ELLE

expression. "Did Nathaniel mention that our guests must

logies. I would've brought my girlfriend

idn't want to let bad news dampen the mood of the day. "Oh... well, it happened," I said,

otice his gaze drop to my lips before returning to my

, not sure of ho

pliment?" I as

ou prefer it wasn't?" he sa

ion to seem a bit more neutral, "I think I'll t

low, "though I have to admit, I did

g deeper than I expected. "Why not

. calculated. Never rush into anything unl

rying to say?" I aske

th everything," he rep

do you kn

at me. His expression was unreadable. Then he straighte

it seems your husban

lid around my waist from behind as he delivered

bonding," he said

said, brushing my h

he murmured a

ven though I felt a flutter in my

and for a handshake. "Alright, man. I'll see you

Mrs. Williams," Tristan said, of

efly, careful to keep my expression neutral even though

gency calls till we wrapped up the evening

good time, and I was grateful. Seeing all their smiles gave me a tinge

pping me out of my reverie. He gestured toward a sl

from mine. "I'll meet you in the car," he said, his voice colder than usual.

nately, Nathaniel hadn't met me at the car yesterday, nor did he return home. Instead

all him being this busy, I thought I was going to spend my fir

dling, a movie night, or at least a peaceful sleep. The way he was so sweet to me during the wedding, how th

y I'd been sidelined, like a decorative accessory. But another part

I made my way to the bathroom, careful no

m at home, everything screamed elegance, it ha

he room. There was a big sofa in the middle of the room with soft white clothes on it, it looked untouched. The headboard wa

kinds of meals. It was like I'd walked into some sort of luxury brunch. Croissants, some bread, pancakes drizzled

middle-aged woman standing just nearby. Her hair was neatly tied back into a ponytail, she wore a cr

, it seemed like I was in the wrong hou

inally slipped out of my mo

she said, gesturing me to the d

ook around for a bit," I said, leaving the

added, with a small laugh. "I c

thing, Mr. Williams instructed me to," she

d, "when did he te

got here Mrs

oying me, I mean I hadn't even seen my husband in nearly twenty-four hours, and already

asked, trying to softe

d, a mix of confusio

all me Michelle, o

ly. "But Mrs. Williams,

through before she could complete wh

overtook me, making me blurt it out. "For now," I a

arly unsure, "ok

rief smile, "Than

gain, slowly ex

explore the living room, and a small picture frame

t drunk and disheveled. His hands slung around two other

an's shirt was slightly unbuttoned, revealing the hard line of his chest, his hair

cing the det

y with a faint smile on his face. My heart pounded for a second be

ing there?" I asked, my tone

the room, briefly swinging a bunch of keys in his hands

back on the table,

irmly, even though he

my house?" I asked, my

ng on the bride. Thought I'd see ho