The pieces of my puzzle.

Forty

(Bradly's POV)

Wait. Hold up.

Did Azara just say what I think she said?

Her mother?!?

This woman had always been a mysterious figure to me, never discussed, and when I had brought it up Azara had shut it off and changed the subject, apparently not willing to even think about the person who played a significant role in most people's lives.

It had always just been accepted; Her mother wasn't around. End of story.

But through all that, my mother, Carole, had always been like a mother to Azara as well. Supporting her, teaching her things only a mother could. She was almost just as heartbroken as I was when Carole passed when we were 17.

So to say I had no Idea what I was about to walk into, was an understatement. And judging by the expressions on both women's faces, It wasn't going to be pretty.

I placed a gentle, reassuring hand on Az's lower back, a silent promise that I will stand by my her side no matter what direction this would turn to.

(Azara's POV)

Bradly's hand on my lower back only eased some of the tension rippling through me, his warm yet protective presence beside me calming my racing thoughts, if only just by a fraction.

I wasn't alone in this, we were in this life together now.

I took a breath, attempting to ease the constricted feeling in my chest as I gave Bradly another glance before focusing entirely on the woman before me.

"Charlotte, what are you doing here?" The words left my mouth sounding strained, not giving her any indication of what I thought of her presence. My mask firmly in place.

She fidgeted nervously with her hands as she opened her mouth to speak and then closed it again as if to gather her thoughts, my breath catched with the similarity of the nervous tick that I so often unknowingly did.

"I came to see you, I didn't want to miss your big day, how could I?" She explained with a hesitant smile plastered on her face, searching my eyes for something that she was definitely not going to find. That I won't let her find.

Anger surged through my mind as the words left her mouth. How could she think she had a right to be here? After everything.

"Well, you need to leave. I don't want you here." I deadpanned, my tone just as icy as it was before Bradly had broken down all my defenses.

I felt my father's gaze burning into the back of my head along with most of the guests who had noticed the exchange, but I didn't dare let my cold gaze stray from her face.

Her expression was one of hurt, sadness, anger even.

She was angry at me? What valid reason did she have to retain any amount of anger after the pain, the confusion, the anger she caused in me and my father's life?

She took a step forward, reaching out a hand to touch me but retracted it a second later, apparently changing her mind. "Zari, come on, I know things have changed, but I just wanted.....needed to see you."

My chest tightened, the burning of tears familiar behind my eyes, but I didn't give them permission to even fill my eyes, not now. Not today.

Before I could will my voice to work without breaking when forming words, Bradly squeezed my hand and stepped forward slightly, a protectiveness radiating off of him.