ther, I couldn't help but replay in my head wh

ting up when she saw us."There you two are! I

ile. "Just fr

las's. "It's been such a wonderful night

les and n

, trying to focus on the warmth and comfort he provided. But I could

night at Chris's hotel room." Stella

a cocky smile smeared on his face. "Of c

arthest from happy. He was definitely not pleased with

ella and Nicolas. As we parted ways, I caught one last l

rm around me, his warmth a comfo

ssa," he said softly. "I'm

f conflicting emotions. "I missed y

ftly. "I am happy, Mel. Bei

h the love Chris showed me? What was it a

ies and laughing. But I was distracted, my t

y awake, staring at the ceiling, my min

unresolved tension. Stella, oblivious as ever, chatted about wed

und the hotel grounds. As we strolled through the ga

feeling that something's o

o convince him eve

ssa, is there something going on with Nicolas? You bo

air. I knew I couldn't keep lying to him, bu

earching for the right w

his eyes. "What do you mean, Me

zed. It was a message from Stella: "

art pounding. "It's Stel

."I made my way to Stella's house, my mind racing. When

she quickly introduces me to the three other ladies already

edis and Manis baby!" Stella exclaims

edding dress shopping." on

l train dresses!" anothe

" I said surprised by the

ontinues, "We're all going

th them. How could I feign excitement when I knew she was g

!" Stella said, and we al

the air. I tried my best to match their enthusiasm, but my mind kept

ents, Stella's friends chatted about wedding plans, colors, and decorations. I for

infectious. The other women offered compliments and suggestions, their excitement palpable. I clapped and cheered along with the

nally exhausted. Stella's friends began discussing ideas for the bridal shower, brainstorming themes

ction and pulled me aside. "Mel, are yo

a lot on my mind, I gues

Wedding planning can be overwhelming.

of guilt and affection. "I'm

he cool night breeze a welcome relief. I leaned against the railing, staring out at the twinkl

Nicolas: "We need t