Chapter 2 - The Weight of Leather Shoes
The heavy mahogany doors at the back of the ballroom burst open with a dull thud.
Julian’s black leather shoes struck the floor in a rapid, heavy cadence.
His crisp white shirt was slightly unbuttoned at the collar beneath his tailored black tuxedo jacket.
He didn't look at the shocked faces of his business partners in the third row.
He didn't look at the towering seven-tier wedding cake glistening under the gold lights.
He dropped to one knee, the wool of his trousers pressing into the scattered rose petals.
Julian wrapped his arms around Lily’s small, shaking shoulders, pulling her flush against his chest.
The faint scent of rain and peppermint clove cologne washed over the young girl.
Lily’s small fingers instantly uncurled from the phone and gripped the lapels of his tuxedo jacket.
Julian lifted his head, his dark eyes locking onto Vanessa’s rigid silhouette.
His throat hitched as he swallowed.
"What did you do?"
His voice was low, vibrating against Lily’s cheek.
Vanessa pulled her hand back, her arm hovering awkwardly in the air between them.
She smoothed a non-existent wrinkle on her corseted waist, her fingers trembling so hard her diamond band chattered.
"She... she was going through my purse, Julian," Vanessa stammered, her voice dropping an octave into a forced, breathy rascal.
"She’s just a child, she doesn't know what she's touching."
Lily sniffled, wiping her nose on the soft silk of Julian’s lapel.
May you like
She pulled the black phone out from between their pressed chests.
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