Bound By Fate

Plans and Secrets

Zara had been dreading this moment for days. She took a deep breath and knocked on her mother's bedroom door. "Mom, can we talk?"

Victoria looked up from her book, her eyes lighting up as she saw her daughter. "Of course, sweetheart. What's on your mind?"

Zara sat down beside her, trying to steady her racing heart. "I have some news. I'm getting married."

Victoria's eyes widened in surprise and then filled with joy. "Married? To whom?"

"Aaron Archer," Zara replied, forcing a smile.

Victoria clasped her hands together in delight. "The Archer family! Oh, Zara, this is wonderful news. Evelyn and I have always dreamed of this. Our families united."

Zara felt a pang of guilt. She was lying to her mother about the real reasons behind the marriage, but she couldn't bring herself to tell the truth. "Yes, Mom. I love him, and he loves me."

Victoria reached out and hugged her daughter tightly. "I'm so happy for you, Zara. Aaron is a good man."

Zara nodded, feeling a lump in her throat. "Thank you, Mom."

Later that day, Zara was back at the café, trying to focus on her work. The bell above the door chimed, and she looked up to see Olivia Archer walking in, her face lighting up when she saw Zara. "Zara!" Olivia exclaimed, rushing over to give her a hug.

"Olivia, it's been so long!" Zara said, returning the hug.

Mia, who was behind the counter, smiled at Olivia. "Hey, Olivia! How's it going?"

"Great to see you, Mia!" Olivia replied. "I came to see the bride-to-be."

Zara blushed slightly. "Yeah, it's all happening so fast."

Olivia beamed. "Congratulations on the engagement, Zara! I'm so happy for you."

"Thanks, Olivia. It means a lot," Zara said, genuinely touched.

As they chatted, the door chimed again, and Luca walked in. He headed to the counter, smiling when he saw Zara.

Olivia beamed. "Congratulations on the engagement, Zara! I'm so happy for you."

"Thanks, Olivia. It means a lot." Zara said, genuinely touched.

"Hey, Zara. Busy day?"

"Always is," Zara replied, smiling back. "Luca, this is Olivia, Aaron's sister. Olivia, this is Luca. He's become one of our regulars."

"Nice to meet you, Luca," Olivia said, shaking his hand.

"Likewise," Luca replied, though his smile faltered slightly as he overheard Olivia congratulating Zara on her engagement.

"So, Zara," Olivia began, turning back to her, "I was thinking we could go dress shopping for the big day and the engagement party later this week. Evelyn, Mia, and Victoria can join us too. What do you think?"

Zara hesitated, glancing at Mia. "That sounds great, but the café is so busy. We'll have to reschedule and organize with the boss to close early."

Mia nodded. "We can figure something out, Zara. You deserve to enjoy this."

"Thanks, Mia," Zara said, feeling grateful for her friend's support.

Olivia hugged Zara again. "I'm so excited! I'll let everyone know, and we'll make it happen."

As Olivia left the café, Luca approached the counter. "Engagement party, huh?"

Zara smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yeah, it's happening soon."

"Congratulations," Luca said, though there was a hint of sadness in his voice.

"Thanks, Luca. I was going to invite you to the engagement party. It would be great to have you there," Zara said, feeling a little nervous about his reaction.

Luca's expression brightened slightly. "I'd love to come. Wouldn't miss it for the world."

When Luca realized that Zara was marrying Aaron Archer, his mind raced. He was determined to be there, not just as a guest, but to cause a bit of trouble. He wouldn't tell Zara that, though. Instead, he smiled and said, "I'll see you at the party then."

Zara felt a mix of emotions as she watched Luca leave. She was excited about the engagement party but also felt a pang of guilt about lying to her mother. She was also worried about Luca's reaction and what it might mean for their friendship.

That evening, Aaron gathered his family in the living room. His mother, Evelyn, looked expectantly at him. "Well, Aaron? What's the news?"

"I've decided to follow through with your suggestion, Mom. I'm going to marry Zara," Aaron announced.

Evelyn's face lit up with joy. "Oh, Aaron, this is wonderful! I always adored Zara. She's perfect for you."

Aaron nodded. "Olivia already knows. She met with Zara today to start planning the wedding details."

Evelyn hugged her son tightly. "This is the best news. Our families united, just as we always hoped."

Aaron smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yes, it's all coming together."

Back at the café, Zara couldn't shake the feeling of unease. She knew she was keeping secrets from her mother and from Luca. But for now, she had to focus on the engagement party and the wedding. She just hoped everything would work out in the end.

The next morning, Zara and Mia were preparing for another busy day at the café. Zara's mind was racing with thoughts about the upcoming wedding and the engagement party. Mia noticed her friend's distraction and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Zara, are you okay? You've been a bit out of it today."

Zara sighed. "It's just a lot to take in. The wedding, the engagement party, and everything in between. I'm worried about how everything will come together."

Mia gave her a reassuring smile. "It will be fine, Zara. You've got a lot of people who care about you and want to see you happy. And I'm sure Aaron feels the same way."

Zara nodded, grateful for Mia's words. "Thanks, Mia. I don't know what I'd do without you."

The bell above the door chimed again, and Zara looked up to see Luca walking in with a cheerful smile. "Good morning, ladies! How's everything going?"

"Hey, Luca," Zara greeted, her mood lifting slightly. "Just the usual chaos. How about you?"

"Same here," Luca replied, leaning on the counter. "I was hoping to grab my usual and catch up with my favorite baristas."

Mia grinned. "Coming right up. So, Zara, any big plans for today?"

Zara glanced at Luca and then back at Mia. "Well, Olivia and I were talking about going dress shopping for the wedding and the engagement party. But we need to figure out a way to manage the café."

Luca raised an eyebrow. "Dress shopping, huh? Sounds exciting. Need an extra hand around here?"

Zara laughed. "I think we've got it covered, but thanks for the offer."

Mia returned with Luca's coffee. "Here you go. So, Luca, are you planning on coming to the engagement party?"

Luca nodded, his eyes on Zara. "Wouldn't miss it for the world. Looking forward to seeing you there, Zara."

Zara felt a flutter of nerves at his words. "I'm glad you'll be there, Luca. It'll be nice to have friends around."

Luca smiled warmly. "Absolutely. I'll see you then."

That evening, Zara found herself reflecting on the day's events. The wedding plans were moving forward, but the weight of the secrets she was keeping was starting to take a toll. She couldn't shake the feeling of guilt about lying to her mother and hiding the true nature of her marriage to Aaron.

As she prepared for bed, Zara made a silent promise to herself. She would find a way to make this work, for her mother's sake and for her own. And she would navigate the complicated emotions surrounding Luca, Aaron, and the life she was about to enter.

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