Chapter 2 A cold start

MICHELLE's pov

Before I could make another move, Nathaniel bumped into me.

"Michelle? What are you doing here, sweetie?" he asked, pretending to be fine but clearly, he wasn't.

"I.. Uhm was just looking for you, what happened in there?" I asked, lifting my arms to cup his cheeks.

"It's nothing serious, just a little issue, it's fine now," he said, taking my hands down from his face and kissing them softly.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his green eyes locking onto mine, making me get a little distracted, but I couldn't just let him brush the whole thing off without confiding in me.

We were married now, and that came with trust and honesty.

My brows knitted together, "You can't start hiding things from me, Nate. Not after we just got married," I said firmly. "I'm not leaving until you tell me what happened."

His expression changed as if I had broken some kind of bad news to him, "Alright. It's about my best friend. He showed up late to the wedding, and I overreacted. But I'm going to fix it."

I exhaled deeply, "Nate I'm sure he had a good reason."

He remained silent, his brows knitted together.

"Was that the guy who just left?" I asked

"Yeah, that was him. I'll handle it-I promise," he said, his hands finding their way to my cheeks again. "Let's not dwell on it now. Come on, let's get out of here."

It was time for the first dance, Nathaniel and I took our place in the center of the room. His soft hands rested on my waist, mine on his shoulders, and we swayed slowly.

I didn't know the steps, but Nathaniel held me close, guiding my movements.

"You're so beautiful," Nathaniel said, smiling warmly.

A faint smile tugged on my lips, and then he pulled in pressing his warm lips on mine, we shared a soft kiss, and we continued dancing.

There was soft music playing in the background, and the chandeliers were perfect, casting their beautiful light over us, but all I could think about was the wedding I had always envisioned.

And then Nathaniel's hands settled on my waist, pulling me closer to him. The smile was warm and genuine, almost making me fold, it felt like it could melt away every doubt I had.

I felt the corners of my lips tugging upwards, despite how I felt inside. His energy was so light and positive that it was impossible not to be drawn in.

As we swayed to the music, I found myself relaxing, letting go of the tension I had been holding onto.

At that moment, he reminded me why I'd said yes to this marriage. It wasn't because of the luxurious lifestyle I'd get or the grand reception. He could make me feel like the most important person in the world.

With each step I took as we danced, the unhappiness I had felt earlier began to dissolve.

This might not have been my dream, but my best friend's presence- his affection and positivity, made me think that maybe I could make peace with this new reality.

I let myself fall into the moment, letting him lead us through the dance, his laughter, and warmth pulling me further into the happiness I didn't realize I could feel.

As the dance went on, I felt a vibration through Nathaniel's phone, cutting through our dance. "Just a quick work thing. I'll be right back." He said, pulling his phone from his pocket and kissing me on my cheek before leaving.

As he left, I took a deep breath and moved toward a tray of champagne at the side of the room, picking up a glass and taking a small sip to keep myself steady.

"Hey, girl!" I heard a familiar voice, calling from behind me, I turned to see Samantha, smiling like she just won a jackpot with a half glass of champagne in her hand.

I couldn't help but smile back, her energy was infectious and just full of light.

"I haven't seen you since morning," I said, pulling her in for a warm hug.

"You know me-single and ready to mingle!" She said chuckling. Swirling her drink dramatically. "There are so many cute guys here, Shelly. I'm having a taste of every flavor before the night ends." She said grinning.

"You're such a whore," I replied with a smirk, shaking my head.

"Call it whatever you want," she said before downing the rest of her champagne at once.

Her expression softened, "Mrs. Williams, where is Mr. Williams hiding? she asked, her tone turning playful.

"He's handling a business call," I said, adjusting the champagne flute in my hand. "He promised he wouldn't be long."

"I'm so happy for you Shelly, you have everything you've ever dreamed of," she said, resting one arm on my shoulder, brushing it softly.

My fingers drifted to my wedding ring, adjusting it slightly so it fit, "I guess," I said giving a faint smile.

"Right? The dream wedding, the dream house, the dream man," she continued, her excitement growing.

I smiled faintly, forcing my lips to stay tugged as I tried not to think about it.

Her brows furrowed as she noticed the slight change in my expression. "What's the matter, Shelly?" She asked

"Nothing," I replied quickly with a smile, hoping it'd convince her to say something else.

