My phone buzzed. A message from Mom: Venue options are in. Dresses attached. Let me know what you like, darling.
I tapped the call icon.
“Mom,” I said, voice steady.
“Elena! Did you see the pictures? What do you think of the flowers? And the dresses?” she asked, excitement bubbling.
“I like everything. It was actually hard to choose,” I replied. “I’ll finalize today. But I think the vintage one is my favorite.”
“Perfect! We’ll prepare it for you. How long until you’re back? Your groom is waiting—he’s excited.”
“A few more days. Something came up, but I’ll be there. I can’t wait to wear the dresses… for the wedding.”
Mom chuckled softly. “That’s my girl. We’ll wait for you.”
I hung up and stared at the untouched tray. Then I sensed the shift.
Nathan and Gabriel were standing in the doorway. I hadn’t even noticed them return.
Their eyes fixed on me, unreadable.
Gabriel’s voice broke the silence first. “Dress… for the wedding?”
Nathan stepped forward, frowning. “Wedding? What wedding?”
“What wedding are you even talking about?” Nathan asked, brow furrowed, confusion written all over his face.
I smiled slowly, deliberately, letting the words hang in the air. “The wedding you won’t be attending.”
He blinked, caught off guard. “Whose wedding? Not… not mine, right?”
I tilted my head, letting a soft, mocking laugh escape as I stepped closer. “Of course not mine. You haven’t even proposed yet, Nathan. Still my boyfriend, aren’t you?”
I lightly brushed my hand across his arm, just enough to unsettle him.
He recoiled immediately, shaking my hand off. “Elena… don’t be so clingy. You’re still healing. Just… rest for now.”
I swallowed the sting that cut deep into me. He didn’t even pretend to care anymore. How could I have been so foolish to actually fall for him?
Gabriel, leaning against the doorway, crossed his arms. “Wait… why aren’t we invited? We’ve known you forever.”
“She’s a distant cousin,” I said flatly, keeping my voice calm. “You wouldn’t know her. Mom just wants me there—to represent the family, I guess.”
“And Sabrina?” Gabriel pressed. “Is she coming with you?”
I shrugged. “No. She doesn’t know this cousin. Just my adopted sister. No reason for her to go.”
Nathan laughed like that was good news. “Perfect. Finally, we can go to Finland while you’re away.”