and there was soft music playing in the background . She took a deep breath and looked around, trying to spot Sage, he wasn't so d

most 30, he wore a dark green suit. His wristwatch gleamed under the soft lights, hinting at luxury, As she walked toward him, she caugh

d, his voice sm

smiled, trying to

the reserved tab

wore a simple, light dress that suited her well, with her hair neatl

ests, hobbies, and jobs, but each word felt forced. Emma could tell Sage was as

reement?" Sage finally sugges

"Yes, I think

fter a year. It sounded practical but far from ideal. Emma agreed, though

home?" Sage asked as th

I'll take a taxi." She needed some

is office. Emma had often looked at the building from her window, d

ing with a stack of papers in front of him. He handed

tly. "Read it, and if you

rules and terms. She could feel the tension in th

bout this as I am," she said,

didn't change. "We

the situation, and she wasn't going to hide it, He might be forced i

and friends, but the thought of the impending marriage loomed over her. Every night, s

ut to leave her office, her

d meet to discuss the wedding deta

dn't avoid this forev

place, with dim lighting and a relaxed atmosphere. Emma arriv

her with a polite nod and sat down across from her. They ordered cof

nce. "We need to discuss the wedd

eally care about the details. I

et's keep it simple. A small ceremon

d. "That s

ther details. It felt more like a business meeting than a discussion a

ing a bit more at ease. The night air was cool and refreshing, an

nded up here?" Emma asked su

thoughtful. "All the time. But some

ow. It's just... n

racing with anxiety. "Me neit

lost in their own thoughts. When they rea

alking me home,"

"Anytime. Goo

night,

nd handling family expectations. Each meeting was filled with polite conversations and occa

She felt a mix of emotions-nervousness, frustration, and a strange sense of calm.When she walked down the aisle and saw Sage waiting for her, their famil

eyes it was cold and devoid of warmth. It wasn

gant, but it felt cold and unwelcoming. From the moment she stepped inside,

ped one evening, frustrated with Sage'

age shot back. "Why can't you just

have my own mind, and I won't j

es. "This isn't easy for me, d

y for me either. But we're stuck in this,

her work and in the small moments of peace she could steal for herself. She

the window. The city lights twinkled in the distanc

ine, as always. She had faced challenges before, and she could handle this too. Em