Late to Love

Chapter 8: Coming Home

Nina and Greg stepped off the plane, the crisp autumn air enveloping them as they navigated through the bustling airport. Nina's heart raced with excitement; she had just completed a successful business trip, and the exhilaration of her achievement still buzzed within her. The presentation she had worked tirelessly on had gone off without a hitch, and the glowing feedback from her colleagues played in her mind like a sweet melody.

"You should have seen their faces when I laid out the project plan?" she beamed, glancing up at Greg, who had his arm draped casually around her shoulders. The way he held her made her feel special, cherished, but there was a flicker of doubt in the back of her mind. "I could tell they were really impressed!"

"Yeah, I think you were amazing," he replied, a smile gracing his lips, but Nina couldn't shake the feeling that his smile didn't quite reach his eyes. He seemed distracted, as if his thoughts were miles away.

"Are you okay?" she asked, concern etching lines on her brow. "You seem a little off."

"Just tired from the trip, I guess. It's nothing," he brushed off, but Nina sensed the weight of something unspoken lingering between them.

As they drove back to their shared apartment, she was overwhelmed with anticipation. "I can't wait to tell everyone about the engagement! We should throw a party to celebrate!"

"Great idea," Greg said, but without enthusiasm returning, and for a moment, Nina felt a spark of hope. 

"Perfect!" Nina exclaimed, her spirits lifting. She wanted nothing more than to share her happiness with her friends before the more formal celebration with Greg's family.

________

Arriving home, Nina rushed to the kitchen, bustling around as she prepared for the gathering. The apartment was cozy, filled with soft lighting and the lingering scent of freshly baked cookies from earlier that day. Pictures of their adventures and memories together adorned the walls, creating a warm atmosphere that made her feel at home.

Nina chose a stunning red dress that hugged her curves perfectly, making her feel bold and vibrant. The dress flowed beautifully as she moved, drawing attention to her figure, but it was her hair that felt most out of place. Instead of her usual wild, carefree curls, she had straightened it, feeling a need to present a more polished version of herself for Greg. In her heart, however, she felt a tug of discomfort, as if she were wearing a mask instead of embracing her true self.

As the evening progressed and friends began to arrive, the apartment came alive with laughter and chatter. Max burst in first, a playful grin on his face as he held up a giant bag of chips. "Can't have a party without snacks!" he declared, tossing the bag into the air, and laughter erupted.

"Perfect! You always know how to bring the good stuff," Nina said, her spirits momentarily lifted.

Lukas arrived next, looking sharp in a casual button-up shirt. His eyes lit up when he saw Nina. "Nina, you look stunning!" he exclaimed.

"Thanks, Lukas! You clean up nicely yourself!" she replied, feeling a flutter in her stomach.

As the night wore on, Nina reveled in the joyous atmosphere, but a shadow loomed over her happiness. Greg's possessiveness was palpable; he couldn't keep his fingers off her, whether it was a light touch on her back or holding her hand as he spoke to their friends. While part of her loved the attention and affection, another part felt suffocated. She was becoming acutely aware of how much she was trying to mold herself to fit his expectations, and the realization left her feeling uneasy.

"Guys, I thought we were all celebrating Nina's amazing presentation," Greg said as they settled on the couch, his arm wrapped tightly around her shoulders. "But let's be real, it was a surprise she managed to pull it off."