Her heart's dilemma (WLW)

Costume party

The days following their new commitment to each other felt like a surge of happiness for Asher and Sydney. Every moment was filled with laughter, late-night conversations, and stolen kisses. The weight of their past struggles seemed lighter now, the world around them colored by the warmth of their love.

As the weekend approached, their excitement grew. They had been looking forward to the annual costume party hosted their company at Urban Films.

Asher being promoted as Sydney's co-head (and new partner!)

This year's theme was "Favorite romcom character" and after a bit of playful debate, they settled on dressing as William Thacker and Anna Scott from *Notting Hill* which was 100% Asher's idea.

Sydney had always loved the idea of a simple, lad falling in love with a glamorous chic, and Asher, with her disheveled hair and casual charm, was perfect for the role of awkward but sweet William.

This week leading up to the party was filled with preparation. Sydney scoured vintage shops for a classic brown cardigan, a light blue button up and supposed to be glasses for Asher but Asher already had her black round pair. While Asher found a chic black sparkly dress and sunglasses for Sydney, reminiscent of Julia Roberts' iconic look. They teased each other with lines from the movie, Asher without having to pretend to bumble through Hugh Grant's awkward yet endearing dialogue while Sydney did her best impression of Julia Roberts' effortless grace though she always nails it.

Finally, the night of the party arrived. Asher and Sydney got ready in Asher's apartment, the space filled with the excited energy of anticipation. Sydney stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her hair and applying a final touch of lipstick. She looked stunning in the sleek black dress, her hair pulled back in a way that accentuated her features.

Asher watched her, a smile tugging at her lips. "You look amazing, love" she said softly but shyly, using "love" for the first time ever, stepping closer to wrap her arms around Sydney's waist from behind. She pressed a gentle kiss to Sydney's shoulder, enjoying the moment of intimacy before the festivities.

Sydney turned in Asher's arms, resting her forehead against hers. "And you look like the perfect William Thacker, love" she replied with a cheeky grin reciprocating what Asher said. "Though I think you're much cuter than the OG."

Asher chuckled, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Well, you make a pretty incredible Anna Scott. I guess we make a good pair, huh?"

"We always do," Sydney whispered, leaning in to kiss her softly.

After a few more moments of adjusting their costumes and gathering their things, they left for the party, hand in hand. The night was crisp and cool, the air filled with the sounds of laughter and music as they approached the venue. Urban Films had gone all out this year, transforming the rooftop into a scene straight out of a Hollywood premiere, complete with twinkling fairy lights and a red carpet entrance.

As they stepped into the party, they were greeted with cheers and applause from their friends, who were all dressed in a range of iconic movie couple costumes. Luca and Alexis were there, dressed as Alex and Henry from Red, White & Royal Blue, while others had come as everything from Jack and Rose to Bonnie and Clyde. The energy was infectious, the air buzzing with excitement and fun.

Asher and Sydney made their way through the crowd, exchanging greetings and compliments. They posed for photos, Asher playfully twirling Sydney around as the cameras flashed. Every so often, they would catch each other's eye, sharing a private smile that spoke of the love they felt. It was clear to everyone around them that they were completely in sync, their connection undeniable.

"Hey, William!" someone called out, and Asher turned to see Luca approaching with a grin. "I've got to say, you're rocking that cardigan. And Sydney, you're absolutely channeling Anna Scott. You two look fantastic."

"Thanks, Luca," Sydney replied with a laugh. "You and Alexis are looking pretty dangerous yourselves."

Luca chuckled. "Well, we try. Are you two having fun?"

Asher nodded, glancing at Sydney. "Yeah, we're having a blast. It's nice to just relax and enjoy ourselves, you know?"

Luca smiled knowingly. "I'm glad to hear it. You both deserve it after everything."

The night continued with dancing, laughter, and an endless flow of conversations. Asher and Sydney found themselves constantly pulled in different directions by their friends, but they always found their way back to each other, their hands intertwining in the crowded space. They danced together under the string lights, lost in their own little world, the music carrying them away.

At one point, Sydney leaned in close to Asher's ear, her voice barely a whisper over the music. "I feel like we're in a movie ourselves," she said, her tone playful.

Asher grinned, pulling her closer. "Yeah? Well, if we are, I'm glad it's a romantic comedy and not a horror film," she joked, earning a laugh from Sydney.

Their laughter was interrupted by the DJ's voice announcing a special slow dance, and the lights dimmed slightly as a soft, romantic melody filled the air. Asher took Sydney's hand, guiding her to the center of the rooftop, where other couples were already starting to sway to the music.

They moved together slowly, their bodies close, the world around them fading into the background. Asher held Sydney gently, her hand resting on the small of her back, while Sydney's arms wrapped around her neck. Their eyes locked, and in that moment, it felt as if time had stopped.

"This doesn't feel too quick, does it?" Sydney asked softly, her eyes searching Asher's.

Asher shook her head, her smile tender. "No, it doesn't. It feels... right. Like everything led us to this moment."

Sydney nodded, her gaze softening. "I feel the same way. I've never been so sure of anything."

Asher leaned in, pressing her forehead against Sydney's. "Me neither. I'm so glad I found you, Syd."

They continued to sway to the music, lost in each other's presence. Around them, the party continued, but for Asher and Sydney, it felt like they were the only two people in the world. It didn't matter that they had only been together for a little over a month; what they had was real, and they both knew it. This was no fleeting infatuation—it was a love that had been tested and strengthened, a love that had grown from the ashes of their pasts into something beautiful and enduring.

As the song ended and the night wore on, they eventually found themselves on a quieter part of the rooftop, the city skyline stretching out before them. They stood there, hand in hand, watching the lights twinkle in the distance. It felt like a new beginning, a fresh chapter in their story that they were both eager to write together.

"This is the start of something really special, isn't it?" Sydney murmured, her voice filled with wonder.

Asher nodded, squeezing her hand gently. "Yeah, it is. And I can't wait to see where it takes us."

They stood there for a while longer, simply enjoying the view and each other's company. The night was cool, but they didn't feel the chill, warmed by the love they shared. It was a night of celebration and love.