CHAPTER 7

ELODIE

I stood nervously in front of the familiar door, holding a box of food mixed with the necessary pills for Tedros. It had been three years since I'd last visited his apartment—the same one he'd shared with his late mate. My heart pounded as I heard the voices of his family drifting through the door.

"Did you just say marriage?" his mother asked, her voice laced with shock. "You left, and suddenly you're getting married?"

I hesitated, my hand hovering over the doorbell. I knew they would react this way to the marriage, but I didn't expect to hear it firsthand.

"Who are you getting married to, anyway?" Cole chimed in, his tone harsh. "It's a surprise that anyone would want you after everything you've done. I wonder what terrible taste she has."

I winced at Cole's words, fighting the urge to burst in and defend myself.

"You're all overreacting," Tedros said defensively. "I'm getting married tomorrow at 9 a.m."

A heavy silence hung in the air, leaving me on edge.

"Then who is she?"