Chapter 6 Six

The bridal boutique smelled like fresh fabric and expensive perfume. Rows of pristine white gowns lined the walls, shimmering under the soft lighting. Normally, I would've been excited to be here, helping Emma with last-minute adjustments to her dress.

But with Lucas standing beside me, the tension was unbearable.

Emma was already in the fitting room, chatting animatedly with the seamstress. I stood awkwardly near the mirrors, arms crossed, wishing I had insisted on coming alone.

Lucas, on the other hand, looked entirely too comfortable. He leaned against a nearby display, hands in his pockets, watching me like he was waiting for me to say something.

I refused to give him the satisfaction.

"So," he said, breaking the silence. "Are we just going to pretend last night didn't happen?"

I stiffened. "There's nothing to talk about."

Lucas let out a low chuckle, but there was no humor in it. "Right. Because avoiding things has always worked so well for us."

I turned to him, eyes narrowing. "What do you want me to say, Lucas? That I regret how things ended? That I still think about it?"

He didn't say anything, but his gaze darkened, his jaw tightening.

"I don't," I lied. "I moved on. Maybe you should try it, too."

Something flickered in his expression-something that looked a lot like hurt-but it was gone before I could be sure.

Before he could respond, Emma emerged from the fitting room, beaming. "What do you think?"

I turned, grateful for the distraction, and felt my breath catch.

She looked stunning. The dress hugged her figure perfectly, the lace details delicate and intricate. It was the kind of gown that made everything feel real.

I swallowed past the lump in my throat and forced a smile. "You look beautiful."

Emma grinned, twirling slightly. "I still can't believe this is happening." She turned to Lucas. "Well? What do you think?"

Lucas's expression softened as he took her in. "You look perfect, Em."

She beamed. "Okay, I just need a few adjustments, and then we're good to go!" She turned back to the seamstress, launching into a discussion about minor alterations.

I let out a quiet breath, hoping the moment had passed. But as I turned, I found Lucas watching me again.

And this time, there was no mistaking the way his eyes lingered.

I felt my stomach twist, heat creeping up my neck.

This was dangerous territory.

And the worst part?

I wasn't sure I wanted to escape it.

The ride back from the bridal boutique was even more unbearable than the ride there.

Lucas hadn't said much after Emma had disappeared into the back room for her final dress adjustments. He just stood there, watching me with that same unreadable expression, like he was waiting for me to crack first.

I didn't.

Now, as we drove back to the estate where the rehearsal dinner would be held, the silence between us stretched thick and heavy.

I kept my gaze firmly on the window, watching as the city blurred past.

Lucas exhaled sharply. "Are you going to ignore me forever, Claire?"

I didn't flinch. "I'm not ignoring you."

"You haven't looked at me since we got in the car."

I rolled my eyes. "You're exaggerating."

"Am I?"

I turned then, scowling. "Fine. Happy?"

His lips quirked slightly. "Getting there."

I huffed. "You're impossible."

Lucas tapped his fingers against the steering wheel. "And yet, you married me."

I sucked in a sharp breath.

He didn't say it to be cruel. His voice wasn't mocking or bitter. If anything, there was something almost... thoughtful about the way he said it.

But it still hit me like a punch to the gut.

"That was a long time ago," I muttered, turning back toward the window.

Lucas didn't respond immediately. When he finally spoke, his voice was quieter.

"Doesn't feel like it."

I closed my eyes briefly, willing my heart to slow down.

This wasn't fair.

He wasn't allowed to say things like that.

Not when I had spent so long convincing myself that what we had was over.

That what we had never should've happened in the first place.

"Claire-"

"Don't," I cut him off, my voice sharper than I intended. "Just... don't."

Lucas sighed but didn't push.

The rest of the drive was silent, but this time, it wasn't just tension that filled the air.

It was something heavier.

Something neither of us knew how to name.

---

By the time we arrived at the estate, the sun was beginning to set, casting golden light over the sprawling garden. The rehearsal dinner was already in full swing, guests mingling beneath string lights, laughter and conversation filling the air.

I spotted Emma near the entrance, waving enthusiastically.

"There you are!" she exclaimed as we approached. "I was starting to think you two got lost."

Lucas smirked. "Not lost. Just taking the scenic route."

I shot him a glare, but Emma was too busy ushering us inside to notice.

"Come on, everyone's already here," she said, dragging me toward the main table. "I saved you a seat."

Relief flooded through me-until I saw where exactly she had placed me.

Right next to Lucas.

I shot her a look, but she just winked before hurrying off to check on something else.

Traitor.

Lucas chuckled, settling into his seat. "Looks like we're stuck together."

I groaned, sinking into my chair. "Of course we are."

The dinner carried on around us, but I barely tasted the food. My focus was split between making small talk with the other guests and avoiding the way Lucas kept looking at me.

It didn't help that Isabelle-perfect Isabelle-was sitting directly across from us, watching everything with a small, knowing smirk.

She leaned forward at one point, swirling her wine glass. "So, Claire, how does it feel being back here after all this time?"

I forced a polite smile. "It's been... eventful."

Her gaze flickered to Lucas, amusement dancing in her eyes. "I bet."

I clenched my jaw but said nothing.

Lucas must have sensed the tension because he suddenly leaned in, his arm resting on the back of my chair.

It was casual.

Too casual.

But the warmth of him so close to me sent a shiver down my spine.

He smirked, clearly enjoying my reaction. "Relax, Claire. It's just dinner."

I shot him a glare. "For you, maybe."

Lucas chuckled, his breath brushing against my skin.

And just like that, I knew this night was far from over.