If This Isn't Love

70: JULY 2023: Best Wishes

Selina and Megan meticulously adjusted Luisa's delicate veil, bickering over the best way to secure it against the beach breezes that threatened to unravel their careful preparations. Outside the second-story window, it was a bright and beautiful sunny afternoon. The ceremony was set just before sunset, so they had a little over an hour before it started.

Luisa sat serenely as they bobby-pinned and clipped her hair and veil, her smile unwavering as she thought of Seokjin and the life they were about to build together. Eight years of fits and starts, of uncertainty and remorse. Today would change everything. It would be the end of the past cycle; they were determined to make their marriage a success, fueled by the love they shared—the most important element of all.

As distractions faded into the background, all that remained was her and the man she adored, ready to take on the world side by side. She loved him fiercely and had finally come to understand that he loved her just as deeply. A soft sigh escaped her as she recalled the journey that had brought them to this moment, a blend of fairy tale and cautionary tale. But today, they would join hands and face whatever came next, together.

Lost in her thoughts, Luisa hadn't realized her friends had stopped adjusting her hair. They stood animatedly by the door, engaged in an urgent discussion with someone in the hallway, their voices drifting into her awareness.

Curious about the ruckus, Luisa turned. "What's going on?"

Selina was the first to respond, her brow furrowing as she approached. "Lulu, just stay calm, okay?" She paused, waiting for Luisa to nod before continuing. "Um, Charlie is here, and he wants to talk to you."

"What?" Luisa gasped, her heart racing.

Megan, glancing up from the doorway, added, "I could have someone toss him in the water if that's what you want."

Luisa blinked in disbelief. "N-No, definitely not. That's...not what I want." She took a moment to gather her thoughts. "Did he say what he wants? Why is he here? Does... does Jin know?"

Selina shrugged, her expression tense. "The wedding planner just mentioned that a Charlie Ramos is outside the back door and that he wants to speak with you for a moment. It doesn't seem like Seokjin knows anything about it."

Rising abruptly, Luisa felt a rush of determination. "What should I do?"

Her friends exchanged glances, uncertainty dancing in their eyes. Selina wore a look of confusion, while Megan's expression conveyed irritation.

Straightening her posture, Luisa declared, "I'm going to talk to him."

"Are you sure?" Megan asked, scrutinizing her face. "You don't have to do this."

"I know," Luisa replied firmly. "But the last time, he didn't do anything wrong. I was the one who ended things on a whim. He looked blindsided. I owe it to him to find out what he wants."

Her friends nodded in silent support as Luisa stepped out of the room, bracing herself to confront the only other man who had shared so many years of her life.

Luisa offered an encouraging nod to the wedding planner and her assistant as she approached the back door. They muttered something about the time, but she gave them only an absentminded acknowledgment.

As she opened the door, a warm gust of wind swept the veil across her face, and she instinctively pushed it back. Her gaze landed on Charlie, standing at the bottom of the wooden stairs.

"Hi, Luli," he said, his eyes wide with surprise. "Wow. You look breathtaking."

Descending the few steps, Luisa felt the weight of his gaze. For their beachside wedding, she had chosen a simple, sleeveless, ankle-length silk and chiffon mermaid dress designed to withstand the wind. The soft breeze molded the dress to her curves, and she could sense Charlie's gaze on her.