Aliana, of course, recognized the sarcasm immediately, but her smile only widened as though she didn’t mind a bit. “You’re more than welcome to attend,” she said with an almost gloating air. “My fiancé has gone all out. The wedding dress is being custom-designed, we’ve hired makeup artists from world-renowned brands, and because I love lily-of-the-valley, he’s even rented an entire farm to provide fresh blooms for the ceremony.”
Athena listened to Aliana’s sweet words, but all she felt was an emptiness deep inside her.
She had been the one who meticulously planned every detail of her own wedding. Emmett was always “busy,” a convenient excuse. And whenever Athena expressed frustration, he would soothe her with words that seemed perfect at the time.
“You’re the bride, Athena; everything should be about what you love. If you love it, I’ll love it too.”
But now, as the reality of the situation settled in, it became painfully clear. He wasn’t busy; he simply didn’t care.
“The exact date of the wedding hasn’t been set yet. He still has to deal with the woman his family insists on, but he promised that once that’s out of the way, he’ll marry me and make me the happiest bride.”