BROKEN COURAGE (Broken Redemption Book 3)

Chapter 65

James

Sure enough, the room quiets as the DJ announces the bride and groom's first dance. The first notes of "All of Me" by John Legend float through the air, the lyrics telling a story of loving someone not despite their imperfections but because of them. As the song plays, I can't tear my eyes away. Lucas draws Emilia close, his hands gentle but steady, grounding her as they sway together. They look at each other like there's no one else in the room, like they're each other's whole damn world. And maybe they are.

I don't want to feel it—the twist in my gut, the inexplicable ache that rises as I watch them. Hell, I don't even know what it is. But there's something so undeniably whole and complete about them, something that looks like the kind of happiness that only exists in fairy tales. Watching them leaves a raw, hollow feeling in my chest. It's unsettling, and I try to shake it off, but the feeling lingers, pressing against me like an unwelcome reminder of something I'll never have.

The song comes to an end, applause swelling through the room as Lucas leans in to press a soft kiss on Emilia's forehead. She smiles up at him, her hand tenderly brushing away a tear from his cheek. The moment feels so raw, so deeply theirs, that I feel like an intruder witnessing a moment that wasn't meant for me.

Next, the DJ calls for the maid of honor and best man. Jen and Ben step onto the dance floor, and Ben immediately pulls her close, his arms wrapping around her as they begin to sway. The way he looks at her—like he still can't believe she's his, even after all these years—is beautiful and almost unbearable to watch. It's not just love in his eyes. It's reverence, quiet awe, and a deep gratitude that shows he knows how lucky he is.

Jen laughs as he twirls her around, her face lighting up with joy as she follows his lead with effortless grace, even with her very pregnant belly. The love between them is unmistakable—real and honest—and it hits me again, that sharp pang digging deeper, clawing at the part of me I shuttered and buried nearly a decade ago.

I let out a slow breath, trying to shake it off, willing myself to focus on anything but these foreign feelings inside me. I don't want this. Hell, I don't even know what this is, but I know enough to realize I'm treading on dangerous ground.

Thankfully, I have little time to dwell on it. The DJ's voice breaks through the speakers, calling the groomsmen and bridesmaids to join the bride and groom on the dance floor. My heart kicks up a notch as I glance over, catching sight of Annelly as she moves toward the center of the room. Her gaze is downcast, darting everywhere except in my direction, which only confirms what I already suspect. She knows exactly where I am.

Her date, Mr. Douche, is nowhere in sight. He's probably off licking his wounds, convincing himself he still has her under his control. But none of that matters now because this is it. My chance to finally talk to her and make things right between us.

With determination thrumming through my veins, I cross the room, weaving through the crowd until I'm standing in front of her. Her eyes lift, widening in surprise. For a moment, she looks like she's about to bolt, but I extend my hand, keeping my expression calm and as neutral as I can.

She hesitates, glancing around as if searching for a reason—any reason—not to take it. But after what feels like an eternity, she relents, her fingers slipping into mine perfectly. Without a word, I place my other hand at her waist and then guide her into a gentle, slow dance.

The first few beats pass in silence, the music filling the awkwardness between us. She's tense, barely holding onto me, but I don't let her pull away. Not yet. Instead, I lean in closer, catching the faintest trace of her scent—a mix of sweet vanilla and something uniquely her.