Jasper's pov
I thought I was ready for this night.
Everything had been set. The music, the lights, the guests waiting with expectant smiles. My only job was to hold Belle, lead her through that first dance, and remind her with every step that she wasn't alone anymore. That she had someone who would stand with her through every storm.
That was supposed to be the hardest part ,helping her calm the nerves, holding her steady.
But then the doors opened.
And I saw Millie.
For a second, I didn't even breathe. She stood there, so small and so still, and it was like the whole room dissolved. Just her. That little face I knew so well. Those wide, watchful eyes. The child I'd tucked in at night, whose tears I'd wiped away, whose laughter I'd memorized.
Millie.
But she wasn't supposed to be here. Not now. Not like this. Did they finally release her? Because we went through with the wedding?
My chest squeezed so tight it hurt.
