Chapter 34. Slow Burn

The weight of uncertainty hangs heavy on Lara's shoulders as, once again, she gazes out the window of her spacious bedroom, the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains. Clad in a knee-length gown, her hair remains unkept, her eyelids pale red from lack of sleep.

The wedding plans are in full swing, yet her heart is still filled with doubt and apprehension.

She cannot help but wonder how she came so close to ruining everything and revealing the truth. Yet, she couldn't, for a reason she cannot fathom.

Now all she craves is a weekend to herself. Maybe she would retreat to the island Michael talked about. Surely, some time alone to clear her head would sort through the tangled mess of emotions that swirl within her.

With a sigh, she turns away from the window, her mind made up. She needs to escape, if only for a little while, and find solace in the quiet embrace of nature. She wobbles to her changing room and pulls out a fancy bag from the wa