Late to Love

Chapter 9: The Morning After

Nina sat at her desk, staring blankly at the email in front of her. The buzzing atmosphere of the office swirled around her, but her mind was still on the previous night. The heated argument with Greg, Lukas, and Max lingered like a storm cloud, and though the morning sun streamed in through the large windows, it did little to lift the weight in her chest.

She tapped her fingers against her keyboard, trying to focus. Her inbox was flooded with work, but every time she looked at Lukas' name on a report he'd sent her, her stomach tightened. Nina couldn't bring herself to reach out to him just yet. The words they had exchanged were still too fresh, too raw.

Just as she was lost in thought, a knock on her office door brought her back to reality. It was Stella, her red hair glowing under the soft office lighting, a warm smile on her face.

"Hey, Nina. Got a minute?" Stella asked, her voice gentle.

Nina blinked, surprised to see her. Stella had recently been assigned to work on a project with her, but after last night's drama, she hadn't expected a friendly visit so soon. "Yeah, sure. Come in."

Stella closed the door behind her and took a seat across from Nina, smoothing out her navy blue skirt as she settled in. "I just wanted to check on you after last night. I know things got a little... heated."

Nina forced a smile, though her heart wasn't in it. "Yeah, it wasn't exactly how I pictured the night going."

"I could tell," Stella said softly. "Lukas and Max are really protective of you, but... Greg didn't help things either."

Nina sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Greg's not usually like that. I mean, he can be a little... blunt sometimes, but he's a good guy. I think everyone just got carried away."

"I'm sure that's true," Stella replied, choosing her words carefully. "But it's also important that you feel supported, especially by Greg. He's your fiancé now."

The word "fiancé" felt heavy on Nina's tongue, even though it should have felt light, joyous. "I know. I do. It's just..."

Stella leaned forward, her expression soft and understanding. "Just what?"

Nina hesitated, the words catching in her throat. She couldn't quite put it into words, but it was there—this strange feeling that she wasn't being herself around Greg. That she was adjusting too much for him, in ways she never did with her friends.

"I don't know, it's hard to explain," Nina finally said, running a hand through her straightened hair, which was already curling at the edges with the humidity. "Greg loves me, I know that. And I love him. I just need to find a way to balance everything."

"Well, if you ever need to talk, I'm here," Stella said warmly. "I'm sure everything will work out. Plus, we've got this big project to crush together. Work should help take your mind off things."

Nina smiled genuinely this time. "Thanks, Stella. I really appreciate it."

_________

Meanwhile, Across Town: Greg at Work

Gregory Carter, or Greg as everyone called him, sat at his pristine glass desk, reviewing documents for his latest case. His office was sleek, modern, and reflected his status as a partner at one of the city's top law firms. The walls were adorned with polished certificates, awards, and framed articles praising his sharp legal mind.

As he skimmed through the paperwork, his thoughts drifted to Nina. He had sent her a message earlier in the day, asking if she'd received the dress he'd had delivered for the upcoming law firm party. It was a stunning emerald green gown, with delicate lace detailing and a fitted silhouette that he knew would look perfect on her. He could already picture her walking into the party, heads turning as she entered the room on his arm.