Page 214 of Heartless Sinner

Cedric cleared his throat behind us, and we stepped away. Daphne went to Blair’s side, and I took mine beside Cristian.

The ceremony started, and I felt like a shitty friend.

The priest started talking, but I barely heard him. I watched Daphne instead. Even when Enzo and Blair exchanged their vows, I couldn’t look away from the tears sliding down her face.

God, this is fucking breaking me.

I should’ve stayed home, but Adelina had begged me to come. At least, that was the excuse I was going to use. I had come for my sister.

But really, I had come because I didn’t want our last memory together to be that dirty-ass motel room.

I tried to convince myself her tears were because people cried at weddings, but I knew better.

Knew Daphne better.

For a minute, I shut my eyes and pretended it was Daphne and me in their place. In another world, before all the deceit, it could’ve been.

When Enzo finally kissed the bride, I hated him a little for getting to do it.

My best friend got to keep his Fawn. Got to marry her. Got to love her.

I stared at the woman who had taught me to love.

Then taught me how easily someone could use that love to destroy you.

Being in Calira was nothing but a cesspool of memories with Daphne.

Like now. We were on the same yacht as the night of the party I’d crashed to see Daphne.

Everyone was relaxed, and light music played around us. There wasn’t a packed dance floor this time.

Just the Sons, Blair’s closest friends, and a few family members scattered around the yacht like a floating Devil’s Lair.

Enzo wasn’t a yacht kind of guy. He’d told us to keep watch everywhere because he hated having nothing but open air around them. Not enough protection, he’d said. But he’d done it for Blair, who was in awe of the ocean.

The girl had never even seen the ocean before coming to Calira because she’d been so sheltered.

“This is certainly an interesting place to run into you,” a woman said, stopping at my side. “Should I tell Daphne to put on a life jacket?”

I peered over at the smart-mouthed girl I knew from somewhere.

“Elodie.” She held out her hand. “Daphne’s Calira BFF.”

Ah yes. That clicked.

She’d been with her at the last yacht party.

I didn’t know how this girl had gotten an invite to the reception since the Marchettis were so strict, but I was sure Daphne had had something to do with it.

I grunted and didn’t take the woman’s hand.

Anyone who’s a BFF to Daphne isn’t a friend of mine.

I already had to deal with Blair being her Saint Vale bestie and my sister forgiving her.

“Now that’s rude.” Elodie dropped her hand and rested it on the railing.

“It’s rude for you to come and speak to me,” I replied, staring out into the sea.