I scoffed inwardly. If I didn’t already know the truth, I would’ve felt humiliated and abandoned on my wedding day, reduced to mere cannon fodder in their celebration of love. It truly would’ve been unforgettable.
As Hudson finished speaking, he hurried out, eager to leave as if staying even a moment longer would burden him. Not a single word of concern for me or my mother was offered.
Once he was gone, I sat there in a daze. My mother stirred awake, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Aubrey, you and Hudson..."
Thank God she hadn’t overheard the name "Harper."
"We’re fine. Hudson said he’d give me an unforgettable wedding."
"But we have to fly abroad that day, so we’ll be pressed for time. You don’t need to come. You can watch the live stream instead."
My mother sighed, her hand reaching for mine, her expression tinged with sadness. "Is it my illness that’s holding you back…?"
I knew my emotions weighed heavily on her. She couldn’t bear any more stress. With a smile, I squeezed her hand reassuringly. "No, Mom. The wedding date is just approaching, and I’m a little nervous."