Chapter VII

As I and Chris walked out of the restroom together, I couldn't help but replay in my head what just happened in the bathroom with Nicolas.

Stella was waiting by the table, her eyes lighting up when she saw us."There you two are! I was beginning to think you got lost," she joked.

I forced a smile. "Just freshening up."

Stella nodded, linking her arm with Nicolas's. "It's been such a wonderful night. I'm so glad you could join us, Chris."

Chris smiles and nods at her.

As we left the restaurant, Chris took my hand, and I leaned into him, trying to focus on the warmth and comfort he provided. But I couldn't shake the feeling of Nicolas's touch or the intensity of his gaze.

“I'm guessing you'll be spending the night at Chris's hotel room." Stella said as we walked towards the car park.

I and Chris exchanged quick glances, as a cocky smile smeared on his face. “Of course, we've a lot of catching up to do."

Stella giggled, but the look on Nicolas face was the farthest from happy. He was definitely not pleased with the fact I was going to be with Chris in a hotel room.

Back at the hotel, Chris and I said our goodnights to Stella and Nicolas. As we parted ways, I caught one last look from Nicolas, a silent plea that tugged at my heart.

In our room, Chris wrapped his arm around me, his warmth a comfort against the chill in my heart.

"I missed you so much, Melissa," he said softly. "I'm glad Stella arranged this."

I smiled up at him, my heart full of conflicting emotions. "I missed you too, Chris. More than you know."

He leaned in, kissing me softly. "I am happy, Mel. Being with you makes me happy."

I sighed. Why can't I just be content with the love Chris showed me? What was it about Nicolas that I couldn't just get over?

Chris and I talked for a while, sharing stories and laughing. But I was distracted, my thoughts constantly drifting back to Nicolas.

Eventually, Chris fell asleep, and I lay awake, staring at the ceiling, my mind a whirlwind of confusion and longing.

The next morning, we all met for brunch, the air still thick with unresolved tension. Stella, oblivious as ever, chatted about wedding details, while Nicolas and I exchanged brief, furtive glances.

After brunch, Chris and I decided to take a walk around the hotel grounds. As we strolled through the gardens, he turned to me, a concern etched on his face.

“Melissa, I can't shake the feeling that something's off. Is everything is okay?"

I nodded, hoping to convince him everything was alright.

But Chris turned to me, his expression serious. "Melissa, is there something going on with Nicolas? You both seemed... tense last night and even this morning."

My heart raced as Chris's words hung in the air. I knew I couldn't keep lying to him, but I wasn't ready to confront the truth either.

"Chris, I..." I began, searching for the right words. "It's complicated."

He frowned, concern deepening in his eyes. "What do you mean, Melissa? You can tell me anything."

Before I could respond, my phone buzzed. It was a message from Stella: "Come to the house. We need to talk."

I looked at Chris, my heart pounding. "It's Stella. She wants to see me."

He nodded, his expression worried. "Go. We'll talk later."I made my way to Stella's house, my mind racing. When I knocked, she opened the door, a huge smile on her face.

“Come in Mel." Stella says happily. “Meet my girlfriends." she quickly introduces me to the three other ladies already seated in her living room. “Girls, meet my maid of honor."

“Today, we're all going to the spa! Pedis and Manis baby!" Stella exclaims excitedly and other ladies join her.

“Then don't forget, your wedding dress shopping." one of the ladies chipped in.

“And of course the bridal train dresses!" another one of the ladies adds.

“Wow, I didn't even know." I said surprised by the events packed for the day.

“There's more..." Stella continues, “We're all going to plan my bridal shower!"

All the ladies screamed and clapped joyfully. I felt odd with them. How could I feign excitement when I knew she was getting married to the one man I couldn't get out of my head.

“Come on ladies, let's go!" Stella said, and we all got up and followed her.

As we piled into the car, the excitement of the other ladies filled the air. I tried my best to match their enthusiasm, but my mind kept drifting back to Nicolas and the mess of emotions I was tangled in.

The spa was luxurious, a haven of relaxation. As we soaked in the pampering treatments, Stella’s friends chatted about wedding plans, colors, and decorations. I forced smiles and joined in the conversations when prompted, but my heart wasn't in it.

As we moved on to the bridal boutique, I watched Stella try on one gorgeous gown after another. She looked radiant, her happiness infectious. The other women offered compliments and suggestions, their excitement palpable. I clapped and cheered along with them, but my heart ached with each dress she tried on. She was about to marry Nicolas, and I was standing by, pretending to be happy.

When we arrived back at Stella's house, the sun was setting. The day had been long, and I was emotionally exhausted. Stella's friends began discussing ideas for the bridal shower, brainstorming themes and activities. I tried to focus, offering suggestions and nodding along, but my mind kept drifting.

At some point, Stella noticed my distraction and pulled me aside. "Mel, are you okay? You've seemed a bit off today."

I forced a smile. "Just a lot on my mind, I guess. It's been a long day."

She nodded sympathetically. "I get it. Wedding planning can be overwhelming. But I'm so glad you're here with me."

I hugged her, feeling a mix of guilt and affection. "I'm glad to be here too, Stella."

As the evening wound down, I excused myself to get some air. I stepped out onto the balcony, the cool night breeze a welcome relief. I leaned against the railing, staring out at the twinkling lights of the city, trying to sort through the chaos in my mind.Suddenly, my phone buzzed.

It was a text from Nicolas: "We need to talk. Can we meet?"