Just Between Us

LLE's

of my wedding dress as I shifted, feeling the we

myself. It had to be. After all,

usband, a warm smile spreading across his face as he

going to be with my best friend every day and get to spend so much time together.

est friend, my partner-was the r

should make everything seem romantic, like the start of a fairy

about it today, not now, not when eve

Nathaniel to be your l

iel, his expression filled with anticipation and understanding, his sof

dy even though some part of me wa

guests, it was as if they could read my mind or sense the hesitation in me. Or mayb

as if he'd just arrived, the man wore matching suits just like the rest of

muscles, toned in a way that was visible even beneath the fabric. His brunette hair was perfe

who was this man, and why on eart

n this man. Was it normal for someone to walk in at the last minute

ntion was completely taken by the f

ame vows he'd probably rehearsed in his head a thousand times before today.

ugh my reverie of thoughts, and I blinked, re

e gently, a small smi

just about me. This was about the life we

worse, in sickness and in health?" His voice was genuine and filled with hope. He d

alling easily from my lips,

ppressing whatever I had inside to pull out a bright face

f the commitment I had just made. The priest declared us husband and wife, a

, I present to you Mr

onto mine. The kiss was exactly what I needed, something to distract me from how I felt. His lips were warm and

it made me realize how much people came

es of guests exchanging greetings

reception fading in sound as it continued aroun

ng like everything was fine. But before

p to know who it was-Vi

ith a condescending voice. "I'm surp

plied, keeping my voice steady, even though

he disgust in her expression. "Enjoying it, yes. Must be quite a shift for you, stepping in

let her see me falter. I put my glass down slowly, keeping my composur

? Love doesn't come with this-the penthouse, the cars, the vacations. It's not just about love, da

w about Nathaniel's wealthy status, but I'd never marry a man because

oice even. "I didn't marry him for his money, Mrs. Willia

d she leaned closer. I coul

er way up. Nathaniel's been good to you, hasn't he? Bought you the perfect life-just like he always

t tightened, but I wasn't going to let

. What I need is for you to stop questioning my intenti

? I've seen women like you before. They come in, charming, sweet, pretend

n. I could tell this lady never had any best interest for me since day one

ays wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. There's something special about watching my kids

, you don't know me, Mrs. Williams. You don't even know anything about my relatio

e that's true. Because if you hurt my son or even

st me or keep doubting me. But either way, I'm here for him, and I'm not leavi

h her evil smile still on he

I wasn't sure what to expect from Nathaniel's mother, but I knew one thin

ad in my cup, hoping it would brush

n, scanning the room for Nathan

g me from behind, I turned, trying to h

here for you, where did you go?" Mom asked,

to some guests," I lied, f

, your father wants to

moment, I need to find m

r you," she said, a warm smil

is whirlwind of a day. I walked down the hallway, asking a few

to my wedding and expect me

ehind one of the doors, low

atch what he was saying. I had never heard him l

expected you of all people to sh

then a different voice

something came up. I didn

ee how ridiculous you sound, it was my fucking wedding day Trista

ld chill out,"

was the only one t

't so wrapped up in this whole 'perfect wedding' nonsense, yo

had to sort out on their own, a "bro" issue they could only resolve with

how important today wa

s the moment he called my name

cause I wasn't there the second you said, 'I do'

athaniel say, but Tristan cut hi

up late, you're acting like

nd maintaining this dreamy picture of your life, you'd realize that

but I couldn't help but wonder what Tri

haniel's crazy mom, this distraction was a relie

ou," I heard Nathaniel sa

elf so much that you cannot notice th

nst the wall like they were struggling to fight each other. I

u should stop this nuisance, this is a wedding, and you

hearing his footsteps walking towards the door, bu

e faced directly together even though his lips were slightly bruised. Tho

for some reason, I was frozen, and my mou

kay?" He asked, his v

h," finally fi

your big day," he said, putting on a faint smile before tur

ike I was swimming in a sea of questions that I had to find

of me couldn't help wondering-was