Between the desks

Chapter 40

Elizabeth's POV

I woke up with a nervous knot twisting in my stomach. Today was the wedding. Not just any wedding—the wedding. The one I was attending as Elle's plus one, someone I barely knew a week ago. Despite everything, our conversations over the past week had been deep, meaningful. She had taken the plunge and called the police on Robbie, and now he was in custody. Lawyers were circling the case like sharks, but there hadn't been much news since his arrest. The uncertainty lingered, but at least Elle seemed relieved to be free from him.

Scar had been my rock through it all, and she made sure I kept my head on straight. We met up for coffee almost every day this week, talking endlessly about the wedding, Robbie's mess, and of course, Elle. Scar was my best friend, always offering her no-nonsense advice and humor to calm my nerves. "You're going to have fun, Lizzie," she'd said during our last coffee date. "It's a wedding, for crying out loud! You get to dress up, drink, and dance. Plus, Elle seems cool. Just go and enjoy yourself."

I stood in front of the mirror, my favorite black suit hanging perfectly on my body. The tailored fit hugged my waist just right, giving me the sleek, polished look I loved. I paired it with a crisp white blouse, leaving a few buttons undone to reveal just a hint of cleavage—enough to tease but still keep things classy. My black pumps added a touch of elegance, though a small voice in the back of my mind kept whispering doubts. I hadn't been this nervous in a long time, and the fact that I was someone's plus one at their sister's wedding, after only knowing Elle for a week, didn't help.

By the time 1 p.m. rolled around, I heard the soft purr of Elle's car pulling up outside. I took a deep breath, grabbed my purse, and headed out. Elle stepped out of her car as I approached, and I couldn't help but admire her outfit—a stunning red suit that matched her fiery personality. She looked absolutely gorgeous, the color accentuating her confidence and poise. We hugged, the nervous energy between us easing with each touch.

"You look amazing, Elle," I said, genuinely impressed.

"Thank you! You too. That suit—wow. We're definitely going to turn some heads," she replied with a playful grin, her eyes twinkling as she gave me a once-over.

We got into her car, the conversation flowing easily as we drove toward the venue. Elle spoke excitedly about her sister, how happy she was that she had finally found the right guy, and how much this wedding meant to their family. I listened, enjoying the sound of her voice as it filled the car. The warmth in her words calmed some of my nerves, but I couldn't shake the lingering unease. There was something in the pit of my stomach that told me today would be... complicated.

When we arrived at the venue, a grand estate nestled in the countryside, the security checked our names and let us in. Elle led the way toward the seating area, guiding me to the front row.

We were only there for a moment before Elle spotted someone across the room. "Jessica!" she called out, waving enthusiastically. I froze as a woman stood up and started walking toward us, my heart sinking as recognition hit me. Jessica. The same Jessica that Amren kissed at the bar. A nervous knot formed in my chest.

Why is she here? I thought, trying to keep my expression neutral as Jessica approached. I scanned the room, suddenly worried that Amren might be here too.

"Aunt Elle!" Jessica cried, throwing her arms around Elle in a warm hug. They exchanged the usual pleasantries before Jessica turned to me with a friendly smile. "And who's this?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Elle smiled and introduced me. "Oh, right! This is Elizabeth, a good friend of mine."

I extended my hand to Jessica, forcing myself to stay calm. "Hi, nice to meet you," I said, hoping my voice didn't betray my nerves.

"Nice to meet you too, Elizabeth. I'm Jess," she replied, her grin wide and genuine. I could see why Amren had kissed her—she was effortlessly beautiful, with a radiant energy that was hard to ignore. Stop it, Liz, I scolded myself. Focus.

Just as I was about to relax, I saw her. Amren. My heart skipped a beat, my stomach twisting in knots again. She looked stunning, her eyes scanning the room before they locked onto mine. Get it together, I told myself, trying to act normal. Jess's voice snapped me back to the moment.

"Amren! Lily! Come meet my Aunt Elle and her friend Elizabeth!" Jess called out enthusiastically, her voice full of joy. She had no idea what was going on beneath the surface, and for a split second, I envied her oblivion.

Amren walked with that same confidence she always had, looking absolutely stunning in a dark brown suit that hugged her in all the right places. My heart skipped a beat. Stop it, Liz. 

I had to keep myself in check. Lily, quieter, hung back slightly, looking lovely but more reserved in her navy gown.

As they reached us, Jess's excitement was palpable. "Aunt Elle, Elizabeth," she said, beaming, "these are my best friends—Amren, my girlfriend, and Lily."

Girlfriend.

That word hit me like a punch to the gut. My chest tightened, and I fought to keep my expression neutral. Amren... was Jess's girlfriend? How did I not see this coming?

"Nice to meet you," Amren said, her voice steady, but there was something in her eyes when she glanced at me. A flicker of tension. Unreadable. For a second, it was like no one else existed in that room but the two of us.

I tried to muster a smile, but the tension between us was thick. This wasn't the reunion I had expected. Lily, standing beside Amren, looked a little nervous as she greeted us.

"Hi, Professor Olsen," Lily said, her voice almost timid, her eyes darting between me and Amren.

Elle raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Professor? Wow, I didn't realize you taught these two!"

I chuckled, though it felt forced. "Yeah, Amren and Lily are both students of mine," I explained, trying to sound casual. My voice felt distant, detached from the swirl of emotions inside me. Amren's expression remained unreadable as we exchanged polite words, but I could feel the weight of her presence. There was an invisible tension pulling between us, and I wasn't sure how to break it.

As we sat down in the front row, Elle leaned over, clearly oblivious to the undercurrent. "What a coincidence, huh?" she said, smiling warmly. I nodded, forcing a smile in return. My heart was racing, and I couldn't shake the feeling that this was going to be a very long day.