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.

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

She pressed her fingers to her temple, trying to ease

I marry you when I'm

you'll wait for

"I'll like you forever."

in the background, she heard

the camera, like she hadn't heard him

leaving them alone. Clara stayed put,

she realized it

just

left in the tiny

he seemed so... happy. It was obvious, and she couldn't

the ceremony isn't over yet. You can still back out. You're a good person. I really don't want us to end up resenting each

Dylan's face faded, lips pressing

him, Clara crouched so she could look him

want me to

Then, before she could react, he reached out and

words were lost

and had a hint of something dark-like he was putting an end to

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