Semua Bab Divorce and Regret: Chasing My Famous Lawyer Ex-Wife: Bab 211 - Bab 220

Natalie’s POVEloise appeared at the end of the aisle, looking radiant and lovely, just as the bridal march music filled the church. Arthur stood waiting, all nerves and wonder, his eyes fixed on her like she was the only thing anchoring him to the ground.I swallowed.It was beautiful. Undeniably so. I felt an ache in my heart. I wasn’t sure if it was from the touching joyful moment or from a pain I didn’t recognize within me. For one quiet, treacherous second, I wondered if I would ever stand at the end of an aisle like that. If marriage would ever feel that certain to me. Not careful. Not negotiated. Just… sure.The thought barely had time to settle before another followed—uninvited and far more dangerous.Brandon.He sat beside me now, close enough that I could feel the heat of him through the thin space between us. The man I’d married on paper. The man I’d never truly known. Quite funny that we’re now sitting together side by side during a wedding. Suddenly, Dylan shifted at

Natalie’s POVAt some point, the noise became too much, or maybe it was the emotional back-and-forth finally catching up with me.“I need air,” I murmured to no one in particular, already pushing my chair back.Emma caught my eye. “You okay?”“Just—too warm,” I said. “I’ll be back.”I didn’t wait for anyone to offer to come with me.Outside, I slipped off my heels and carried them by the straps, the cool stone beneath my feet grounding in a way nothing inside had. The night air brushed against my skin, gentle and forgiving, and I followed the softly lit path toward the hotel garden.The music faded with every step.By the time I reached the fountain—old stone, water trickling quietly into a shallow basin—my shoulders finally dropped. I set my heels down beside me and leaned my hands against the cool edge, closing my eyes.Breathe in. Breathe out.For the first time all evening, it felt like I could hear myself think.“Natalie.”I opened my eyes.Brandon stood a few feet away, jacket g

Emma’s POV“Emma—wait.”I heard his voice behind me, but I didn’t stop. My heels slapped against the stone path as I moved farther from the ballroom, the music bleeding out behind me in muffled bursts. I barely made it past the hedge lining the garden when footsteps pounded closer.“Emma.”His voice cracked. Breathless. Urgent.I spun around before he could reach for me.“What,” I snapped. “Did you follow me to explain or to finish the performance?”Lucas stopped short, chest rising and falling hard. His tie was gone. His hair slightly disheveled. He looked—panicked.“It’s not what you think,” he said quickly. “I swear to you, it’s not—”“Don’t,” I cut in. “Don’t do that. Don’t tell me it’s not what I think when I saw it.”“You saw a moment,” he said. “Not the truth.”I laughed, sharp and humorless. “Funny how that’s always the excuse.”“Emma—”“You kissed her,” I said. “In the middle of the reception. In front of everyone.”“She kissed me.”“Oh, please,” I shot back. “You didn’t loo

Brandon’s POVNatalie barely gave me a second glance.“I’ll be right back,” she said, already stepping away. “Restroom.”I watched her disappear into the crowd, the back of her dress vanishing between clusters of guests, and felt a flicker of something I couldn’t quite name settle in my chest. Unease, maybe. Or instinct. I turned just as a hand extended toward me.“Brandon York. I thought that was you.”It was Attorney Morgan. Up close, he looked exactly as I remembered—and with him standing there, the memory of our recent encounter and the near-miss with my ex-wife came rushing back all at once.“Attorney Morgan,” I replied. “Good to see you.”“Likewise,” he said. “I quickly recognized you even from afar. You have your grandfather’s posture. Hard to miss once you know what to look for.”Before I could respond, Matthew appeared at my side, drink in hand, eyebrows lifting in mild curiosity.“Matthew,” I said, gesturing between them. “This is Attorney Morgan.”They exchanged handshakes

Emma’s POVI was curled up on the far end of the couch, knees tucked to my chest, bottle sweating onto a coaster I kept missing.“I swear to God,” I said, staring at the cards fanned uselessly in my hand, “if I ever hear the phrase it’s not what it looks like again, I’m committing arson.”Dylan didn’t even look up from the deck he was shuffling. “That bad, huh?”“He let her kiss him,” I snapped. “In front of everyone. Like I was some—some audience member who didn’t matter.”He paused, then set the cards down carefully. “Emma…”“And the worst part?” I barreled on. “I saw it coming. That’s what makes it humiliating. I knew this would happen, and I still let myself believe him. And I was starting to think that… that…” I groaned and grabbed my beer to finish it off. “So stupid,” I muttered. “Give me another beer.”“Are you sure?” Dylan looked hesitant, but I threw him a piercing look that made him hand over another one. That alone felt like mercy.“I mean, who was I kidding?” I said, c