Sleep vanished from my eyes. My heart started pounding.
I didn't think. I just moved. "Mom!" I shouted as I stormed out of my room.
When I got downstairs, she looked surprised to see me.
"Darling, you should be asleep. You know you'll be very busy now that you're getting married. We'll have to set up interviews-LoversDaily will definitely want you on their front page-"
She kept going on and on.
"Mom!" I snapped.
"I'm right beside you, dear," she said with a small laugh.
"Why are you doing this?" My voice dropped.
She frowned slightly. "We've talked about this, Melissa."
"It's happening too fast. Can you slow down?!"
"Slow down?" She let out a soft scoff. "We should be moving faster. When you're offered a pot of gold, you take it."
"Do you expect me to just end things with Daniel? He's the one I want to marry." My voice cracked, my eyes started tearing up.
I waited for sympathy. Instead, she looked at me disappointed, almost disgusted."I never liked him." My heart dropped.
"He might be rich and attractive," she continued, "but he's nothing compared to the heir of the Kingsley empire."
"I told you to end things with Daniel a long time ago. You never listen. If you had, your heart wouldn't be so troubled right now."
I tried to speak, but the words caught in my throat.
"Don't be pathetic," she added, though her tone softened slightly as she patted my back. "You'll get over it. Once the contracts are signed, everything will settle."
That was it. That was all I was worth. I didn't respond. I just walked away. I cried myself to sleep. Or at least, I tried to.
Sleep never really came. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw different versions of tomorrow. None of them ended well.
I checked my phone over and over again. The headline was everywhere. By morning, I was sure the entire city had seen it. I dragged myself out of bed and took a shower. By the time I came downstairs, the maids were already setting breakfast.
My phone rang. I hesitated to pick it. Then I saw the name. It was my best friend, Jessica. I'm sure she was losing it, she must have been stunned to see the headlines.
I answered.
"GIRLLLL!!" her voice exploded through the phone. "One minute you're engaged to the love of your life, next minute you're marrying a billionaire stranger. Or maybe he's not a stranger? What am I missing?!"
I sighed. "It's complicated."
"When has anything been too complicated for me to understand? Have you forgotten what I do for a living? I'm coming over."
"No!" I said quickly.
I couldn't deal with everything at once. Daniel was the priority. I had to see him.
"I'll explain everything later," I said. "I promise."
It took longer than expected, but eventually she let it go. Barely. "I'm coming after," she warned. "You're not escaping me."
I grabbed my keys and rushed out before I could change my mind. The drive to Higgins Park felt too long. That was where I met Daniel and where he proposed. Our place.
At a red light, I slowed near a bridal atelier on Richmond Avenue. The display windows glowed under the afternoon sun. Ivory gowns stood behind glass like royalty. One had cascading lace sleeves that fell like mist. Another was sleek satin, smooth enough to catch the light like liquid pearl. A mermaid silhouette hugged an invisible waist before flaring into delicate tulle. There was one covered in crystals-like fallen stars.
For a moment, everything went quiet. I had always imagined my wedding. Just... not like this. Not with the wrong person.
The light turned green. I drove faster wishing the wind would sweep away my worries.
When I got to the park, I saw him immediately. Standing by the lake. Daniel. Tall. Familiar. Mine.
Or... he used to be.
