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I open the box, revealing a stunning diamond bracelet, each stone carefully chosen to represent a milestone in our relationship, a moment that brought us closer together.
"Amara Jeffries, my love, my heart...will you do me the incredible honor of becoming my wife? Of building a life together, of facing every joy and every challenge hand in hand, side by side?"
For a moment, she's silent, tears streaming down her face as she stares at the glittering bracelet. But then, with a watery laugh, she nods, flinging her arms around my neck and peppering my face with kisses.
"Yes," she whispers, her voice thick with emotion. "Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. I love you, Grayson Winthrop. And I can't wait to be your wife."
As I slide the bracelet onto her wrist, marveling at the way it sparkles and shines in the moonlight, I feel a sense of peace wash over me, a bone-deep certainty that, no matter what the future may hold, I am hers as she is mine.
27
AMARA
The morning of my wedding day dawns bright and clear, a perfect azure sky stretching out above the bustling city streets. I wake with a flutter of excitement in my stomach, a giddy, dizzy feeling that only intensifies as the hours tick by.
"I can't believe it's finally here," I whisper to my maid of honor, Sarah, as we sit in the bridal suite of the luxurious hotel where the ceremony will take place.
I hardly recognize the vision in white in the mirror before me. Her elegant hair, pin curled with the tiniest pearls. Her gown, one of a thousand she tried on, but the perfect one for her on this day. I’m almost jealous to be me right now, standing here, reading to take vows with a man I’ve been dreaming of all my life.
“Oh Sarah!,” I exclaim, the excitement jittering inside me. "I've dreamed of this day for so long, and now...now it's really happening."
Sarah grins, her eyes sparkling with joy and mischief. "You'd better believe it, babe. In just a few short hours, you'll be Mrs. Grayson Winthrop, wife of the most eligible bachelor in the city."
I laugh, feeling a rush of love and happiness wash over me. "I don't care about his money or his status, Sar. I love Grayson for who he is, for the incredible, kind, compassionate man he's shown himself to be."
She nods, her expression softening. "I know, Amara. And that's why I know this marriage is going to be one for the ages. You two...you're the kind of love that most people only dream of."
I'm about to respond when there's a sudden, sharp knock at the door, a sound that sends a jolt of unease through my veins.
"Were we expecting anyone else?" I ask, glancing at Sarah with a furrowed brow.
She shakes her head, looking equally confused. "Not that I know of. Maybe it's just one of the vendors, or a lost guest?"
I nod, feeling a flicker of relief at her logical explanation. "You're probably right. Can you see who it is, while I finish getting ready?"
Sarah nods, rising from her chair and crossing to the door. But as she opens it, her posture goes rigid, a sharp intake of breath hissing through her teeth.
"What are you doing here?" she demands, her voice low and angry. "You have no right, no reason to be anywhere near this wedding."
I feel my stomach drop, a cold sense of dread washing over me. "Sarah? Who is it? What's going on?"
She turns to me, her face pale and stricken. "Amara...it's Sophia. Grayson's crazy ex-girlfriend."
My heart stops, my blood running cold in my veins. What could she possibly want, here and now, on the day I'm set to marry the love of my life?
I rise from my chair, my legs trembling beneath me as I cross the room to stand beside Sarah. "Sophia," I say, my voice carefully neutral. "This is...a surprise."
She smiles, a cold, cruel twist of her lips that sends a shiver down my spine. "Oh, I'm sure it is, darling. But trust me...you'll want to hear what I have to say."
I glance at Sarah, seeing the same mix of fear and anger in her eyes that I'm sure is reflected in my own. "Whatever it is, I'm not interested. This is my wedding day, and I won't let you ruin it with your games and manipulations."
But she just laughs, a harsh, grating sound that flares up my annoyance. "Oh, but you see...it's not just my news to share. It's Grayson's news, too. Or should I say...our news."
I feel my breath catch in my throat, my heart pounding so hard I'm sure she must be able to hear it. "What...what are you talking about?"
Sophia's smile widens, a look of pure, malicious triumph on her face. "I'm pregnant, Amara. And the baby...it's Grayson's."
For a moment, the world stands still, the air sucked from my lungs as if by a vacuum.
