HIS FIRST LADY(SANDRO MARCOS)

Chapter 76: A Pause in the Journey

The days following Kaylee's sentencing were a mix of somber reflection and tentative steps towards rebuilding. The legal proceedings had reached their conclusion, but the emotional toll of the tragedy continued to weigh heavily on me. My grief was a constant companion, and the process of healing seemed like an insurmountable task.

Amidst this turmoil, the planning for our wedding—once a source of joy and excitement—had become a source of stress and distraction. The idea of celebrating a new chapter in our lives felt increasingly incongruous with the profound sorrow I was experiencing. I had been avoiding the topic, hoping that time might make it easier to face, but the weight of it was becoming too heavy to ignore.

One evening, as we sat together in our living room, the atmosphere was filled with an uneasy quiet. Sandro had been patiently supportive, understanding the gravity of what I was going through, but I knew it was time to have a difficult conversation.

"Sandro," I began, my voice trembling slightly as I looked at him, "we need to talk about the wedding."

He turned towards me, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "Of course. What's on your mind?"

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "I've been thinking a lot about the wedding plans and what we're going through right now. I don't think I'm in a place where I can fully commit to planning a wedding. The grief and the process of healing have made it difficult for me to focus on anything else."

Sandro's face softened with understanding, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I see. It's been a tough time, and I've noticed how much you've been struggling. What do you think we should do?"

"I think we need to postpone everything," I said, the words feeling like a heavy weight lifted off my shoulders. "I can't give our wedding the attention and joy it deserves right now. It wouldn't be fair to either of us."

Sandro nodded slowly, taking in what I had said. "I understand, Rafha. It's been a challenging period, and I want you to take the time you need. We'll get through this together, and when you're ready, we can revisit the plans."

His words were a balm to my weary heart. Sandro's support and understanding were exactly what I needed in this moment of vulnerability. I felt a mixture of relief and sadness—relief at the prospect of taking a break from the pressure of wedding planning, and sadness that the joyous occasion had to be postponed.

"Thank you for understanding," I said, my voice filled with gratitude. "I just need time to heal and to find some sense of normalcy again. I hope you can be patient with me."

"Of course," Sandro said, reaching out to take my hand. "We're in this together. Our relationship is what matters most, and we'll get through this as a team. We'll take things one step at a time and focus on healing."

The conversation marked a significant moment in our journey. It was a decision that allowed us both to take a step back from the whirlwind of wedding planning and to focus on the emotional healing that was so urgently needed. The postponement wasn't a setback but rather a chance to prioritize our well-being and to navigate through our grief with compassion and care.

As the days turned into weeks, Sandro and I continued to support each other through the healing process. The focus on our relationship and the gradual rebuilding of our lives became the central priority. The wedding plans would wait, and in their place, we found solace in the small moments of togetherness and understanding.

Though the path ahead was still uncertain, the decision to postpone the wedding provided a sense of relief and clarity. It allowed us to approach the future with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that we were facing it together, with patience and love guiding us through the journey of healing.