Chapter 9 - Chapter 9: The Groom Who Heard
Lucas was standing near the entrance of the grand hall when his mother, Eleanor Bennett, adjusted his boutonniere.“You look nervous,” she said.“I feel like I’m missing something.”Eleanor studied him. “You are.”Lucas looked at her.“Lily should be beside you.”“I know. I’m going to find her.”Before Eleanor could answer, the coordinator rushed over.“Mr. Bennett, we need to begin.”Lucas turned toward the aisle.The guests stood.The music changed.And then he heard it.A knock.Soft.Then another.He almost thought it was part of the manor settling, some old pipe behind the walls.But then came the voice.“Daddy… I’m scared…”Lucas moved before anyone could stop him.He ran down the hallway, past the flowers, past the stunned guests, past Vanessa’s father, who tried to step in front of him.“Lucas, the ceremony—”Lucas shoved past him.The cry came again.“Daddy!”The bathroom door was locked from the outside.For one second, Lucas simply stared at the key.Then everything inside him turned cold.He opened the door.Lily ran into his arms like a child escaping a nightmare.Lucas held her, whispering her name again and again.Then Vanessa appeared.And confessed with the calm arrogance of someone who had never imagined losing.“I just didn’t want her to ruin our wedding day.”The guests heard it.Lucas heard it.Most importantly, Lily heard it.And something inside Lucas that had been confused for months finally became clear.
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