Emma

I thought I'd feel out of place.

I expected to be so overwhelmed like I was trespassing in a world that wasn't mine. But instead, I felt... calm.

I had braced myself for something entirely different—chaos, awkward moments with all the FBI agents in this place, maybe even regret. Instead, I stood there, watching the ceremony, and there was this surprising sense of stillness. The good kind.

I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, for the unease to creep back in. But for now? Everything felt right, and that scared me more than anything.

My fingers absently traced the petals of the corsage on my wrist. When I looked down at it, warmth spread through me. Maybe it had something to do with why the weight I'd been carrying all day had somehow lifted.

Or maybe it was something else...

I glanced over at the man standing nearby, chatting with the other guests.

Of course, deep down, I knew Jake had a lot to do with how I was feeling. I never expected to be this comfortable with him by my side. Or for him to look so effortlessly handsome in that tux, charming everyone around him—including me.

I took a deep breath, letting the magic of the wedding wash over me. Maybe today would be different. Maybe I didn't have to overthink everything.

I looked around me and found myself in awe at how gorgeous the wedding reception was. The garden was breathtaking, bathed in soft afternoon light. Tables draped in white linen were scattered with delicate flower arrangements—roses, lilies, and peonies—all perfectly coordinated. Twinkling lights were strung overhead, swaying gently in the breeze.

There was so much love here, right out in the open. And for once, I felt free to let my guard down. To let myself be part of it, even just for today.

"Hey."

Jake's soft voice pulled me out of my thoughts, and there it was—that smile. The one that always managed to make me feel slightly off-balance like the ground shifted beneath my feet.

"I've got to help Luke with some final touches," he said, his tone light but his eyes lingering on mine just a second too long. "Try not to get too comfortable without me, okay?"

I smirked, raising an eyebrow. "I'll try to manage, but no promises."

He chuckled, the sound low and familiar, and gave my hand a quick squeeze before disappearing into the crowd of guests. I stood there for a moment, watching him go, my heart doing that stupid fluttering thing it had been doing since I first laid eyes on him today.

Get it together, Emma.

With a small shake of my head, I tried to collect myself. A waiter passed by with a tray of champagne, and I grabbed a glass, hoping a sip might help me regroup. I let the bubbles fizz on my tongue as I wandered through the garden, letting the hum of conversation and the soft scent of fresh flowers wash over me.

Before I could get too lost in my thoughts, I heard someone calling my name.

I turned, blinking as I spotted a figure stepping out from behind a partially open door. It took me a second to register who it was—a beautiful woman in an unmistakable wedding gown, waving at me with a bright, excited smile.

Chloe.

Her energy was magnetic. She gestured me over, practically glowing, and I couldn't help but feel a little stunned. I made my way to her, and as soon as I was close enough, she grabbed my hand and gently pulled me inside the room.

Before I could even get a word in, she closed the door behind us, then whisked me through the hallway until we reached a bustling room where her bridesmaids were scattered, adjusting their dresses and adding final touches.

"Sorry!" She laughed, a little breathless, "I had to hurry so Luke wouldn't see me if he decided to sneak a moment of calm outside his room, just like I was."

Her smile was sheepish, and I felt my nerves start to dissolve. Up close, Chloe was breathtaking—effortlessly stunning, the kind of beauty that left you feeling both in awe and completely at ease.

Her smile wavered for a moment, and she blushed slightly. "Oh, right! I'm Chloe, by the way. Jake mentioned you were here, and I just had to come say hi!"

"I'm Emma," I replied with a smile. "And thanks for rescuing me from my solo wandering session."

Just then, one of her bridesmaids whispered something to her, and I noticed a shift in Chloe's demeanor. Her smile dimmed a bit as she turned back to me.

"God," she sighed, leaning against a chair for support. "I didn't think I'd be this nervous." Her hand moved toward her raven hair, but she stopped halfway, likely remembering it would mess up her carefully styled look.

She then managed to send a small smile my way, but I noticed that this time, it didn't quite reach her almond-shaped, dark brown eyes.

