The private dining room at the Reynolds estate was adorned with crisp white linens and gleaming silverware, setting the stage for a celebratory family dinner. Emma smoothed the folds of her emerald green dress nervously as she took her seat beside James."Doesn't my little girl look radiant this evening?" Her father Donald Montgomery winked at her before turning to James. "You're one lucky young man."James barely glanced up from his phone, nodding distractedly. "Yes, quite fortunate."Senator Reynolds cleared his throat loudly. "James! Put that damn phone away and join us properly. This dinner is meant to be a joyous occasion for God's sake."Sheepishly pocketing his phone, James offered a tight smile. "You're right, Father. My apologies...I'm just preoccupied with all the wedding preparations."His mother Brenda patted his hand consolingly. "Planning such a big event with all your other responsibilities must be overwhelming, dear. But tonight is about family, not flowers and guest l
Emma was sitting at her desk, trying and failing to focus on the financial reports in front of her.There was a knock at her office door. "Come in," she called out irritably.The door opened and Mark sauntered in, shutting it behind him with a self-assured click. "Hello, Emma."Emma felt her blood pressure spike instantly at the sight of him. She shot up from her chair, sending it clattering to the floor. How dare he come to her office!"You...what are you doing here?" she spat out through gritted teeth, fists clenched at her sides.Mark gave her that insufferable charming smile that used to make her knees weak. "Now, now. Is that any way to greet an old friend?""We were never friends!" Emma raged, storming around the desk until they were face to face, close enough for her to smell his spicy cologne. It was the same scent that used to linger on his shirts when she'd bury her face in them after making love. She ruthlessly shoved that traitorous thought aside, focusing on the white-ho
After Mark finally left her office, Emma felt utterly drained, both emotionally and physically. She sank back into her desk chair, burying her face in her hands as she tried to process everything that had just transpired. The confrontation had dredged up a whirlwind of emotions - anger, lingering desire, bitter humiliation - leaving her reeling.A soft knock at the door made her look up with a weary sigh. "Come in."Nelly, her trusted assistant, poked her head in hesitantly. "Ms. Montgomery? Are you alright? I couldn't help but overhear some of that...heated exchange."Emma waved her in with a mirthless chuckle. "It's fine, Nelly. You may as well know the whole sordid tale at this point." As Nelly settled into the chair across from her, Emma began recounting the entire history - her years-long relationship with Mark, the devastating discovery of his infidelity with her former friend Amanda, and his increasingly desperate, manipulative attempts to win her back ever since news broke of
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."