There he is... My handsome man is standing by an empty table, scanning the crowd with worried eyes. When Nate finally sees me walking between the tables, I smile and he lets down his shoulders in relief.

"Where have you been? I've been looking all over for you," he says, handing me a glass of champagne.

"Restroom. And the east wing's backyard? I'm not sure." I set down my drink without even sipping it.

"Did you get lost? Are you okay? You're as cold as ice, babe." Nate runs his thumb across my face. "Where is that asshole? Did he try to—"

"Nate?" I catch his hands and press them against my cheeks. "Did you ever text Roman about hitting me at the charity ball?"

He gives me a blank stare at first, then starts chewing his lips. I hate to see him so tense but I have to know.

Nates gapes for a second, searching for words before he finally answers, "I couldn't let him get away with what he did to you, Abby. I only—"

"Did you block his number from my phone? Delete his texts?" I ask, and Nate slightly pulls back.

"Why are you asking me all this?"

"Just answer the question," I plead, looking into his eyes. His green gaze deepens with worry, but he stays put, like an anchor.

"No... But I think I know who did," he sighs.

And that's all it takes for me to believe him! After all, this is Nate... My Nate. I let out a deep breath, and squeeze his fingers.

"Was it Dad?" I ask.

"He never told me anything, but he did ask for Roman's number after the charity ball," he explains. His thumb rubs my cheek, restoring heat back to my body.

I'm not mad or sorry... If anything, I'm lucky to have two amazing men watching out for me.

I kiss Nate's hand, looking into his eyes. Does he have any clue how much I'm in love with him? All of him. The charmer I met at the movie gala, the dumb playboy who brought two models to my apartment on my birthday, my best friend, my lover, my hunky sex god, my rock, my anchor...

"Nate? I'm in lo—"

"Abby, babe..." He's still caressing my cheeks with that worried furrow, breathing hard. "Where were you? Did Roman do anything—"

"Can we stop talking about him?" I beg with my eyes. "I know it's his wedding, but I'm done."

Nate drives his fingers through his hair and glares over my shoulder toward the east wing. His body stiffens as his eyes spot someone in the shadows. "Okay..."

"Babe?" I step up to capture his attention, taking his hand into mine. "I'm going to need you to trust me if we're going to do this. With your heart, body and soul." I press his palm above my heart. Our eyes meet and his furrow disappears. Finally. "Tell me more about the walls you want to build around your girl... Your girl."

Nate gulps for breath as his gaze falls on our hands. My heart is fluttering under his touch. When I step closer, a sweet smile starts playing on his lips. "What about those walls?" he asks in a whisper.

"Are they big?" I tease, raising a suggestive brow. "Are they hard?"

Nate starts chuckling as he wraps an arm around my waist. "You bet they are."

I love the naughty glow in his eyes. His hold around me tightens as I rest my head above his heart. Its fast, playful rhythm makes me want to melt in his arms. "And tell me about your girl. Is she smart? Is she beautiful?"

"The best one I've ever met." His chest trembles with his deep tone. "The brightest star in my universe."

I smile, throwing my arms around his shoulders, and press my lips against his. Nate grins into our kiss and pulls me closer until I'm flush against him.

Nate doesn't know it, but he and I, we are two galaxies in the same universe. I'm blue, he is green, and we are constantly orbiting around each other, dancing to our unique melody.

He is my soulmate—the one I forged, not found. It took time to get to know Nate and love him. It took effort to build a relationship, and courage to stick together. And in the end, Nate didn't complete me. He only made me realize that I am whole and brilliant as I am.

"You wanna get out of here?" I ask, looking into his green eyes.

"Uh-huh."

Nate takes my hand and starts running toward the mansion. I laugh, trying to keep up with him.

A new waltz starts playing in the background. Fireworks crackle and rain down in all different colors from the night sky. Nate grabs my waist and throws me over his shoulder as we reach the doors.

I don't know where this new path will take Nate and I, but I have a feeling that it will be just the two of us... At least, for the next nine months.

✨
✨ The End ✨
✨

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