CHAPTER 064: The Stranger

I frown. Who is he, and why is he tagging along? He wasn’t introduced to anyone, yet here he is, strolling behind Mabel like he's part of the bridal party. No one else seems to notice—or care.

Helena must catch my confusion because she leans in and whispers, “Do you know him?”

I shake my head. “Not a clue.”

Helena glances at the guy, her eyes narrowing for a second. “Weird. He’s been lurking since I got here. Maybe he’s some friend of Mike?”

“Maybe,” I say, though I’m not convinced. Mike runs in a completely different circle—this guy doesn’t fit. His casual demeanor and constant focus on Mabel feel... off. And the way Mabel keeps stealing glances at him tells me there’s more going on here than just a wedding dress fitting.

As we all shuffle into the dressing room, the space feels suddenly too small. Mabel is in full bride mode, chatting excitedly with the seamstress while the rest of us settle in around her. But my eyes keep drifting back to the stranger. He stands off to the side, le