There wasn't a single person outside the marriage office that morning.

It wasn't until the car pulled up in front of a quiet, out-of-the-way building at the back that Clara realized Dylan had set up the whole thing just for the two of them. No crowds. No witnesses. Just them.

Inside, a clerk was waiting. The man standing near the door looked like he might pass out from nerves, dabbing sweat off his forehead with a tissue.

Clara watched the clerk flip through her documents, and the words slipped out before she could stop herself.

"I'm not here by choice," she said flatly.

The clerk's hand froze above the stamp. For a heartbeat, it seemed like he'd heard her but then he just pretended nothing happened and kept going.

When it was time for their photo, she and Dylan were led into another room. The bodyguards in black suits stayed behind. The clerk wouldn't even meet her eyes.

As the camera turned their way, Clara tried again.

"Seriously, can't you see? I don't want to be here."

The clerk just smiled awkwardly, wiping his forehead even harder. "Please, look at the camera-both of you. Smile a little, the photo goes on your marriage certificate."

Clara couldn't have smiled if she tried. She just stared ahead, stone-faced.

He actually smiled-a real one, or as close to it as she'd ever seen from him. For a second, she thought

head. She pressed her fingers to her temple, trying to ease it, but old memories

marry you when

you'll wait for

"I'll like you forever."

Somewhere in the background, she heard the clerk urging, "Ms. Clara,

didn't even look at the camera,

develop the photos, leaving them alone. Clara stayed put, waiting for the headache to pass. When she finally

herself, she realized it

just

and Dylan left in the tiny

over at him, confused by the way he seemed so... happy. It was obvious, and

the ceremony isn't over yet. You can still back out. You're a good

face faded, lips pressing into a firm

getting through to him, Clara crouched so she could

Walter-he'd never want me to marry you. Are you really ready

before she could react, he reached out

words were lost

stubborn and had a hint of something dark-like he was putting

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