"Don't lie to me Shelly, what's going on?" She pressed

I paused, searching for the right words. "It's just... everything feels so surreal," I admitted finally. "I guess I'm just a little overwhelmed."

Her face softened, "Aww, that's normal, weddings are a lot. Just know I'm always here for you, okay?" she said smiling warmly.

She straightened her back and gave me a quick pat. "Go find your husband. You've got a whole life to build now." She said, giving me a playful wink.

"So I'll be here, mingling with the cute guys, just call me if you need me," she said, slowly walking back away before she disappeared into the crowd.

Now it was time to find Nathaniel. Again. I turned around, scanning the room before I decided to make my way through the guests.

After some minutes, I caught sight of Nathaniel, standing near the entrance, still on the phone, I paused, watching him from a distance, before taking a deep breath to walk forward, until I got to him.

As I reached him, I hesitated for just a second before wrapping my arms around him from behind, distracting him from the call, even though it seemed like he was about to wrap up.

"I'll have to call you back," he murmured into his phone before slipping it back into his pocket.

His hands covered mine before turning around to face me, his grip still warm and firm.

"Are you trying to distract me, Mrs. Williams?" He said a gentle smile spreading across his face.

There was something about hearing "Mrs." that never failed to stir something inside me-it sounded so elegant like I belonged to him most beautifully.

I tilted my head, looking up at him, "Distract you? I thought I was just claiming my husband before he forgot I existed."

He chuckled lightly, leaning in closer and resting his soft hands on my waist.

"Trust me, Michelle, forgetting you is impossible. You've been the only thing on my mind all day." He said, pressing me closer to him making a shiver run down my back.

My brows arched, with a smirk tugging on my lips. "Really? Even during that very important phone call just now?"

"Especially then. But you might have to remind me why," he replied, his grin more mischievous.

I rolled my eyes, almost bursting into laughter, "whatever."

"This is not too weird for you, is it?" he said, his eyes piercing straight into mine.

"Why do you ask?" I asked, my smile fading slightly.

"I know this was all quick, I have a feeling you might be vanquished," he said pausing for it to register, "I love you, Michelle, I want you to know that"

"I love you too," the words followed smoothly, without hesitation.

Maybe this wasn't so bad, I had a best friend in Nathaniel and a husband who was so smooth with words. It was all just so... perfect.

He pressed a small kiss on my forehead, "Let's wrap up this wedding, so I can take you home," he whispered

The sound of clinking glasses filled the air as Nathaniel called for everyone's attention.

"Hello ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us today, we are so grateful to have all of you here to celebrate our special day, thank you for being part of our lives,"

"We hope you had a wonderful time! Safe travels home and thank you for making our day unforgettable!"

As he finished, I saw him move toward a group of friends. After a few brief exchanges, he walked toward me, but there was someone beside him.

It was Tristan.

My stomach tightened at the sight of him, just like it had the last time I saw him. He looked a bit refreshed now, his once bruised lips cleaned up, though they were still slightly swollen.

He smiled, walking gracefully with Nathaniel by his side. I felt a slight flutter in my chest as they got closer.

"Hey, love," Nathaniel greeted me as he reached me, stretching his hands to help me from my seat.

"This is Tristan," he said, his voice low as he leaned closer, his mouth near the back of my ear. "I told you I was going to fix it," he whispered, sending a shiver down my spine.

Tristan's face softened into a faint smile. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Williams," he said, extending his hand for a handshake.

I swallowed the lump in my throat as I returned his gesture, "Same here," His hands were unnecessarily soft and warm.

"Ayo, big Nate!" I heard someone shout from across the room-probably one of his friends.

"I'll be right back," Nathaniel said, pulling me into a brief hug before leaving me alone with Tristan.

"We meet again," Tristan's voice snapped me back into reality, "only this time, it's a proper introduction."

"Yes, and at least now I know you're not about to fight my husband like a wild animal," I said, trying to fight the small smile that threatened to tug on my lips.

He chuckled, "Well it looked like he was calling for it, but no. I would never physically fight my best friend, not on his wedding day of all days."

My lips tugged into a warm smile, "Well, it's good to know," I replied, "So, did you come alone?" I asked, trying to switch the topic. I couldn't help but wonder if he was single.

"No, it's just me."