Hers to Love

Chapter 23

Maria is carefully considering what to wear to the wedding, mindful of Amir's family's religious customs. She asked her friend June for advice, wanting to ensure she dresses appropriately and respectfully. June suggested something elegant and modest, like the dress Filipino icon Heart Evangelista wore during her vow renewal, which was both stylish and suitable for a conservative setting.

Maria is also navigating the complexities of her relationship with Chad. While she appreciates Chad's patience, kindness, and attentiveness, she understands the cultural and religious boundaries that come with Amir's family, which restrict her from bringing Chad as her guest. This wedding invitation presents a delicate balance for Maria, where she must respect the traditions of Amir's family. 

As Maria prepares for the wedding, Chad offers to drive her to Amir's home, where she'll join his siblings on the way to the hotel. The gesture is kind, and Maria appreciates Chad's support, yet her thoughts are consumed by uncertainty. She didn't ask whether Amir would be at the wedding, fearing the answer might unsettle her. The possibility that Amir might be there, especially with another woman, weighs heavily on her heart, stirring feelings of doubt and sadness.

While Chad's presence is comforting, Maria can't shake the lingering emotions tied to Amir. She worries that seeing him with someone else might confirm her fears—that whatever connection they shared might have already slipped away. As she gets closer to Amir's family, she also feels the widening gap between herself and Amir, making this upcoming event a test of her strength and composure.

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The drive to Amir's house was filled with a mix of anticipation and nerves for Maria. Chad, ever the supportive companion, kept the conversation light, sensing her unease. As they pulled up to Amir's house after the hour-long drive, Maria felt a flutter in her chest—a mix of excitement and dread.

Stepping out of the car, Maria felt Chad's reassuring presence as he retrieved her bag from the trunk. With a warm smile, he hugged her tightly, and in a spontaneous moment of affection, kissed her cheek. It was a sweet, innocent gesture, but as Maria pulled away, she noticed something that made her heart skip a beat.

Amir was standing at the door, watching the scene unfold, his expression unreadable. His parents and siblings were there too, clearly having been waiting for her. The wide smiles on his sisters' faces contrasted sharply with the storm of emotions swirling in Amir's eyes. He stood there, caught between confusion, jealousy, and something deeper he couldn't quite name.

Maria, suddenly aware of the situation, felt her cheeks flush. She had hoped this reunion would be less complicated, but now she was stepping into Amir's home with Chad's touch lingering on her cheek and Amir's gaze fixed on her every move.