Chapter 62. The End

The gym smelled like lemon cleaner and coffee.

Someone—probably Yara—had lit candles along the windowsills, the flames flickering against the afternoon light. They smelled faintly of vanilla and dust, a strange mix that somehow fit.

The mats were cleared. The ropes had been loosened so they hung lower, like soft borders instead of walls.

Lia stood in the center of it all, barefoot, her dress simple—silk, the color of chalk, the hem brushing her ankles. Her hair was down for once. She felt too exposed, too comfortable.

Cassian waited opposite her, jacket off, shirt sleeves rolled. He looked like he was trying to remember how to stand still without bracing for impact.

“Can’t believe you talked me into a wedding in a gym,” he muttered.

“You didn’t need much convincing,” she said.

He glanced around at the handful of people: Yara by the camera, smiling behind her lens; Nadia near the back, arms crossed but not scowling; Ethan standing tall and tr