PART 21 - "The DMs, the Dress, and the Decision"
Scene: A Diamond On My Finger, But Doubt In My Chest
The wedding was five days away.
The invitations had been sent. The food was ordered. My gown was steamed and hanging like a cloud in our bedroom closet.
But the house was quiet.
No Devon.
No kisses on my neck in the morning.
No hand pressed on my lower back while I stirred my coffee.
Just… silence.
And then came the DM.
Scene: The Message That Shook Me
It came from @KingJ.Luxe - Jordan, my old college flame.
The one who had me writing his name in hearts on my notes before Devon ever existed.
The one who used to say, "When you get tired of playing CEO's wife, come be a queen on my throne."
I opened it.
"Saw the wedding post. Just wanted to say... don't forget who you were before you loved him.
And if you need a break from all that weight on your crown, I'm one call away."
I stared at the screen, heart pounding.
It was wrong.
But it felt… timely.
Scene: Me, My Gown, and My Thoughts
I pulled the dress from the closet and let the silk run between my fingers. The beading shimmered under the light.
This was the dress I imagined walking down the aisle in. The one I picked when everything still felt safe.
But now?
Every sparkle reminded me of that girl in the USB video.
Of my bridesmaids who turned into snakes.
Of the truth I didn't want to face: Devon was human. And I was hurt.
Scene: Mama's Voice in My Head
As I poured wine and sat by the window, I heard her voice from years ago.
"A man will make mistakes. That's not the question.
The question is: does he learn, and does he fight for you when it's time to make it right?"
Scene: The Lake House Drive
Two days before the wedding, I packed Nova's overnight bag and drove.
The lake house was quiet, soft blues reflecting off the water. Devon stepped outside as I pulled up. He looked like he hadn't slept.
"Is she okay?" he asked.
"She's fine," I said, handing Nova to him.
"She misses her daddy."
He swallowed hard, holding her close.
"I miss her. I miss you."
I didn't answer.
Scene: The Fire & the Truth
That night, we sat by the fire pit.
"I was wrong," Devon said.
"I thought bachelor night was supposed to be about 'freedom.' But I didn't realize how much I'd already found it. In you."
He looked me in the eye, voice raw.
"I didn't cheat. But I lied. And I hurt you. If you walk away, I won't fight. But if you'll still marry me… I'll spend forever proving I never deserved that second chance - but I'll honor it like my life depends on it."
Scene: The Decision
I didn't answer him.
Not then.
I kissed Nova's forehead and went inside to bed, letting the fire burn out on its own.
But the next morning, I stood barefoot at the edge of the lake.
The wind moved around me like a whisper.
I pulled out my phone.
And deleted the message from Jordan.
Then I texted my coordinator:
"The wedding is still on. But we're making some changes."