Chapter 103

Madeleine

I stand in the bridal suite adjoining the church, waiting for four p.m. The cellist Angelica chose is playing some soft classical tune that hauntingly echoes through the church.

I clutch my lily bouquet and look through the window at the parking lot as Sallie pulls up next to the limousine decorated with blue and silver ribbons.

Rafael gets out of the SUV, and slams the door shut. He stands still for a moment, adjusting his tuxedo and checking for wrinkles. He looks in the side mirror, smooths his hair back, then laughs and says something to Sallie.

The young man runs in the direction of the entrance and out of sight.

I stare at Rafael in wonder. He is movie-perfect handsome in his black suit with the silver waistcoat and tie that Angelica picked for him.

But unlike me, he’s all alone.

It hits me how lonely he must be. Rafael can call his captains his family all he likes, but we both know it’s not real. He has no real friends, just colleagues, and his only living family, A