Fredric’s POV

Wedding Day – August 8, 2017

My eyes sting with exhaustion. I didn’t sleep a single minute last night, my mind looping endlessly over what’s about to happen today. Even when I called Paula, I couldn’t bring myself to speak. I’m a mess — I never thought this wedding would actually happen so soon.

“Fredric, are you ready?”

That’s the second time my grandmother has asked me — an hour apart. I can’t snap at her again and say no. Honestly, I’m just too tired to keep pretending to be excited, to keep hiding my disinterest in this entire thing.

My hand feels heavy as I reach for the doorknob. Still, as always, I force a bright smile for her.

“Oh, darling, you look so handsome! Absolutely dashing!”

“You look beautiful too, Grandma.”

Seeing her dressed elegantly in a lavender suit with a small matching hat actually stirs something warm in me. I have to make her happy — it’s the least I can do. But sometimes, guilt creeps in, knowing she has no idea what kind of farce she’s orches