Chapter Forty-Nine

Rayne

Everyone turns to applaud the arrival of the couple.

I don’t.

I stand facing Albert while the sound of cheering and clapping hands permeates the air. I drink deeply from the cup in my hand to swallow the pit forming in my throat. Thankfully, nobody notices me. Even if they did, why would they find my reaction strange?

Wouldn’t it be stranger if I applauded?

Waiting for the applauses to die down is painfully awkward. I keep drinking my glass and hoping that tears won’t snake down my face. I feel so out of place right now. I don’t even know where to look.

“Thank you,” Max says, raising a hand. “Thank you all for being here and celebrating this special moment with us.”

Because I’m standing next to Albert, I know that it’s only a matter of time before Max and Alaska walk toward us. I saw only a flash of her face and her dress, but it was enough to make me agree with what everyone always said.

Alaska is stunning.

There is a bright light in her eyes and smile. She just has this