Elisabeth's POV
His touch lingered on my skin like a brand.
The memory of his lips against mine refused to fade, each sensation burned into my consciousness with startling clarity. I had never experienced anything like it. Kissing had always been simple before, pleasant but forgettable. This was different. This consumed every rational thought I possessed until only instinct remained. My entire body had betrayed me, responding to him in ways I never expected.
Then he had to speak and shatter the illusion completely.
Why did I kiss him back? The question tormented me as Alana drove through the city streets, her voice filling the car with endless chatter about the ceremony. Behind us, Nadia followed in her own vehicle after I retrieved my dress and dismissed her for the day. The weekend meant she deserved some freedom, especially after everything she had witnessed.
Alana's excitement was infectious, but my mind kept wandering back to that moment when everything changed.
