He’s gone AWOL

SERENA’S POV

In that moment, my carefully constructed composure fell away.

One single tear I didn’t realize I was holding slipped down my cheek. Did I just imagine the words or….Kaden loved me ?

It was what I'd longed to hear, and yet the worst possible timing. Goddamit!

I really wanted to pull him to myself and tell him every single emotion I felt but the tender moment was abruptly shattered by my mother's distinct voice calling upstairs. "Serena? Kaden? Why aren't you all at the church yet?"

Her figure appeared in the doorway, glancing between us expectantly.

I collected myself, dropping Kaden's hands. "We were just heading there now, Mom."

Kaden nodded solemnly. "I'll see you at the altar." With one last lingering look at me, he slipped past my mother and out of sight.

As we reached the church, I sat there a little nervous as though it was my own wedding. Everyone was exquisitely dressed like royalty. My eyes darted towards Bianca, the picture of happiness in her shimmering b