I Was Seated Behind A Pillar At My Sister’s Wedding While Everyone Acted Like I Wasn’t Really Family.

He reached over, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

“For what it’s worth, I’m falling for you. That complicates things too. But I’m not sorry about it.”

My breath caught.

“Julian—”

“You don’t have to say anything. I just wanted you to know where I stand. Now go inside before I do something impulsive like kiss you senseless in front of your building.”

I got out of the car, but leaned back through the window.

“I’m falling for you too, just so you know.”

His smile could have lit up the entire city.

“Good. That makes what comes next easier.”

“What comes next?”

“Patience. You’ll see.”

The following week, Patricia’s assistant called with details about the corporate event. It would be in mid-August, celebrating the completion of Bennett Health Solutions’ transition to sustainable practices. They wanted an elaborate dessert spread for two hundred guests, and they were offering three times my usual rate. I discussed it with my boss, who was thrilled at the prospect of the exposure and the money. We worked out an arrangement where I’d use the bakery kitchen during off hours, and the bakery would get credited as a partner while I’d receive the bulk of the payment. Julian and I fell into a pattern over the next few weeks. Dinners, movies, long conversations that stretched late into the night. He was easy to be with, making me laugh and challenging me to think differently about things. The physical attraction was undeniable, but what surprised me was how much I enjoyed simply being around him. We didn’t talk much about Victoria or my family during those weeks. It was like we’d created a bubble where that drama didn’t exist, where I could just be myself without the weight of family expectations. Then, six weeks after the wedding, Victoria called.

“Elizabeth, hi. Sorry I haven’t been in touch since the honeymoon. Things have been crazy with settling into married life.”

“No worries. How was the trip?”