"You know how everyone says their wedding day is the happiest day of their life? But, here I am, kind of freaking out. My brain seems to be busy with a million other things instead." She laughed, though it had a nervous edge.

"I get it," I said softly. "It's the biggest day in your life."

Chloe nodded, her words spilling out in a rush. "It's just—wow, everything's happening so fast. One minute I'm trying to make sure the makeup is perfect, the next I'm worrying if Luke is having a panic attack somewhere because I can't see him." She caught herself, taking a breath. "I'm rambling, aren't I? Sorry."

Her openness took me by surprise. It wasn't often you saw a bride admit to being anything less than the picture of perfection.

"It's okay to feel nervous," I said, offering a small smile. "You're going to be amazing. This is your moment, and you're ready for it."

"Thank you. And honestly, I'm really glad you're here, Emma. It's good to know Jake's not all by himself today." She grinned. "You know what? I almost called you when Jake told me he was bringing you, to ask if you'd be a bridesmaid just so we could hang out. But Luke and Jake talked me out of it, said you'd think I was weird."

I laughed. "Weird, maybe, but in a good way."

She shook her head, smiling as if she'd been caught out. "I know, I'm chatty. I always get like this when I'm nervous. But this, talking to you, is actually helping me feel more relaxed."

Something about the way she said it made me feel... included. Like I wasn't just a guest Jake had brought along, but someone she genuinely wanted to know. And for a moment, I felt a pang of what could have been, realizing that if things were different, Chloe and I could have been great friends.

"You're so sweet," I said, meaning it. "And you look amazing, by the way. Luke's going to lose it when he sees you."

She blushed, waving her hand like she wasn't used to the attention. "Thanks. I just hope he doesn't faint." She giggled before her bridesmaids pulled her away for some last-minute touch-ups.

As Chloe was whisked away, I found myself alone again, but this time, a genuine smile tugged at my lips. It was hard not to feel charmed by her warm energy.

But then, I heard another voice.

"Emma, right?"

I turned to see a tall brunette with striking eyes walking toward me, her gaze curious but slightly probing. "Grace," she said, extending her hand. "I'm one of Chloe's friends."

I shook her hand, a strange feeling forming in my stomach as her eyes lingered on me a bit too long, as if she was sizing me up. Something about her demeanor made me feel this wasn't just a friendly introduction.

"So, you're Jake's plus-one," Grace continued, her tone light but edged with curiosity. "I've heard a bit about you."

I forced a smile, though I couldn't ignore the unease bubbling up inside me. "Oh, really? I hope it's all good."

Her laugh was soft, but there was an undertone that made me feel anything but reassured.

"Definitely. Jake's always had a way of attracting... interesting people. I remember when he was playing the charming gentleman back in the day—some things never change."

The casual way she spoke about Jake, with that nostalgic edge, made a knot tighten in my chest. "I see," I said in measured tones.

Grace's eyes wandered over my dress, her lips curving into a sly smile. "You look fantastic, by the way. Very elegant. Not that I'd expect anything less, of course."

"Thank you," I said with a smirk, meeting her gaze. "You look lovely yourself."

She chuckled again, though the sound felt sharp and calculating. "So, what do you do?"

"I'm in the art field. I start at the MoMA next week, actually."

Her eyebrows lifted slightly. "Oh, that's nice. I'm an artist myself—an actress. Chloe's great at bringing people together from all sorts of worlds. You never know who you'll meet. Anyway, it was nice to meet you."

She shot me a quick wink before drifting off to join the bridesmaids, but the weight of her words and her gaze stayed with me. It was clear there was some history between her and Jake, or at least, she wanted me to think so.

However, the problem wasn't her past with him—it was the fact that her comments bothered me far more than I was willing to admit.

Why did it feel like she was marking some invisible territory? And why did it stir something so irrational in me?

I shook my head, frustrated with myself.

Taking a deep breath, I discreetly slipped out of the room, blending into the flow of guests. The hum of conversation and the clinking of champagne glasses provided a welcome distraction as I made my way back to the main reception area.

Just as I began to relax, I spotted Jake weaving through the crowd, a look of relief flashing across his face when he saw me.

