Lahat ng Kabanata ng MY CEO, MY OBSESSION : Kabanata 181 - Kabanata 190

Week forty-six. Late July.Nine weeks until the wedding.I still don't have a dress."How did you let this happen?" Maggie demands over the phone."I've been busy surviving investigations and harassment!""That was weeks ago. Elena, you're getting married in two months. You need a dress.""I know. I just—every time I look at dresses, I panic.""Why?""Because it makes it real. Like, really real.""It is really real. You're engaged. The wedding is planned. All that's missing is the dress.""And my emotional readiness to pick one.""Tough. Clara, Keisha and I are taking you shopping Saturday. No arguments."Saturday arrives too quickly.We're at a bridal boutique in downtown Seattle.I hate everything about this.The pushy saleswoman. The mirrors everywhere. The price tags that make me nauseous."What's your vision?" the saleswoman asks."I don't have one.""Everyone has a vision—""I really don't. Simple? Not poofy? Something I can breathe in?"She looks disappointed. "Let me pull some

Week forty-nine. Mid-August.Six weeks until the wedding.I'm at work when my assistant buzzes. "Elena, there's a woman here claiming to be Damien's mother. She doesn't have an appointment."My stomach drops. "Tell her I'm not available.""She says she'll wait. She's quite insistent.""Call security if she doesn't leave in five minutes."Ten minutes later, she's still in the lobby.I call Damien. "Your mother is at my office. Won't leave.""What? She has a restraining order—""That's against you and from Melissa. Not from your mother.""I'm coming. Don't engage with her alone.""I won't."But thirty minutes later, she's still there. And I have a meeting I can't postpone.I go to the lobby. "Mrs. Voss, you need to leave.""Not until we talk. About this mistake you're making.""We have nothing to discuss.""You're marrying my son in six weeks. We absolutely have things to discuss."Security approaches. "Ms. Torres, do you want us to escort her out?"Before I can answer, Mrs. Voss stands

Week fifty-three. Early September.Two weeks until the wedding.Everything shifts into high gear.Monday, final confirmations from all vendors.Every single one confirms. No last-minute cancellations. No disasters."We're actually going to pull this off," I tell Keisha."Did you doubt it?""Constantly. But everything is falling into place.""That's because you planned well. And because you're actually ready for this."Tuesday, my dress is delivered to Maggie's house."Why am I keeping it?" she asks."Because if it's at my place or Damien's, there's a chance he'll see it. Bad luck.""You're superstitious now?""I'm taking no chances. This wedding is happening and I'm not risking anything.""Fair enough. I'll guard it with my life."Wednesday, therapy with Dr. Chen. Our last session before the wedding."Two weeks. How do you feel?""Surprisingly calm. Like I've moved through the anxiety into acceptance.""Acceptance of what?""That this is happening. That I'm ready. That whatever fears

Dr. Patel stands before us, smiling.Behind Damien, I can see our guests. Twenty-eight people who love us. Who've supported us through everything.The Seattle skyline stretches beyond the terrace. October sun casting golden light over everything."Elena and Damien," Dr. Patel begins, "have invited us here today to witness their commitment to each other. And what a journey it's been."Soft laughter from our guests. They know. They've all witnessed some part of our chaos."They've chosen to write their own vows. Elena, would you like to begin?"My hands are shaking. Damien squeezes them gently.I pull out the paper I've been carrying. My vows. Written and rewritten a dozen times."Damien," I start. My voice cracks immediately.Deep breath. Try again."Damien, two years ago, you walked into my life when I was at my lowest. And instead of seeing someone to save, you saw someone worth knowing. Worth choosing. Worth fighting for."Tears are already streaming down my face. I don't care."We'

Monday morning. October 31st.Two weeks married. First day back at work.I wake up at six AM to my alarm. Damien's already in the shower."Morning!" he calls out. "Coffee's ready!"I stumble to the kitchen. He's made a full pot. Left out my favorite mug.Small gesture. But it matters."Thank you," I say when he emerges, dressed for work."Of course. First day back. We need all the caffeine."We eat breakfast together. Toast. Fruit. Comfortable silence."Nervous?" he asks."A little. Two weeks is a long time to be away.""You'll be fine. Keisha had everything under control.""I know. But still. Re-entry is always hard."At seven-thirty, we leave together. He kisses me in the parking garage."Love you. Have a good day.""Love you too. See you tonight?""Dinner at home. I'll cook.""You'll cook?""I'm trying new things. Being married and all."I laugh. "Okay. Surprise me."At work, Keisha greets me with a huge smile."Welcome back, Mrs. Torres-Voss!""Please don't call me that at work. I