LOGINAbby Intrigued, I let Karl take my hand and lead me discreetly away from the reception, weaving through the tables and out a back door into the gardens. A mischievous grin plays on his lips as we giggle like teenagers, ducking behind hedges and scurrying across the lush green lawns. “Where are w
As the music shifts to a slow ballad, I feel a familiar pair of strong arms circle my waist from behind. “There’s my beautiful wife,” Karl’s deep voice rumbles in my ear, sending shivers down my spine. He spins me around to face him, our bodies swaying in time to the soft music. I gaze up at him
Abby The reception hall is cast in a warm, romantic glow, with twinkling lights and the warm flickering of candles on every table. Soft music plays as Karl and I make our entrance, hand-in-hand to raucous applause and cheers from our guests. I can’t stop smiling as we wave to our loved ones gather
Abby The afternoon sun streaming in through the tall windows of the chapel casts the stones in a warm golden light, giving everything a sort of ethereal energy. I stand in the hallway, my arm linked with Anton’s, as the wedding coordinator prepares everyone to walk down the aisle. “Are you ready
Abby As I sit in front of the vanity mirror with the hair and makeup artist circling around me, I meet my friends’ gazes in the reflection; Chloe, Leah, Daisy, and even Elsie are here as my bridesmaids, each of them looking more beautiful than the last. “The seamstress really did do a great job
Abby With a gasp of excitement, I pull the wedding gown out of its box and hold it up in the light. Everything is perfect; the way the beadwork catches the light, the silky texture, the shape. I can’t wait to try it on now that it’s been altered to fit my body. Quickly, I slip out of my clothe
Abby “Is there a problem here?” Damon’s voice is powerful and firm despite the sound of the party whirling around us. His grip tightens around my shoulders, pulling me in closer against his warm body. I stumble a bit in my heels and feel my body press against him in a way that makes me shiver.
“Karl.” His name comes out like a breath on my tongue. When I see those soft brown eyes gazing at me, it’s as if everyone else suddenly stands still, as if the music goes silent and there’s nothing but us twirling in slow motion beneath a single light. “Abby,” Karl whispers as we spin together.
Abby As Damon and I step back out into the bustling party, the sound of music overwhelms me once more. That, and the feeling of Karl somewhere close by. But I know it’s all in my head. If Karl was here, he would have called me. And yet, I haven’t heard from him since he left me that initial voic
When the lights come on, I’m met with a sight to behold; an entire gallery full of expensive artwork and sculptures. There must be millions of dollars worth of artwork in this room alone. “Wow,” I breathe, turning slowly as I look around. “Damon, this is…” “A small collection, really,” Damon say







