Chapter 9

Ever since that night at the summit, Clifford’s harassment had become relentless. 

Two weeks later, at St. Peter’s Cathedral. Three hundred crystal chandeliers, white roses–everything was proceeding according to plan. 

I stood before the bridal suite mirror, looking at this custom Vera Wang gown. The Mozambique diamonds on the train sparkled under the lights. In moments, I would become Nathaniel’s wife. 

“Claire,” my wedding coordinator burst through the door, voice tight with anxiety, “he’s outside… Mr. Montgomery has been kneeling at the cathedral entrance since last night.” 

My hands froze. Through the blinds, I could see the torrential rain outside. He was really there. 

An hour later, the ceremony began. I took my father’s arm, ready to walk toward my new life. As the organ struck its first note, I knew–no matter what Clifford did, nothing could stop this wedding now. 

But commotion erupted in the cathedral foyer. Before I could