Page 293 of Modern Romance January 2025 5-8

‘Same goes for you, Campbell.’

Hatred and rage warred on Grant’s face, but Charlotte’s voice had Enzo ignoring him in an instant.

‘Enzo, what are you doing here?’

The brokenness in the way she said his name was the most painful wound Enzo had ever had to bear, but just hearing his name on her lips after a week of agony was the sweetest joy.

‘I’m sorry,’ he said.

‘For what?’

‘This.’

Despite the fact that Grant hadn’t let go of Charlotte’s hand, Enzo scooped her up in his arms. Loud gasps echoed around the church. Grant was forced to break his hold as Enzo carried her down the aisle and into the sunlight.

‘What are you doing?’ Charlotte’s question was a half sob against his shoulder.

‘Can you trust me again?’ The answer seemed like the most important thing in the world. Enzo’s heart ceased beating as he waited for the answer. But he didn’t wait long.

‘I have always trusted you,’ she replied, instantly.

He nearly sagged with relief. Maybe he still stood a chance of undoing all the damage he’d inflicted. Enzo hurried to the car and placed her in the passenger seat, the ridiculous dress almost comical as he strapped her in.

‘Enzo, you can’t,’ she said frantically. ‘My father—’

‘Tesoro, there’s nothing he can do to you or me. I won’t let him.’

‘You don’t know him.’ Her eyes filled with tears that spiked his rage. How had Gordon threatened her? Enzo vowed to find out and make the man hurt even more than he’d already planned.

‘I promise, and I always keep my promises.’

‘I know, but—’

‘But nothing, Charlotte. Let me protect you.’

Charlotte swallowed thickly and nodded.

Before anyone could rush out of the church, Enzo was racing away. He drove them a short distance to the coast and parked the car amongst the numerous others. When he turned to look at Charlotte, tears slid down her cheeks.

‘The ocean,’ she said. ‘How did you know to bring me here?’

He wiped away her tears with his thumbs, remembering seeing her sit at the fountain after they’d nearly kissed. ‘I know you, Charlotte. I know your heart. I can see over your walls.’ He had noticed how much she loved the water when they were in Italy. At his home in Ravello. While they sailed. He wanted those days back. No, he wanted better.

‘I owe you an apology.’

‘For stealing me from my wedding?’ She gave him a watery smile.

‘No. I am quite proud of that, actually.’

She huffed a laugh, then shook her head. ‘What are you really doing here, Enzo?’

‘I’m here to tell you that I’m sorry. I’m sorry for what I said,tesoro. I’m sorry for holding back. For lying.’

‘Enzo...’

‘For someone who hates lies, I became very good at it. I lied to myself, and I lied to you. After Gia, I didn’t want to be in danger of being used, of being hurt, so I convinced myself that I couldn’t love again. It was a lie. Just like it was a lie to say that all we had was a physical connection. It’s more than that. I love you, Charlotte. And you were right to walk away because you do deserve a love that should be shouted from rooftops. I want to give you that, but I want to love you in secret too.’

Charlotte had prayed that she would hear him say the words. For him to tell her he loved her. She’d imagined it would make her feel like flying, but instead it broke her heart even more. The words didn’t change her situation.