EMMA

I thought I would feel out of place. Like I was trespassing in a world that wasn't mine—one where I would be hyper-aware of every glance, every whisper. But... I felt calm.

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 that was why the weight I had been carrying all day had somehow lifted. Or maybe it was something else. Or someone...

I stole a glance at the man standing nearby, chatting with other guests, his laughter blending seamlessly with the hum of the crowd.

Of course, deep down, I knew Jake had a lot to do with how I was feeling. I hadn't expected to be this at ease with him beside me. Or...for him to look this good in a tux—relaxed, confident, charming everyone around him. Including me.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to convince myself that maybe, for once, I didn't have to over-analyze every little thing. Maybe, just for today, I could exist in this moment without questioning what came next.

Shifting my focus, I let my eyes sweep across the reception, taking it all in.

The garden was breathtaking, bathed in the soft golden light of the afternoon. 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, laid bare, out in the open. And for once, I allowed myself to let my guard down. To be a part of it. Even just for today.

"Hey."

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

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

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

He chuckled 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. The bubbles fizzed on my tongue as I wandered through the garden, letting the soft hum of conversation and the scent of fresh flowers wash over me. But before I could get too lost in my thoughts, I heard someone call my name.

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

Chloe.

She gestured me over, practically glowing, and I couldn't help but feel a little stunned.

I made my way toward her, and as soon as I was close enough, she grabbed my hand and pulled me inside. 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 dissolving.

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!"

Up close, Chloe was breathtaking—the kind of beauty that made you feel both in awe and completely at ease.

"I'm Emma," I said, returning her bright energy with a warm smile. "It's really great to meet you. And congratulations. You look absolutely stunning."

Chloe beamed at me, but before she could say anything, one of her bridesmaids whispered something to her, and I noticed a shift in her demeanor.

"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—probably remembering it would mess up the carefully styled updo. She then managed a small smile, but 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?" She exhaled, shaking her head slightly. "And it is. Don't get me wrong. But... I'm also kind of freaking out. My brain is busy with a million other things instead."

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

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

Her honesty 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. "But you're going to be amazing. This is your moment, and I could tell you're ready for it."

She let out a slow, shaky breath, a flicker of relief passing over her face. "Thank you."

Then her expression brightened, and she grinned. "And honestly? I'm really glad you're here, Emma. It's good to know Jake's not all by himself today."

She hesitated for a second before adding, "You know what? I almost called you when Jake told me he was bringing you—wanted to ask if you'd be a bridesmaid 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 had 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 couldn't look more incredible. 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, but she didn't have time to add anything else as her bridesmaids pulled her away for some last-minute touch-ups.

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 at the sound of my name, finding myself face-to-face with a tall redhead with striking eyes.

I nodded, shaking her outstretched hand.

"Grace," she introduced herself. "I'm one of Chloe's friends."

Something about the way her eyes flicked over me—measuring, calculating—sent a strange unease crawling down my spine.

"So, you're Jake's plus-one," Grace continued. "I've heard a bit about you."

I forced a polite smile. "All good things, I hope."

Her lips curved slightly, almost amused. "Of course. Jake has always been charming. I'm sure you've noticed."

It was such a simple statement, but it hit exactly where it shouldn't.

"I have," I replied smoothly, unwilling to give anything away.

She glanced at my dress. "You look lovely, by the way."

"Thanks. You too."

Grace chuckled softly, though there was a knowing edge to it, something sharp beneath the surface. "So, what do you do?"

"I'm in the art field," I said casually, lifting my glass for a sip. "Starting at the MoMA next week, actually."

Something flickered in her expression—interest, maybe, or something more calculated. "Oh, that's nice. I'm an artist myself—an actress. Funny how Jake always seems to find his way around creative types."

Then, with a small nod, Grace walked away, joining the rest of the bridesmaids. But the tension in my chest stayed.

It was clear there was some history between her and Jake. Or at least, she wanted me to think so.

Yet, the problem wasn't whatever had happened between them. It was the fact that I was so damn bothered by it.

Taking a deep breath, I quickly 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, his gaze sweeping over the guests—until it landed on me. A look of relief flashed across his face.

"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," I told him. "She's amazing."

Jake's expression softened. "Yeah, she is. I'm glad you two got to meet. But now, 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, wrapping around the moment in something almost tangible.

I glanced toward the altar as Luke walked in, Jake and the other groomsmen following closely behind.

Jake caught my eye and gave me a quick wink. I couldn't help but smile back.

Then the music shifted to La Vie En Rose, and we all turned to see the doors at the back of the garden swing open.

The bridesmaids glided down the aisle, their steps effortlessly in sync with the gentle sway of the flowers in the breeze, as if the entire scene had been orchestrated by something beyond them—something magical.

Then, as they moved aside, Chloe appeared, looking absolutely breathtaking. The sunlight seemed to dance around her, making her look almost ethereal, like the day itself had been made just for her.

She moved forward slowly, every step carrying her closer to Luke.

When she finally reached the altar, I glanced at Luke. His eyes were already glistening with unshed tears. He smiled—the kind of smile that only happens when your whole world is walking toward you.

And 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.

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. Something I wasn't quite ready to name.

I felt my breath catch, and I quickly looked away, my heart racing.

Chloe took a steady breath before speaking. "Luke, I never believed in soulmates—until you." She paused, her eyes shimmering as she fought to keep her emotions in check. "You've been my calm in every storm, my constant when the world felt uncertain, and today, you become my forever." A soft, tearful smile touched her lips. "I promise to love you through every high and low, to stand beside you, to laugh with you, cry with you, and always have your back—no matter what."

Luke swallowed hard, his eyes glistening as he met Chloe's gaze. "Chloe, you are my best friend, my home, and everything I never knew I was missing until I met you." He let out a shaky breath, his grip on her hands tightening. "I vow to love you with everything I have, for as long as I live. To stand beside you, to choose you—every single day. 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, a storm of emotions swirled inside me. Love, in that moment, felt like the most powerful force in the world—capable of changing everything, of making the impossible feel within reach.

But the truth, the one that settled deep in my bones, was that love wasn't always that simple. Sometimes, it wasn't soft or kind. Sometimes, it was something you weren't supposed to have. Something that burned more than it warmed. Something that hurt more than it healed.

However, watching them now forced me to confront a truth I had been trying to outrun—one my heart had accepted long before my mind was ready to face.

Jake had a way of making me laugh—of pulling me back when I got lost in my own head. Of stirring emotions I hadn't even realized were still buried beneath the layers of my guarded heart. Of making me forget, even for a little while, all the reasons why this—we—could never work.

He was everything I had ever let myself dream of... yet everything I knew I could never truly keep.