathering. Gabriel stood at the head of his parents' dining room table, champagne glass raised, his smile bright and confident as he addressed our closest friends and family.

"I have some exciting news about the ceremony," he began, his voice carrying that practiced charm that had once made my heart flutter. "Dakota has graciously agreed to serve as my co-best woman. She'll have special seating at the altar and will be helping with some of the ceremony responsibilities."

The room erupted in polite applause, but I felt the…