Chapter 2 002

The Sinclair Family Home

Emma's Pov

The evening air was crisp as Ryan pulled up in front of my house. The warm glow of the porch light cast soft shadows across the driveway, making the place feel even more like home. My heart swelled with excitement as I looked at him-my fiancé-to-be, the man I had loved for years.

"I can't wait to see you all dressed up tomorrow," Ryan said, his lips curling into that effortless smile that always made my heart race.

I smiled back, feeling the heat rush to my cheeks. "Don't miss me too much," I teased, unbuckling my seatbelt.

"Never," he said, reaching out to tuck a stray curl behind my ear.

For a moment, I let myself sink into the warmth of his touch, ignoring the strange heaviness in my chest that had been lingering all day. Maybe it was just nerves. Tomorrow was a big day, after all.

I stepped out of the car, throwing one last glance over my shoulder as he drove off. The excitement of the engagement party buzzed inside me, but something about the way he left-a little too quick, a little too eager-nagged at the back of my mind.

Shrugging off the feeling, I made my way inside.

The moment I stepped into the house, a wave of excitement hit me. Everything was coming together beautifully-the twinkling fairy lights, the soft floral scent in the air, the faint sound of laughter from the living room. Tomorrow would be my engagement party, and for the first time, the reality of it all truly settled in.

I was getting engaged.

To Ryan.

The thought sent a nervous flutter through my stomach, but it wasn't fear. It was the kind of thrill that came when you knew your life was about to change forever.

I smiled to myself, shaking off my coat as I stepped deeper into the house.

Lena's voice was the first I heard, laughing at something. I peeked into the living room and saw her curled up on the couch, a wedding magazine in her lap. Our parents were there too, sipping tea, looking completely at peace.

For a moment, I just stood there, watching.

This was my family.

My people.

No matter where life took me, they would always be my safe place.

Lena caught sight of me first and grinned. "There she is! The almost-engaged woman of the hour."

I rolled my eyes, stepping inside. "I am engaged, Lena. Tomorrow just makes it official."

She waved a hand. "Details, details." Then she patted the seat next to her. "Come, tell me everything."

I settled in beside her as Mom and Dad turned their attention to me.

"How did shopping go?" Mom asked.

I smiled. "It was... perfect. Ryan was patient-too patient, honestly. I think he'd have let me try on a hundred dresses if I wanted."

Dad chuckled. "That's a good man right there."

Lena nudged me. "And? Did you find the dress?"

My smile widened as I reached for my shopping bag. "I did. And it's perfect."

I carefully unzipped the garment bag, revealing the soft white fabric with delicate lace details. Gasps filled the room.

"Oh, Emma," Mom breathed. "It's beautiful."

Lena reached out, brushing her fingers over the material. "Wow..." she whispered. "Ryan's going to lose his mind when he sees you in this."

Warmth spread through me. "I hope so."

Then Lena stood up excitedly. "Wait! I have something too."

She grabbed a dress bag of her own, unzipping it to reveal a stunning deep champagne-colored gown. It shimmered under the lights, elegant and understated, but still enough to make an impression.

I gasped. "Lena, that's gorgeous!"

She grinned. "Mom and Dad had it made for me. They said I needed something special too."

I turned to them, eyes softening. "You guys really thought of everything."

Mom smiled. "Of course. Tomorrow is a big day for all of us."

Lena twirled a little, admiring her dress. "I can't wait. It's going to be magical, Emma."

And for the first time, I truly believed it.

Tomorrow would be everything I had dreamed of.

The house was quiet except for the soft hum of music playing from Lena's phone. She had convinced me to sit down and relax for a bit after the long day, and honestly, I needed it.

My engagement was tomorrow. Tomorrow.

The thought sent a strange mix of nerves and excitement through me, making my stomach flip.

"You're overthinking again," Lena said, waving a nail polish brush at me. "I can literally see it on your face."

I blinked. "I am not."

"You so are." She smirked, grabbing my hand and starting to paint my nails a soft pink. "What's running through that pretty little head of yours?"

I sighed. "Just... everything. The guests, the decorations, the vows... what if something goes wrong?"

"Nothing's going to go wrong," she assured me. "Mom and Dad triple-checked everything, and Ryan probably quadruple-checked."

I laughed at that. "That's true. He did seems sure of the arrangements , called the venue, three times today."

Lena rolled her eyes. "Of course, he did. Perfectionist Ryan strikes again."

I playfully nudged her with my foot. "Be nice."

"I am! He's just... intense."

I didn't disagree.

She finished the last stroke on my nails, blowing on them before moving to her own. "So... have you thought about what kind of wedding you want?"

I tilted my head. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, this is just the engagement. The wedding is the big day. Do you want something small? A beach wedding? Something extravagant?"

I paused, thinking. "Honestly? I always pictured something simple. Intimate. Just family and close friends."

Lena's lips twitched. "Instead, you're about to marry into one of the richest families in the city."

I laughed. "Yeah. Not exactly how I imagined it as a kid."

She glanced at me, something unreadable in her expression. "But are you happy?"

The question caught me off guard. "Of course."

"Like, really happy?"

I hesitated for half a second before nodding. "Yeah. Ryan is... stable. Secure. He's a good man."

Lena hummed, focusing on her nails. "That wasn't my question."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

She waved it off. "Nothing. Just wondering."

The silence between us stretched for a moment, the air feeling a little heavier than before.

Trying to lighten the mood, I smirked. "What about you? Do you ever see yourself getting married?"

Lena let out a short laugh. "Me? Please. I'd be a disaster as a wife."

"I don't believe that."

She leaned back against the couch. "I just don't think I'm meant for that kind of life. The commitment, the expectations... it's a lot."

I tilted my head. "You never know. Maybe one day, you'll meet someone who changes your mind."

Lena's smile was small, almost sad. "Maybe."

Her phone buzzed on the table, the screen lighting up. I glanced at it instinctively, but she snatched it up before I could see the name.

"Important?" I asked.

She hesitated. "Just... a friend."