To You, with Love

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Amelia

I can't believe I'm on my way to Stella's house. I've never visited her alone, but I needed to see Lily to give her the children's books I bought that day. I smiled as I remembered what had happened that day.

Standing in front of her house reminded me of how lucky she is. She lives in a modern house with an amazing interior designed by her husband and a big garden with a pool. I sighed and continued making my way to the front door.

Stella was the first to appear once I rang the doorbell. She pulled me into a hug and finally said, "I missed you so much." She was holding me so tightly that I couldn't breathe. I could feel myself smiling through the hug. "Stella, you literally saw me last Saturday."

I rolled my eyes because we had met when she left Lily with us to attend a wedding with her husband. She pulled away, frowning, and asked, "Am I not supposed to miss my sister?" I chuckled at what she said.

I entered and saw Lily and her father running around the house. They were giggling and delighted. That's exactly how I wanted my father to treat me.

I greeted Owen, then hugged Lily and kissed her rosy cheeks.

She was lovely. She had black hair and brows like her mother, as well as her father's emerald eyes.

I put her down and then showed her the books. She liked them so much that she insisted on having me read them to her.

While I was reading for Lily, Stella was standing in the kitchen, and he stood by her side as he helped her.

I always reminded myself that true love can never be found in reality, but these two gave me hope that one day I, too, would find love like them.

They met at work. He always said that he had liked her from the very first time he laid eyes on her. They married so soon, which worried Stella that their marriage would fail because they didn't get the time to learn about each other. But her concerns were false. They are now happily married and have a lovely daughter.

Owen had to put Lily to bed, which was difficult because she wanted to spend even more time with me. Owen then went to his office, leaving me and Stella alone. I honestly don't remember having a full conversation with Stella.

Stella chose to break the awkward silence by smacking me on the shoulder. "Why did I have to hear about your relationship with a man from my mother and not from you?" She asked, angrily.

She's really strong; my shoulder hurts a lot. "I..." I was speechless. I had no idea what to say.

She took a deep breath and then replied softly, "I know we're not very close, but it doesn't mean I don't care about you. No matter what happens between us, I will always love you." She smiled as she finished her sentence. I nodded in response and kept quiet.

I noticed a smirk on her lips and realized I was in big trouble. "Soooo, you're finally with your childhood sweetheart." She smacked my shoulder again, this time with her elbow. "How is he?" She was curious.

This isn't going to end well, so I'd better stop it now or never. "He's fine, thanks for asking." She was disappointed, and it showed in her eyes.

"That's not what I meant. You know, how is he with you?" She said it emphatically.

"He's..." I paused as I remembered him, then added with a warm smile, "Perfect. He's so perfect that it sometimes feels unreal to me that I've found someone like him." We've been going out for a while now, after my parents approved of our relationship. I learned a lot about him, but I still wanted to find out more.

"When I was a kid, all I could dream about was us being together. I never thought I'd run into him again." I smiled warmly as I remembered the past. "For me, it's like a dream come true. That is why I want this relationship to last forever because it will be the perfect ending to my years of unrequited love."

Stella was smiling when I looked over my shoulder. I had a feeling this wouldn't end well, and I was right. "It's time for me to leave. I have work tomorrow." I said as I stood up. She grabbed my wrist and decided to stand up. "I'll drive you home," she offered, then we walked to her car.

"Amelia." She called as she looked at the darkened streets on this warm night. I turned to look at her, and she met my stare. "Please be happy." She paused before continuing, "And make sure nothing stands in the way of your relationship. All I'm asking of you is that you have faith in yourself and take appropriate action."

She turned to face me, and her eyes said everything:  "Just marry him." My eyes widened at the mention of marriage.

I knew I'd have to marry someday, but I still can't believe I'm actually getting married this soon. Is this how Stella felt when she was worried about her rushed marriage? Will things work out between us the same way they did between Stella and Owen? And, most importantly, when will Asher propose to me?

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