FATE - can a person in one lifetime fall in love with the same person twice?

Chapter 19

I never saw that man again for the rest of the party after that incident, and I sighed in relief. Now, I was standing with Ava, laughing and chatting. She seemed really tired, but she didn’t want to admit it.

“What are you girls talking about?” James asked as he approached, with Eden Miller by his side.

“Nothing much,” Ava started. “Just discussing some weirdo who asked Aza for a one-night stand. Can you believe it? My sweet, innocent Azalea doesn’t even remember her first and only kiss. She’s still a virg—”

“What’s done is done. That matter is already settled,” I interrupted, glaring at her, hoping she would drop the topic. But she just wouldn’t let it go.

“I know she’s into dark romance and erotic thrillers,” Ava said, looking at me and then at Eden Miller. “But reading about it and experiencing it are two completely different things. Theory is theory, and practical is practical...”

“Okay, Ava!” I interrupted her. “You’ve made your point. Now shut your mouth before I throw you out of your own wedding party.”

Ava and James burst into laughter. I shifted my gaze to Eden Miller and saw something new. He smiled, a genuine smile, one I’d never seen from him before. It vanished almost as quickly as it appeared, but it was real. I’d seen him smirk, but this smile was different—it was so attractive that it made me smile too.

Soon, Ava and James were swept away by their relatives, and Mr. Miller became preoccupied with other guests. I decided to head to the restroom to fix my dress and tidy my hair.

In the restroom, I took a moment to compose myself, smoothing out my dress and fixing my hair. The night had been a whirlwind, and I needed a second to gather my thoughts. As I stared into the mirror, I couldn't help but replay the encounter with Eden Miller in my mind. His unexpected protectiveness, that fleeting genuine smile—it all felt surreal.

After freshening up, I stepped out of the restroom and made my way back to the reception. The party was in full swing, with laughter and music filling the air. I spotted Ava and James on the dance floor, caught up in a lively dance with their friends and family. Seeing them so happy brought a smile to my face.

As I approached the bar to get a drink, I noticed Eden Miller standing off to the side, his posture reserved as he listened attentively to a conversation. His demeanor was composed and distant, typical of him. I couldn't shake the memory of how he had stepped in to help me earlier, nor the way his genuine smile had made my heart flutter.

“Having a good time?” a voice behind me asked. I turned to see Ava’s cousin, Liam, grinning at me.

“Yeah, it’s been a great night,” I replied with a smile. “How about you?”

“Fantastic. The party’s amazing. Ava and James really outdid themselves.”

We chatted for a bit, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Mr. Miller. I glanced over to where he was standing, only to find him looking directly at me. Our eyes met for a brief moment, and I quickly looked away, feeling a flush of warmth in my cheeks.

“Excuse me for a moment,” I said to Liam, needing some fresh air. I made my way to the balcony, where the night air was cool and refreshing. The city lights twinkled in the distance, and I took a deep breath, trying to clear my head.

Just then, I heard footsteps behind me. Turning around, I saw Eden Miller stepping out onto the balcony. He approached slowly, his demeanor as reserved and composed as ever.

“Getting some air?” he asked, leaning against the railing beside me.

“Yeah, it’s a bit overwhelming in there,” I admitted, looking out over the city. “Needed a moment to breathe.”