Chapter 1: The night before forever

Lumi’s POV

“Lumi… if you wanted this dress for your engagement so badly, you could’ve at least lost some weight.”

Wren’s voice came from behind me as her fingers worked carefully at the zipper of my dress. For a moment, I said nothing. I just stared at my reflection.

The dress was beautiful.

White champagne material, clinging to my body in a way that felt both elegant… and exposing. It shined under the warm glow of the bedroom lights, tender and refined—everything I thought I wanted for a night like this.

My engagement party.

A slow, quiet smile touched my lips, but it didn’t quite reach my eyes.

“You didn’t have to be so blunt about it,” I said softly. “Maybe I should go for another dress.”

Behind me, Wren froze. The zipper stopped moving.

“…Oh.”

That single word carried something different this time. There’s no teasing, just regret.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” she said quickly, her voice softer now. “God, Lumi—I talk too much sometimes.”

I watched her through the mirror.

Her brows had pulled together slightly, her hands hovering uncertainly at my back like she didn’t know whether to continue or step away.

“I’m sorry,” she added, more gently this time. “It actually looks really good on you. I just—my mouth runs before my brain catches up.”

Something in my chest loosened. That was Wren, too honest sometimes, but never cruel.

I let out a small breath.

“It’s fine,” I said. “I know how you are.”

She gave a small, sheepish smile. “Unfortunately.”

That pulled a quiet laugh from me.

“I was just joking earlier,” she added, trying to lighten the moment. “Even I can’t stay away from Popeyes chicken.”

I shook my head, the tension easing just a little.

“You and that chicken…”

“Don’t judge me,” she said quickly, nudging my arm lightly. “We all have weaknesses.”

“And yours is fried and spicy.”

“And proud.”

I smiled, turning slightly to look at her properly. Wren stood there in her usual chaotic state, measuring tape around her neck, hair tied up carelessly, a pencil tucked behind her ear.

A mess.

But a familiar one, a comforting one. She had always been that way, ever since we were kids. After my mom died, everything in my world had shifted. Everything except Wren, she stayed and filled spaces I didn’t even realize were empty.

Sometimes I caught myself wondering what life would’ve been like without a cousin sister like her. Then I stopped, because I didn’t want to know.

“I think I’ll try something else,” I said, reaching for the zipper.

“Yeah,” she nodded quickly. “Only if you want to. Not because of what I said.”

I glanced at her. “I know.”

And I did.

I slipped out of the dress and moved toward my wardrobe, flipping through the hangers slowly. My weight gain hadn’t been sudden. Grief had played its part, so had stress, so had life. But I was working on it for myself. Not because anyone asked me to.

Because I wanted to feel good in my own skin again. And honestly…Caius had never made me feel like I wasn’t. A small smile curved my lips at the thought of him.

My fiancé.

He loved my body, every part of its. The softness, the curves. Even the parts I used to avoid looking at. Sometimes he would pull me close, his hands warm and sure against my waist, his voice low and certain in my ear.

“You’re the sexiest woman in the world.”

And the way he said it…like it wasn’t even up for debate. That had always been enough for me. More than enough.

I pulled out another dress, this one darker and simpler. More forgiving. I slipped into it quickly and turned back toward the mirror. It fit easily.

Wren circled me slowly, not like a critic—but like someone making sure I felt good.

She nodded. “This one feels like you,” she said softly.

I met her eyes in the mirror. “Yeah,” I said. “It does.”

I quickly changed back to a normal outfit and grabbed my bag from the chair. I checked my phone, nothing yet. That was unusual, Caius usually texted by now.

I pushed the thought aside. He was probably busy. It was our engagement party tonight.

“I’m heading out,” I said.

Wren leaned lightly against the wall. “Are you going to be home late?”

“Yeah,” I replied. “I’m going to stop by Clover’s first.”

She nodded. “Okay. She’s probably already excited.”

“She’s been texting me all day.”

“I’m not surprised,” Wren smiled. “Just don’t let her distract you too much.”

Then her expression softened slightly. “And Lumi…”

I paused.

“Take your time, but don’t be late tonight.”

I smiled faintly. “I won’t.”

“You better not.”

“I won’t.”

She laughed softly. “Alright. Bye. And text me when you get there.”

“I will.”

.

The evening air brushed me gently as I stepped outside. I got into my car, adjusting my dress before starting the engine. For a moment, I just sat there. Quiet and still, letting everything settle.

I can’t believe it’s finally happening tonight.

A soft nervous excitement fluttered in my chest. I reached for my phone and opened the camera. The lighting was good. I snapped a quick mirror selfie from earlier and sent it to Caius.

Me:

Do I pass the fiancé test?

My phone buzzed almost instantly.

Caius:

Pass? You just broke the test.

A small laugh escaped me.

Caius:

You look incredible.

Actually… no. You look dangerous.

Warmth spread through my chest.

Me:

Dangerous?

Caius:

Yeah. Like I won’t survive tonight without touching you.

I shook my head, smiling.

Me:

Behave.

Caius:

No promises.

My heart softened. This felt right, easy and safe. Like everything was exactly where it was supposed to be.

Then my phone buzzed again. Another message.

Caius:

Hey baby…

I glanced at the screen.

Caius:

You said you were going to drop by Clover’s first. Let me know when you’re on your way.

My fingers stilled.

A small frown formed on my face. I hadn’t told him that yet. My chest tightened slightly. I stared at the message, then slowly…another thought crept in.

If I hadn’t told him…then how did he know?