Chapter 26

~Adam

I stood in the midst of it all, my heart raced and my stomach twisted into knots.

I could feel the accusing gazes of everyone in attendance burning into my skin. My breathing hitched in my throat as I heard the whispered accusations, the whispers of "liar" and "adulterer" echoing in my ears.

My mind reeled, the weight of this accusation threatening to crush me under its pressure. "It's not true," I said, my voice a desperate plea. "I swear, I am not the father of her child."

But the crowd's murmurs only grew louder, the whispers turning into accusations.

"Charlotte!" I heard the cry escape my lips as she turned on her heel, fleeing the reception. I lunged after her, my heart hammering in my chest.

"Charlotte!" I shouted, my voice hoarse with desperation as I chased after her. The wind whipped my hair back, the scent of salt and sand heavy in the air as I struggled to keep up with her.

"Please, Charlotte, I beg of you, stop! Eleanor is telling lies against me.

My heart thundered