Chapter 25
After returning from Boston, D
Dylan spirated into a depression, locking himself in his apartment and drinking around the clock
When Jemma pushed open his door, the wall of alcohol fumes made her step back. After a moment to steel herself, she pinched her nose and ventured inside
someone enter, only in dim again when he realized it was his sister.
Dylan sat slumped against the couch on the floor. His eyes briefly lit up when he heard son
“Though with the binge drinking, Dylan,” Jemma said, snatching the bottle from his hand-
He simply reached for another and took a long swig
“What do you want?” he muttered.|
Jemma kicked his leg, not gently. “Making sure you
g sure you don’t drink your
yourself to death.“|[]
Despite her harsh tone, she was genuinely worried. She’d prepared hangover soup and brought it over in a thermos.
Dylan stared at the bowl the offered but made no move to take it.
וד
J’s Harper’s recipe.” Jemma said quietly.]
At the mention of Harper’s name, som
something flickered in his bloodshot eyes. He finally took the bowl and sipped it.
The familiar taste broke something inside him. Tears streamed down his face as he drained the entire bowl
“Can you talk to her for me?” he asked, voice cracking. Tell her I understand how badly I screwed up. I do anything-
Jemma had promised Harper she wouldn’t interfere anymore, but sering her brother to utterly broken made it hard to refuse
the sighed heavily. “Tsee where her head’s at.“]]
When Jemma got home, she was just about to call Harper when her phone rang–Harper calling her.||
Hey Harper, what’s up?
“Liv, I’m getting married! Would I you be my maid of honor?”
Years ago, during their college days. Harper had made jemnina promise to be her maid of honor when she finally married Dylan. Now, though the groom had Changed, Jemuna remembered that promise.]
The announcement left her speechless.
Tav? You still there?”
Jemne finally found her voice. “Of course I’ll be your maid of honor! Wouldn’t miss it for the world
the swallowed the words she’d planned to say on Dylan’s behalf.
Despite her efforts to sound normal, Harper picked up on something in her tone.||
everything okay? You sound weird.”
Jemana hesitated. “No, it’s nothing. Wher’s the wedding? ||
the realized Harper had truly found someone who valued her. After all the pain her brother had caused, Harper deserved this happiness. Dylan would have to learn from his mistakes.|
When Jemana returned to Dylan’s apartment, he immediately asked, “What did she say?“[]
he’s getting married, Dylan:-||
ched as her brother seemed to physically deflate, as it sui
Isumenne had punctured him ||
Linoved on.” Jemma said gently, “Maybe it’s time you did too.
Dylan said nothing, just stared into space ||
The day before jeman left for Boston, Dylan brought her a small box.||
“Tre a Bandcrafted comb I made. Give it to her as a wedding gift.
Jemma promised]
rept it if she knows. [
“Don’t tell her it’s from me.” he added quietly. “She won’t accept
Before the ceremony, Jemma presented the box to Harper. “A wedding gift. Wishing you all the happiness in the world“]]
Harper opened it to find the exquisite wooden comb. She stared at it for a long moment before handing it back.||
“Dylan asked you to give this to me, didn’t he?”
Jemma was surprised. “How did you know?“]
Years ago, when handmade gifts were all the rage among college couples, Harper had made Dylan a sachet, desperately hoping he’d reciprocate with a traditional comb–the symbol of lasting commitment. She never expected him to actually craft one himself, especially now.
“I’m married now,” Harper sald quietly. “It wouldn’t be right to keep it. Please return it to him.”
Jemma sighed and tucked the comb anvay
With Jemma’s help. Harper finished dressing in her wedding gown. Her father walked her down the aisle to where Tyler waited, his eyes brimming with love.
Take care of my little girl,” Mr. Coulson said, placing Harper’s hand in Tyler’s.]
“with everything I have.” Tyler promised, his voice thick with emotion.
The ceremony proceeded flawlessly.]]
“The rings, please,” the officiant called.]]
As Tyler kissed Harper, he caught sight of a figure standing in the shadows at the back of the venue
Their eyes met, and Tyler subdy tightened his grip on Harper’s hand, a small gesture of victory directed at Dylan.
Dylan’s mouth filled with bitterness as he slipped out of the hall.]
Some mistakes came with permanent consequences. He would never be the inan at Harper’s side.]
Tyler, were you looking at someone just now?” Harper asked.
“Nobody important,” he assured her.]
Harper pushed the thought aside, focusing on the man before her. Their fingers intertwined, and surrounded by family and friends, she kissed her true happiness
