The guest hall suddenly felt suffocating to Edith, as if the air itself was pressing in around her.

She drew a deep breath and stared out the window at the sparkling blue sea under a cloudless sky. The ceremony was still some time off. Maybe a walk would clear her

head.

Edith slipped out the hotel’s side door, gulping down the briny, sun–warmed air. Only when she looked up did she spot Justin–standing there with regalposure, a cigarette poised between his fingers.

She frowned, caught off guard. She’d never seen Justin smoke before–not once had

she noticed the scent of tobo on him.

Edith hesitated, her voice uncertain. “What are you doing out here?”

Wasn’t he supposed to be looking for Lucille?

Justin arched a brow, a wry smile tugging at his lips. “Mrs. Hawksley’s sent me off to chase after other women more times than I can count. I needed a breather, so I came

out for a smoke.” His tone carried a trace of wounded pride, almost boyish in its

The ache in Edith’s chest faded, reced by a subtle pang of guilt. She nced at

him, awkward and apologetic.

His long fingers held the burning cigarette, the ember glowing bright against the summer sun, a tiny spark in the midday light.

Edith dropped her gaze and murmured, “I’m sorry…”

A faint smile curled at Justin’s lips as he raised an eyebrow, teasing, “What was that?

Couldn’t quite catch it.”

He took onest drag before stubbing the cigarette out in the trashcan nearby. The scent of smoke drifted on the sea breeze, tickling Edith’s nose. She wrinkled it slightly, only to find Justin had stepped closer, closing the distance between them.

“I said–I’m sorry.”

This time, she said it steadily, meeting his eyes.

Justin reached out, slipping an arm around her waist. “I don’t want an apology,” he murmured. “I want something a little more useful.”

16:42

“Useful? And what would that be?” Edith’s brow furrowed in confusion.

His smile deepened, but he didn’t answer. He just watched her, letting the moment hang between them.

Then, as though reading an unspoken signal, Justin closed his eyes. Edith understood immediately.

Without thinking, she rose onto her toes. The sea breeze brushed past as she pressed her lips–soft as the wind–against his.

The kiss was light at first, a gentle spark, but quickly deepened as Justin’s arm tightened around her waist. She felt herself tip forward, her body pressed against the steady rise and fall of his chest, his breath growing heavier with desire.

The world seemed to melt away until Edith broke the kiss, gasping for air, her cheeks flushed a rosy pink that Justin found utterly enchanting.

The sound of wedding bells carried on the breeze, and a staff member appeared to remind them it was time to take their seats.

Naturally, Justin reached for Edith’s hand, tucking it neatly into the crook of his arm. He nced down at her, smiling. “Mrs. Hawksley, shall we?”

Edith, dressed in a blush–pink gown chosen just for the asion, smiled and lifted her skirt slightly as she matched his stride.

From behind, they made an unlikely pair: Justin, with his jet–ck suit and tousled hair, looked every bit the charming rogue; Edith, delicate in her pastel dress, radiated gentle warmth. Yet somehow, together, they just made sense.

The wedding was set on the shore, the entire venue strewn with white lilies. Their fragrance mingled with the salty breeze, lending the air a heady sweetness.

As a prominent member of the Hawksley family, Justin was invited to speak at the ceremony. Edith watched from the audience as he took the stage, tall and poised, his confidencemanding every eye in the room.

She was about to remind the person beside her that the seat was taken when she nced over–and recognized Lucille, her delicate features unmistakable.

Lucille sat down without a word, her gaze fixed resolutely on Justin at the front.