HARPER
There it was—the news of our secret marriage, out in the open for society to feast on and twist into whatever narrative they pleased.
Gasps rippled through the small crowd that had gathered. Phones were out, already filming. I saw the way my father's and Elizabeth's faces drained of color. Their mouths opened, then snapped shut again quickly.
Silence stretched, thick and loaded. My father stared between Dominic and me, his eyes eventually landing on the wedding band on my ring finger.
"Harper Wilson!" he bellowed, rage flaring. He stormed toward me, but didn't get far.
Jude Fletcher stepped in. He clasped my father's wrist mid-lunge, stopping him cold. Then leaned in and whispered something low in his ear.
My father stiffened. The fire in his eyes didn't fade, but he stopped moving.
Jude turned, addressing the onlookers with smooth authority. "Please, everyone, return to the party. This is a private family matter and doesn't concern the rest of you."
