The payback of Jeremy Xavier

36

Jeremy took a deep breath, his hand stayed on the doorknob as he contemplated his next move. The house seemed quieter than usual despite the preparations for the wedding downstairs. The faint hum of conversations and the occasional sound of laughter floated up, a contrast to the turmoil in his chest.

He couldn’t do this. Not without talking to Hope.

Sliding on a pair of soft loafers, Jeremy made his way down the grand staircase, dodging staff and family members along the way. Everyone seemed too preoccupied to notice him—or maybe they were just giving him space, sensing the storm brewing beneath his calm exterior.

Hope was still standing in the corner of the ballroom when he found her. She looked radiant in a custom-made gown, the delicate lace sleeves and beaded bodice catching the light in a way that seemed almost otherworldly. But it wasn’t her beauty that stopped him in his tracks—it was the look in her eyes.

She was nervous

“Hope,” he called softly.

She turned, her eye