[Flashback(from the day Xavier-Iris were going to get married)]

“Where are you going?” Mama’s voice broke through my thoughts, halting me mid-stride. I turned to face her, noting the deep furrow in her brow. A quick, reassuring smile tugged at my lips.

She’s my star, always has been.

“I just need to be somewhere. I’ll be back soon,” I whispered, hoping my serious tone would convey the urgency without revealing too much.

“But it’s your wedding in the next two hours,” she reasoned, her voice tinged with concern. I loved how it sounded.