The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 535

Bagot was entirely speechless. Who hid the shoes right in the photographer's hands? He snatched them up, dropping back down to one knee to slip them onto Damaris's feet before handing her the bouquet. “Wife, let's go home!” This time, he shouted it even louder. His eyes were shining, a massive, genuine smile plastered across his face as he stared deeply into hers. According to tradition, Damaris was supposed to take the bouquet and nod. But seeing the raw, unfiltered adoration in his eyes made her hesitate. The emotion felt way too real. The room grew quiet at her pause. A bridesmaid quickly chimed in, “The bride is just shy! Ask her again!” Bagot's grip on the bouquet tightened. He instantly realized what was happening. He was coming on way too strong and freaking her out. He needed to dial it back. “Wife, let's go home,” he repeated, purposefully toning down the intensity in his gaze so he wouldn't scare her off. Nathalie gently nudged Damaris in the back. Damaris snapped out of it, taking the bouquet with a shy nod. Bagot didn't waste a second. He scooped her up into his arms. “Kiss her before you leave!” someone cheered. “You'll have to wait for the ceremony for that! Follow us if you want to see it!” Bagot laughed, carrying Damaris straight out the door and into the waiting bridal car. Nathalie followed the crowd out. Lance was leaning against the doorway, waiting for her. “Our wedding was a lot grander than this,” he noted smoothly. Nathalie shot him a cold glance. Once they were out of earshot, she muttered, “You know this entire thing is a sham.” “Ours was still grander,” Lance insisted. Nathalie looked away, her voice devoid of any emotion. “What does it matter? It all ends in divorce anyway.” The words felt like a physical blow to Lance's chest. He stared at her retreating back, a sharp, bitter pain twisting in his gut. He should be used to her coldness by now. But watching Bagot scramble to find the shoes had brought all the memories rushing back. The second their own wedding date was set, he had personally sketched her dress, hiring the most elite artisans in the world to bring it to life. That gown was still sitting in one of his private estates. They had married in a breathtaking castle. She had walked down the aisle looking like a vision, and they had vowed to spend eternity together. Back then, neither of them could have imagined they would end up so thoroughly broken. In the bridal car, Damaris glanced nervously at the driver before leaning closer to Bagot. “You are taking this acting thing way too seriously!” she hissed. “I almost didn't know how to react!” Bagot looked at her stunning face, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly. “That's because I'm a natural. You clearly need more practice,” he whispered back. Damaris rolled her eyes, but the knot in her chest finally loosened. For a second back there, she had genuinely panicked, thinking things were spiraling out of control. Thank God it was just him being dramatic. Bagot caught the relief washing over her and silently scolded himself. He had to be patient. He had to hold it together. He had officially married her today. Who knew what the future would hold? The drive to the hotel was quick. Beautiful portraits of the couple greeted the guests at the entrance of the grand ballroom. Damaris headed straight for the bridal suite for touch-ups. Nathalie was already inside waiting for her. As soon as the door closed, Damaris grabbed her hands.