Building Her Throne Burying My Heart (Claire) novel Chapter 57

I was going to wait in the car, but Claire called out to me.

“Come help us carry some stuff.”

They tossed me their bags and walked right in. I had no choice but to follow them into the bridal shop.

Inside, the place was filled with gorgeous, high-end wedding dresses. Every gown looked like it belonged in a magazine. Anyone who wore one would look incredible. I couldn’t help but remember how we used to dream about this—planning our wedding, talking about the future, even picking out names for our kids. Every time we passed a bridal shop, she’d stop and stare.

“One day, I want to wear something like this,” she’d say. “Do you think I’ll be the most beautiful bride?”

I’d mess up her hair and grin. “You’ll be the prettiest bride ever. I’ll make sure you’re the happiest person in the world.”

Back then, we were still in college, always daydreaming about what was coming next, so sure that happiness was just around the corner. But life had other plans. In the end, we broke up. I didn’t marry the girl I loved most. Now, all I could do was stand here and watch her get ready to marry someone else. My chest felt tight and I couldn’t even begin to untangle all the feelings inside me.

I was still lost in memories when Daisy called over.

“Hey, Lambert, can you get us some water?”

So I poured them drinks and sat to the side, flipping through a magazine while they tried on dresses.

Claire came out in a wedding gown and asked Daisy what she thought. Daisy waved me over right away.

“Lambert, bring me my purse, I want to take some pictures.”

As I walked over, I just stopped in my tracks. Claire looked absolutely unreal, like something out of a dream. For a second, it felt like we were back in those old fantasies, her standing in front of me in a white dress. Only this time, she wasn’t wearing it for me. The mix of emotions was overwhelming. I did my best to keep my face blank, looking away so she wouldn’t see anything.

I couldn’t bring myself to look at her. I didn’t even dare meet her eyes. It didn’t feel like I deserved to.

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