Michaella, a gifted writer, finds herself haunted by the memories of a love that slipped through her fingers. As she pens down her heartache and cherished moments with Gabrielle, an architect whose charm and warmth once made her world brighter, she...
I wake up to the soft chime of my alarm at 8 a.m., the light outside already brightening my room. My body feels heavy with the weight of the day ahead, but there's also a thrill in my chest. Today is crucial—the day before the launch of my book. I push myself out of bed, knowing that there's no time to waste.
I head straight to the bathroom for a quick, refreshing shower. The hot water cascades over me, washing away the remnants of sleep and the lingering nerves that come with the territory of a major life event. I mentally go over my schedule as I rinse my hair, making sure I have everything planned out. Today, every minute counts.
After my shower, I step into my closet and choose an outfit that's comfortable yet stylish. I opt for a soft, cashmere cardigan in a nude shade, and a off white top paired with tailored off white trousers. It's the kind of outfit that makes me feel put together, even if my mind is racing. I decide on a slick ponytail—simple, elegant, and out of the way. I know I'll be running around all day, and I need something that won't need constant adjusting.
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In the kitchen, I grab an apple from the fruit bowl and start munching on it as I flip open my laptop on the kitchen counter. I'm greeted with a slew of emails forwarded by Sarah. The usual suspects—event confirmations, last-minute questions from the publishing team, and a few notes from friends and family wishing me luck.
As I take another bite of my apple, I spot an email from the event coordinator confirming the final guest list. A wave of nerves hits me—this is really happening. I swallow it down along with the last bite of the apple and force myself to focus. This is my moment, and I need to stay on top of everything.
By the time I finish answering emails, it's nearly 10 a.m. Elijah is right on time, texting me that he's waiting outside. I grab my bag and head out the door, mentally preparing myself for the meeting ahead.
Elijah gives me a quick wave as I slide into the passenger seat of his car. "Ready for the big day?" he asks, his tone light, but I can see the concern in his eyes.
"As ready as I'll ever be," I reply with a small smile. "Thanks for driving me today. I didn't want to deal with the parking downtown."
"No problem at all. Plus, this way I can keep an eye on you," he teases, but there's a protective note in his voice that warms my heart.
The drive to the publishing office is filled with casual conversation. We talk about the book, the event, and the whirlwind that the past few months have been. Elijah has always been my rock, and today is no different. Just having him by my side makes the day feel a little less daunting.
When we arrive, I take a deep breath before stepping out of the car. Elijah gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. "You've got this, Michaella."
I nod, grateful for his support, and head inside. The receptionist greets me warmly, and within minutes, I'm ushered into the conference room where Linda, my editor, is waiting.
