Chapter 23 I opened my mouth to correct the boutique owner , but Kane stepped forward before I could speak . His eyes never left mine as he moved closer . " Beautiful doesn't begin to cover it ," he said , his voice a low rumble that sent an unexpected shiver down my spine . The shop owner clasped her hands in delight . " I'll give you two a moment , " she said , slipping away with a knowing smile . " Kane , " I hissed once she was gone , " what are you doing ? " He circled me slowly , taking in every detail of the wedding gown . His usual mockery was absent , replaced by something more intense . " Playing the role everyone's assigned me , " he replied , stopping directly in front of me . " Best man , remember ? " I shifted uncomfortably under his scrutiny . " Well , now you've seen it . You can go . " Instead of leaving , he stepped onto the pedestal , bringing us eye to eye . I was suddenly aware of how close we stood , the mirrors around us reflecting our image from every angle - me in pristine white , him in his dark suit , a perfect contrast . " Are you really going through with this ? " he asked , his voice dropping to a whisper . " Marrying a man who can't even show up for your final fitting ? Living like a widow while your husband openly loves another woman ? " His words cut deep because they held the truth I'd been trying to ignore . I looked away , blinking back tears . " You don't understand , " I whispered . Kane surprised me by gently tilting my chin up , forcing me to meet his gaze . " Maybe I understand better than you think . " The unexpected tenderness in his touch disarmed me . This wasn't the Kane I knew - the careless playboy who treated relationships like disposable entertainment . This was someone else , someone whose eyes held a warmth I'd never noticed before . " There are other options , Aurora , " he murmured , leaning closer until I could feel his breath against my lips . " Other paths than the one you've been forced onto . " My heart hammered against my ribs , conflicting emotions warring within me . Part of me wanted to push him away , to remember all the reasons Kane was dangerous . But another part - a part I'd been denying- wanted to lean into his touch , to lose myself in the promise of his lips . 1/2 Chapter 23 +15 BONUS Our faces were inches apart , the tension between us electric , when the boutique door chimed . We froze , still locked in our almost - embrace . " Aurora ? " Raymond's voice shattered the moment . " The shop owner said you were back here- " Kane and I sprang apart as Raymond appeared at the fitting room entrance , Giana hovering behind him . Raymond's expression darkened as he took in the scene - me in my wedding dress , Kane standing too close on the same pedestal . " What's going on ? " Raymond demanded , his voice tight . Giana peered around him , eyes widening with malicious delight . " Oh my , " she said with exaggerated surprise . " Are we interrupting something ? " I stepped hastily down from the pedestal , nearly tripping on my train . " It's not what it looks like , " I stammered . Giana's smile was knife - sharp . " It looks like you two make a perfect match . Almost like a real couple . " Raymond's jaw clenched , possessiveness flashing in his eyes despite having no right to it . " Kane , " he said coldly , " what are you doing here? " Kane descended from the pedestal with casual grace . " Just checking on the wedding preparations , " he replied with a shrug . " Since the groom couldn't be bothered to show up for his bride's final fitting . Isn't that why you asked me to be your best man ? To stand in when you're ... unavailable ? " Raymond had the grace to look slightly ashamed . " I had an unavoidable situation , " he muttered , glancing at Giana . " Clearly , " Kane drawled . I stepped between them . " Kane and I just ran into each other by chance , " I explained . " He was walking past the boutique when I was trying on the dress . " Raymond nodded stiffly . " I came as soon as I could . Giana's ... emergency wasn't as serious as we feared . " Giana moved to Raymond's side , linking her arm through his , but her eyes remained fixed on Kane and me with new speculation . 2/2 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!