Chapter 160
The boutique smelled faintly of fresh flowers and fabric softener, the air filled with the faint hum of soft jazz. Rolls of white silk and lace surrounded me like clouds, shimmering faintly beneath the warm lights. Scott was sitting in the plush chair across the fitting platform, legs casually crossed, but his eyes never left me.
“That’s the one,” he said without hesitation as the seamstress pinned the hem of the gown I was trying.”
I turned toward the mirror, smoothing my hands down the fitted bodice. “You said that about the last two dresses.“}
“Yes, and I meant it,” Scott replied, grinning. “But this one… this is dangerous. If you walk down the aisle in this, I might forget to wait until after the vows.“\
I rolled my eyes, but the warmth in my chest betrayed me. “You’re impossible.”
He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees. “I’m in love. That’s supposed to make me impossible.”
The seamstress chuckled quietly as she stepped back to let me admire the dress again. For the first time in years, I allowed myself to picture it–not the dress itself, but the moment. Walking toward someone who actually wanted to see me there. After finalizing the gown, we moved to the next shop. Scott insisted on hiring the “best wedding planner in the country,” a woman named Clarisse who wore all black and carried a
Within minutes of meeting her, she’d pulled out coloreather-bound notebook like it was a holy text.
centerpiece ideas, and venue portfolios. “We’ll need a floral
designer who can handle custom arrangements. Are you leaning toward roses or peonies?” she asked.
Scott didn’t even glance at me before answering. “Peonies. She likes them better.”
traised an eyebrow. “And how do you know that?”
“I pay attention,” he said simply, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.”
From there, the day became a whirlwind–cake tasting where Scott insisted we order three flavors because options are romantic, discussing the live band, “I already booked them,” Scott said smugly, and selecting invitations embossed with delicate gold foil. Every detail felt curated, thoughtful, deliberate.
Somewhere between choosing table linens and approving the seating chart, I realized I’d been smiling without noticing. Scott caught it instantly, his eyes lighting up.”
“Don’t hide that,” he murmured while we walked out of the stationery store. “It’s the best thing I’ve seen all day.”
I shook my head, but my heart wasn’t as guarded as it used to be
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The following week, we met with Clarisse again at the venue–a stunning cliffside estate overlooking the ocean.
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The ceremony space faced the water, the horizon stretching endlessly beneath the setting sun. I could already imagine the sound of the waves mixing with music, the soft rustle of fabric in the wind.
Scott stood behind me, his hands resting lightly on my shoulders. “You see it too, don’t you?“”
“I do,” I admitted softly.
“Good. Because this is it. This is where I’m going to make you mine forever.“}
It should’ve made me feel trapped. Instead, there was a strange sense of peace.”
By the end of the month, everything was in place. The flowers had been ordered, the menu finalized, the dress fitted. The cake–triple flavor, of course–was scheduled for delivery.
We’d chosen a date only days away. Scott said he didn’t want to wait any longer, that he’d already waited long enough. And for once, I didn’t argue.
It was late afternoon when I sat in my room at Nathan’s place, finalizing small details–song timings for the band, the layout for the photo booth, tiny finishing touches Clarisse said would make all the difference.
The door opened without a knock. Nathan stepped inside, leaning against the frame.
“You’re in a good mood” he said, glancing at the scattered papers and fabric swatches.\
“Last–minute prep,” I said, still focused on my notes. “Everything needs to be perfect.“%
He was quiet for a moment before stepping closer, his expression shifting into something heavier. “Colton found me.”
My pen froze mid–stroke. Slowly, I looked up at him. “And?“&
“He’s asking for you.” Nathan’s voice was low. “What do you want us to do?“&
I leaned back in my chair, letting the weight of the name settle in my mind. I hadn’t thought about Colton in weeks–not seriously, at least.
He’d been nothing but a shadow in the background noise of my new life. But now? He was searching again
A smirk tugged at my lips. “Send him a wedding invitation.”
Nathan blinked. “A… wedding invitation?”
“Yes,” I said, leaning forward. “But without the groom’s name. Let him stew in it. Let him wonder who it is. Let him feel that
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tightness in his chest–the kind you can’t shake.“”
Nathan tilted his head, a slow grin forming. “Cruel.””
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“Necessary,” I corrected. “He needs to know he’s not the center of my world anymore.“}
Nathan nodded once. “Consider it done.“\
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