She studied the paintings on the walls as well as book titles, wasting time before she felt it would be safe to venture outside again.

“I told you, I can’t.”

That was Ted’s voice.

She moved quietly toward the balcony, keeping behind the curtains. But as she peeked, she saw Ted standing next to the long hem of a pink dress.

“Come on,” came a throaty whisper. “I won’t tell.”

Justine swore she heard the sound of kissing and froze, shocked.

“Sasha, no,” Ted said, his voice gentle. “Honey, it’s over.”

“That’s not what you said to me two months ago on that trip to Vancouver.”

“That was a mistake. I told you that. I’m married now.”

“Oh please. That means nothing.”

“It means something to me.” A pause filled the space between them. “I need to go find my wife.”

Praying no one would see her, Justine hid behind the left balcony door and watched Ted leave the room. Then the woman who’d been trying to seduce her sister’s new husband followed, muttering under her breath.

Justine just stood there, not sure what to do about what she’d seen. On the one hand, Ted had turned down an affair. Shot Sasha down flat. Yet it sounded as if they’d been seeing each other while he’d been engaged to her sister.

Should she tell Mallory? On her sister’s wedding day?

Bemused, she left the room and ran into her sister on her way to the powder room.

“Hey, Justine. Isn’t this great?” Mallory’s eyes were shining, her smile wide and joyful.

Justine feigned enthusiasm and took her sister’s hands in hers. “Seriously. This wedding has got to be the hit of the year. You look gorgeous. I couldn’t be happier for you.”

Mallory squealed and hugged Justine, twirling them around. “I want to stay and talk to you but I’m supposed to get back for toasts.”

“Go. I’ll be back soon. And Mallory, I’m so happy for you and Ted.” She could only hope Ted would be the husband her sister deserved.

After hearing the emcee urge everyone to return to their seats, she hurried into the powder room to take care of business. Unfortunately, when she moved to leave, she found Mikayla sitting with a friend in the outer powder room, laughing. Then the friend departed with a wave, leaving Mikayla and Justine alone.

Can I please just catch a break? “Hi, Mikayla,” Justine said as she headed for the door. “They’re getting ready with all the toasts.”

Before Justine could pass, Mikayla stopped her. “Can we talk?”

“I really need to get back.”

Mikayla stood. “I just wanted to let you know that Mitch has moved on from you.”

Crap. We’re going to do this right now. “I know. You guys look like a terrific couple.”

Mikayla blinked. “Well, thanks. It’s sad, but the relationship between you didn’t work.”

“Um, I know. That’s why I broke it off.”

“You did?” Her eyes narrowed. “Mitch said he ended things.”