As the morning sun filters through the lace curtains, illuminating the room with a soft, golden glow, I feel a flutter of excitement in my chest. Today is the day I’ve dreamed of since I was a young girl, poring over the pages of romance novels, lost in tales of love and adventure. I stand before the ornate mirror, my reflection smiling back at me with a radiance I’ve never known before. The ivory silk of my gown cascades around me like a waterfall, adorned with delicate lace at the hem and shimmering beads that catches the light just so. My dark chestnut curls are swept up in an elegant chignon, tendrils framing my face in a soft halo. Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes for a moment, savoring the anticipation that dances like butterflies in my stomach. It’s surreal, almost unbelievable, that I’m about to marry the man of my dreams. The man I’ve once only imagined, conjured from the pages of an e-novel and the depths of my own longing. I’ve never expected my life to take this

The living area is cast in a somber light, the glow of the setting sun filtering through the curtains, casting long shadows across the room. I sit between my parents on the sofa, my fingers intertwined in my lap, my heart heavy with guilt. Mama’s eyes are filled with disappointment, papa's brows furrowed in concern as they both look at me, waiting for an explanation. After what seems like an eternity of heavy silence, papa's voice cuts through the tension, calm but tinged with irritation and hurt. "You've never introduced a boyfriend before, so who's the father?" A lump forms in my throat, rendering me speechless. I can't even bring myself to meet papa's gaze, knowing the anger I’ll find there. "I..." I begin, but the words catches in my throat. I can't bear to admit the truth, but also can't bear to see the pain in my parents' eyes magnify. Papa’s tone sharpens with each passing moment of silence. "Don't tell me that the guy doesn't wanna take responsibility for his child." My

The sun casts a golden hue over the quiet subdivision as I step out of our house, my heart pounding with anticipation. I can’t believe that the day I’ve been eagerly awaiting is now, the day I’d finally meet Author Agness again. I’ve prayed for this moment, begging the fates to grant me one more encounter with the woman who has changed the course of my life. Eric pulls up in his sleek black car, the engine purring softly as he leans over to open the passenger door for me. Mama hovers nearby, excitement tinged with concern etched on her face. "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you, darling?" she asks, her hand resting protectively on my slightly swollen belly. I smile reassuringly, gently patting mama's hand. "I'll be fine.I’ll take good care of myself." Papa stands silently beside mama, his expression a mixture of pride and worry. He says, his voice laced with paternal concern, "If the contract signing takes too long, Call us, we’ll fetch you." I nod, my determinatio