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When it was her turn to say her vows, Charlotte’s voice was surprisingly strong She would always love Jason, and she’d always treasure the months they’d shared The sincerity in her voice ht his attention, because he looked at her for the first time since they’d approached the altar His eyes narrowed scornfully For a moment she nearly faltered, but decided she wouldn’t let hi at her--a est hypocrite who’d ever lived He could think what he wanted, but in her heart she knew the truth

After the ceremony, they hisked from the church to the reception at the yacht club

For Charlotte, the lengthy reception was a thousand times worse than the ceremony They stood, for what see party, while an endless line of guests paraded past

Everyone was so thrilled for them, so happy, everyone except the two of them From the moment they’d arrived at the reception, Charlotte was a heartbeat away fro into tears Heaven kne she survived the ordeal

Later they had to cut the cake The photographer took picture after picture

"Resist the urge to shove the cake in my face," Jason whispered behind a smile, when she went to feed him a small piece for the camera, "and I’ll do the saifts Outwardly they were the perfect couple Madly in love, solicitous of each other, eager to be alone Eager to start their lives together

Only Charlotte and Jason knew the reality beneath the pretense

Despite herself, Charlotte was impressed by what a brilliant actor Jason was He refrained froentle, his look as tender as he could e She could feel his anger, hidden below the surface, out of everyone’s sight but hers At tier would devour her whole

"Just a few er," Jason whispered harshly while they were on the dance floor "Then we can leave"

She relaxed "Where are we going?"

"Not the airport, so don’t worry about it"

"We need to talk"

"No, we don’t Everything’s been said I’ll drop you off at your apartet this day ever happened"

"But--"

"Like I said, don’t worry about it I’ll arrange everything Once this is over, on’t ever have to see each other again Needless to say, I’ll expect you to find a new place as soon as possible"

She nodded, knowing she’d brought this on herself But when it was ti both of them Jason’s brothers and brothers-in-law had rented two limousines The first to take the proudly And the second li party could follow them and see them off with as much fanfare and enthusiasht out Charlotte’s when she returned froaze assured her not to worry He wasn’t anyto spend teeks in her co She was sure he’d find soht

Except that he didn’t

Histhe tears froed her son Carrie was there, too, ins would be spending teeks with Leah and Paul

Charlotte hugged Jason’sin her eyes "No wo," she whispered "Thank you"

Her father-in-laaiting when she’d finished, holding out his ar reassurance Nothing could be closer to the truth

"Eric, thank you," she ht well be the only opportunity she’d have to express her gratitude Soon enough Jason’s parents would know She wouldn’t be able to face the her close "We already love you like a daughter, Charlotte"

Tears blurred her vision and when she turned, she nearly collided with Jason He took her by the elbow, his fingers pinching her skin "You’re laying it on a bit thick, aren’t you?"

She didn’t answer hiot their boarding passes as everyone watched They were going to Hawaii, like it or not

Charlotte realized there was no escape for them, unless they owned up to the truth immediately Jason didn’t look any more pleased than she did, but obviously didn’t want to disillusion the family quite so soon

As he led her into the security area, away from his family, he muttered, "I didn’t plan this"

"I know," she said with a helpless sigh "Oh-- it for you"

His thoughtfulness surprised her "Thank you"