Chapter 69

• Charlotte finally lifted her gaze to meet his. “It just… it’s complicated.” The words felt loaded, heavy with meanings unsaid. Damien felt the pull of the past, the laughter they had shared, the moments that had woven their lives together with silver threads.
• “Complicated how?” he pressed, a need for clarity overwhelming him.
• “I mean… well, you’re getting married,” she said quietly, as if this was the obvious answer and he was the one who couldn’t see it. “I just thought it was best to… take a step back.”