Chapter 18

• Samantha pov
• The next morning arrived in a blur, as if time had fast-forwarded overnight. I barely slept-tossing and turning until the first crack of dawn, my mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions. The rush of excitement coursing through me felt like electricity pulsing beneath my skin, making my heart race uncontrollably. Louis would finally be exposed and by brother would be set free. The thought alone was enough to stir something uneasy inside me. I tried to shake off the feeling, but I couldn't deny that a sense of foreboding lingered just beneath the surface.
• Jack and I had spent the previous evening shopping for outfits-an experience that felt more like preparing for a high-stakes fashion show than attending a wedding. We'd spared no expense. Jack had insisted on finding the most exquisite dress, and he wouldn't take no for an answer. When we finally arrived at the venue, we were among the first guests, our presence like a power couple arriving on the red carpet. Heads turned, and whispers floated through the air as we entered. Anyone who didn't know better could have easily mistaken *us* for the couple getting married.