In a Paris office overlooking the Seine, I held a glass of champagne and watched the wedding live stream on the wall screen.
The broadcast clock in the corner reached the delivery time printed on the courier’s instructions.
The camera stayed close on Elena as she faced Julian at the altar. A tear clung beneath one eye.
She gave the camera the same smile she used at every Eternal Vow launch, usually while presenting one of my designs as her own.
The priest asked, “Do you, Julian Sterling, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?”
I set my glass on the desk.
The courier appeared at the edge of the frame and walked down the main aisle. Heads turned as his dark suit crossed the rows of pale wedding clothes.
The black box stayed visible at his side. He did not hurry when the ushe
