James stood outside Sarah's apartment, the weight of his impending wedding pressing down on him like a leaden sky. He clenched his fists, his heart torn between duty and desire. With a shaky breath, he raised his hand and knocked softly on the door.The door swung open, revealing Sarah's tear-stained face. Her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of James standing there, a tumult of emotions flickering across her features."James, what are you doing here?" Sarah's voice trembled with a mixture of hope and apprehension, “I thought you were…”"I had to see you, Sarah," James replied, his voice thick with emotion. "I couldn't go through with this without telling you one last time that I love you and I mean it."Sarah's breath caught in her throat, her heart aching at the sincerity in James's words. She stepped aside, wordlessly inviting him into her apartment.They sat in silence for a moment, the air heavy with unspo
Emma stared at herself in the big mirror, wearing her beautiful white wedding dress. The fancy lace looked so pretty draping over her slim body, with the delicate beads sparkling in the soft light of the dressing room."Wow, Emma, you look stunning!" exclaimed her nanny, Ruth, eyes shining with pride. "Your mother would have been so proud to see you in this gorgeous dress."Emma's smile faded a little as she felt a pang of sadness thinking about her late mother. She blinked rapidly, trying not to let the tears fall. How she wished her mom could be here on her wedding day."I know, Nanny," Emma said, her voice catching with emotion. "I just wish she could be here with us today."Ruth stepped forward and gave Emma a warm, comforting hug, putting her arms around her."I miss her too, Miss Emma," Ruth murmured gently. "But I know she's watching over you from heaven, and she's so proud of the beautiful woman you've become."The tender
James's eyes snapped open as he jolted upright in bed, his heart pounding with a sudden sense of urgency. He glanced at the clock on his bedside table and felt a surge of panic grip him. He was late – very late."Sarah, why didn't you wake me up?!" James exclaimed, his voice filled with frustration as he scrambled out of bed and dashed towards the bathroom.Sarah stirred from her sleep, blinking in confusion as she registered James's frantic movements."What do you mean? I thought you set your alarm," Sarah mumbled groggily, rubbing her eyes as she struggled to wake up.James didn't bother responding as he rushed through his morning routine, his mind racing with thoughts of the impending disaster that awaited him. Today was supposed to be his wedding day – the day he was supposed to marry Emma – and now he was running late thanks to Sarah's negligence.As James hastily dressed, he couldn't shake the feeling of dread that gnawed at his insides. How could he have overslept on the most i
Emma's legs felt like lead as she walked down the long aisle, her father's grip on her arm vice-like. Memories of Mark's betrayal with Amanda flashed through her mind in agonizing flickers.There was Mark, whispering hushed endearments to Amanda as they embraced... Mark and Amanda kissing passionately, oblivious to Emma's stunned presence... The devastated look on Amanda's face when Emma confronted her about the affair..."Emma, keep it together," her father hissed through a frozen smile as they approached the altar.She blinked back tears, putting on a brave face as James came into view. His expression was stony, giving no hint of the emotional turmoil she knew he must be feeling."Dearly beloved..." The priest's voice cut through her daze.Emma tuned out the droning speech, fighting waves of nausea. This was all wrong. She didn't love James, and he didn't love her. How could she go through with this sham?Her father shot her a warning look as the vows began. Emma's heart pounded, co
The limo slowed to a halt at the grand Montgomery estate, and James hastily exited without even considering holding the door for Emma. She sighed inwardly, gathering her gown delicately before stepping out, feelinga pang of disappointmentat his lack of courtesy. James marched ahead, his destination clear - the east wing guest rooms. Emma hurried to catch up, blocking his path with an outstretched arm. "Where are you off to in such a hurry?" she demanded, her voice tinged with frustration. James glanced at her with a mixture of irritation and disdain. "To find a room as far away from you as possible."
Emma jolted awake, heart pounding. The dream had been so vivid - Mark's hands roaming her body, his lips on her skin. She shuddered at the memory."What's wrong with you?" James' gruff voice made her jump. He glared at her from across the bed, eyes narrowed in the dim light. Emma felt heat rush to her cheeks."N-nothing. Just a dream, I will be fine," she stammered."it would have been better if you kept that in your dream but your moaning woke me up," James snapped. "Keep it down, will you? I need to sleep here."Emma wanted to sink through the mattress. Had she been moaning out loud? How utterly mortifying. Her cheeks burned."Sorry," she mumbled, staring at the sheets.James grunted and turned away, leaving Emma flustered and embarrassed. She'd only been dreaming of her ex-lover Mark. Was that so wrong? James acted like she'd committed a crime.As James' breathing slowed to a steady rhythm, Emma couldn't relax. Her body still tingled from the vivid dream, her skin feeling feverish
Emma blinked awake to the harsh blare of an alarm clock. Disoriented, she glanced around the familiar bedroom before the events of last night came rushing back. The fight with James. His cold rejection. Their bitter agreement to keep up the charade of a happy marriage. Steeling herself, Emma rose from the tangled sheets and quickly dressed, wanting to face the day head-on. She wouldn't cower in this room like a scolded child. As she emerged, the mouthwatering aroma of bacon and fresh coffee wafted through the hallway. Emma followed the scent towardthe sound ofclinking dishware and low voices conversing.
The shrill ringing of Emma's phone pierced the silence of her hotel room suite. She had been staring out the window, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the glittering diamond ring on her left hand. Asymbol of her new life, her new identity as Mrs. Reynolds. And yet, the ache in her heart refused to dissipate, leaving her adrift in a sea of uncertainty.With a trembling hand, she reached for the phone, her breath catchingin her throatas the caller ID flashed a name she had hopedto never see again: Mark."Hello?" She answered, her voice barel