Liora's POV
The pre-wedding dinner was everything I remembered.
Crystal chandeliers. Fine china. Fake smiles.
I sat beside Jax at the long table. His hand rested on my thigh under the tablecloth.
Possessive. Grounding.
My parents sat across from us. They'd barely acknowledged me since we arrived.
Just polite nods. Empty pleasantries.
Like I was a stranger.
I supposed I was.
"More wine, dear?" My mother offered. Voice sweet. Distant.
"No, thank you."
She turned to Vivia instead. Refilled her glass.
The favoritism stung less than it used to.
Maybe because I'd finally accepted the truth.
They were never really mine.
"Excuse me." I stood. "I need some air."
Jax's hand tightened on my thigh.
"I'll come with you."
"I'm fine." I touched his
