They held each other wordlessly, as if any sound might break the delicate illusion enveloping them.

Yet, five minutes passed in a flash.

Like Cinderella racing against the clock, Raegan reluctantly pushed Mitchel away, urging, “You should go."

She was now entangled with a mysterious assailant. If Mitchel stayed, he would face danger once more. She could not justify such selfishness, not after he had risked his life for her multiple times.

Last time, he had nearly died. Perhaps Katie was correct. Their destinies were misaligned, and togetherness only spelled disaster for them both.

Seeing how resolutely Raegan pushed him away and repeatedly insisted he leave, a shadow fell over Mitchel's eyes. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" he asked.

Raegan bit her lip, replying simply, "No." She disliked indecision.

Once her mind was made up, she stood firm.

"Really, you have nothing to say to me?" Pain echoed in Mitchel's deep gaze.

Raegan's heart tightened, but she averted her eyes and responded evenly, “Thank you for coming to my wedding, but given Aurora's current situation, I couldn't invite you..."

She had her reasons. She knew the agony of watching the man she loved prepare for another's wedding Standing at the altar while he watched as a guest was no less painful. She refused to experience so.

Whether it was selfishness or self-preservation, she was determined to end things decisively.

“I need to go back now, Mr. Dixon. Given the Clifford family's stance, I'd advise you against taking such risks," Raegan said earnestly.

Mitchel seemed to disregard her warning. Slowly, he reached out, tenderly caressing her face. "No, Raegan, you're lying to me..."

As Raegan met his deep, soulful eyes, she forcefully repressed her feelings, sealing her heart. If she lingered any Longer, the risk to the both of them would only increase.

She pretended to be impatient. "Mitchel, why would I lie to you? As you can see, I'm getting married..."

“You're not being sincere." Unexpectedly, Mitchel lifted her chin firmly and delivered a forceful kiss to her lips.

"Hmm... Mitchel..." Her protest was muffled as he grasped her jaw, pulling her close and deepening the kiss without reservation.

Instinctively, Raegan raised her hands to push him away, but he seized her wrists.

Her struggle seemed likely to break his grip, yet she halted upon feeling dampness. She remembered his injury. The moisture was probably from his blood-soaked bandages. With this realization, her heart softened, not wanting to worsen his wound.