?Chapter 1185:


    But Ste’s gaze had wandered.


    Her eyes lingered on the window for a few seconds, her reflection faint against the ss. That same quiet unease she’d felt earlier began to stir again—like a ripple across still water.


    Sharon’s hesitant tone. Josie’s strange half-smiles. The way they’d looked at her, like they were afraid she might break.


    She couldn’t shake it.


    Why had Sharon asked those questions?


    Why did Josie look so… reluctant?


    She was getting married—to Marc, the man she’d loved for years. Wasn’t this supposed to be the happiest time of her life? Why did her best friends seem anything but happy for her?


    A small frown creased her forehead. Despite the warm light in the room, a faint chill ran through her.


    Could something have happened while she was unconscious—something they weren’t telling her?


    The thought shed through her mind and vanished just as quickly.


    She shook her head, forcing a smile as Marc returned with her drink. It was better to keep her mind on the wedding. She wasn’t going to doubt him.


    The afternoon sun poured softly over the bustling shopping street, gilding the shop windows in warm gold. Luxury boutiques lined both sides, their ss fronts gleaming as people strolled past, chatting andughing.


    Amid the lively scene, Ste walked arm in arm with Marc, her steps light and her smile unguarded. Every now and then, she paused by a disy window, pointing out something she liked and leaning closer to whisper to him.


    “Marc, look at that scarf,” she said, gesturing toward a boutique disy. “It’s so elegant. Your mother would love that shade, don’t you think? We haven’t visited her in ages. Should we bring her a gift when we do?”


    Her tone was gentle, hopeful. In her mind, Jazlyn was still the sharp-tongued mother-inw-to-be who had never truly warmed to her—but Ste believed things would change. Once she and Marc were officially married, once Jazlyn saw how happy they were, surely the woman’s heart would soften.


    Marc’s fingers tightened slightly around hers before he caught himself. His voice was smooth when he replied, “Yes, it suits her. When you’re feeling stronger, we’ll visit her together.”


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    In truth, he hadn’t breathed a word to Jazlyn about rekindling his rtionship with Ste.


    He knew his mother—controlling, calcting. The moment she found out, she’d insert herself into their lives again, and that was thest thing he needed. So for now, he’d told her he was “busy with work.” A half-truth, but one that kept her quiet.


    “Ms. Russell?”


    The unfamiliar voice came from behind them, polite butced with surprise.


    Ste turned, startled, and found herself staring at a middle-aged man in a tailored suit. His expression shifted between her and Marc, disbelief flickering in his eyes.


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