"There you are," he said, smiling as he approached. "I was starting to think I'd lost you."

I returned his smile, though there was still a lingering annoyance I hadn't quite shaken. "I had a lovely chat with Chloe. She's amazing," I told him.

Jake's expression softened. "Yeah, she's amazing. I'm glad you two hit it off. The ceremony's about to start. Come on, I'll show you to your seat."

He placed his hand gently on the small of my back, guiding me through the crowd. We made our way to the front row, where the chairs were elegantly draped in white linen, offering an unobstructed view of the altar.

"Front row seats," Jake said with a satisfied grin. "I pulled some strings."

I raised an eyebrow, teasing. "I knew you had connections. Next time, how about a backstage pass?"

Jake chuckled, leaning in slightly. "Name the time and place."

Before I could respond, he gave me a quick squeeze on the shoulder. "I've got to get ready for the big entrance. Enjoy the view."

With that, he slipped into the crowd, leaving me in the middle of the gentle buzz of conversation and the growing anticipation as everyone took their seats. I settled into mine, letting the earlier unease from my chat with Grace melt away as the first notes of music floated through the garden.

The melody was played by Chloe's bridesmaids, many of whom I guessed were from her orchestra. They performed The Wedding March with a fresh, gentle touch that felt like a warm hug, filling the air with a soft, inviting atmosphere. It wrapped around me and made my heart swell with emotion.

I glanced toward the altar, where Luke was walking in with Jake and the other groomsmen. Jake caught my eye and gave me a quick wink. I couldn't help but smile back.

Then the music smoothly shifted to La Vie En Rose, and we all turned to see the doors at the back of the garden open. The bridesmaids began their slow, graceful procession down the aisle, their movements in perfect sync with the soft rustle of the breeze through the flowers, adding to the magic of the moment.

As the bridesmaids moved aside, Chloe appeared, absolutely breathtaking as she walked down the aisle toward Luke. The sunlight seemed to dance around her, making her look almost ethereal, like the day was made just for her.

As she continued down the aisle, I felt as if the soft strains of La Vie en Rose mirrored the love and warmth surrounding her.

When she finally reached the altar, I couldn't help but glance at Luke, who was standing there, eyes already glistening with unshed tears. He smiled, the kind of smile that only happens when your whole world is walking toward you.

For a moment, everything else faded. It was just them, Chloe and Luke, standing side by side, ready to vow their lives to each other. The officiant began, but all I could focus on was the look in their eyes—the quiet promises they were already making before they even spoke a word.

Jake shifted beside Luke, his hands clasped in front of him, and I caught his gaze. His expression was soft, a mix of warmth and something else—something deeper that I wasn't quite ready to name. I felt my breath catch, and I quickly looked away, my heart racing.

Chloe began her vows, her voice steady but emotional, "Luke, I never believed in soulmates until I met you." She paused, her voice thick with emotion. "You've always been my calm in the storm, my constant, and today, my forever. I promise to love you through all the highs and lows, to laugh with you, cry with you, and always have your back."

Luke blinked away his tears, his voice breaking as he responded, "Chloe, you are my best friend, my home, and everything I ever dreamed of. I vow to love you with everything I have, for as long as I live. I'll never stop fighting for us, and I'll never stop being grateful that I get to spend the rest of my life with you."

I glanced at Jake again, and this time, our eyes met and lingered. There was something in his look that mirrored what I was feeling—something tender, unspoken, but undeniably real. My heart fluttered, and I had to remind myself to breathe.

As Chloe and Luke exchanged rings, sealing their vows, I felt a hurricane of so many different emotions raging within me.

In that moment, love seemed like a force capable of transforming everything, though sometimes it felt like it could twist into something forbidden, something that hurt more than it healed.

Watching them, I came face-to-face with a truth I had been trying to ignore, something my heart had already known long before my mind was ready to accept.

It was undeniable: Jake had a way of making me laugh, of stirring emotions I hadn't known I had, of helping me forget my worries.

He was everything I had ever dreamed of, yet everything I knew I could never truly have...