Forbidden Desires

Chapter :74 A Toast to Forever"

Amber's POV

"The night before the wedding— a heart full of anticipation, a mind filled with dreams, and a soul overflowing with love for the one you're about to spend forever with."

Amber lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, as a mixture of excitement and unease settled in her chest. Her bridal party had insisted on throwing her a wild night, claiming she needed to let loose before her big day. Her maid of honor, Ashley, had planned everything—a lavish, intimate bachelorette party at her mansion, complete with a private chef and endless champagne. It was supposed to be the perfect send-off into married life.

And yet... all she could think about was Gabriella Baldwin.

She was going to be at the wedding tomorrow. Her half-sister.

Amber exhaled, rolling over, her bare feet touching the cool floor. Maybe tonight would be a blessing—maybe she could just let go for a little while. She reached for her phone, checking for a message from Andy.

Nothing.

No check-in. No goodnight text. Nothing.

She could only guess that he was having the time of his life.

Amber bit her lip before dialing Ariel's number. It rang once. Twice. Then—

"Amber?"

"Hey, Ariel, how are you?"

"I'm well. Are you nervous about tomorrow?"

"A little," Amber admitted. "What are you up to tonight?"

"Nothing much," Ariel replied.

"Tonight's my bachelorette party, and I'd love for you to come."

"Of course, Amber. It would be my pleasure."

"Great. I'll send you the location. See you in a few hours."

Amber hung up, a small smile playing on her lips. It felt right to invite her. After all, Ariel was already a Baldwin—her sister-in-law. They might as well start getting to know each other.

As she descended the grand staircase, the faint sound of music and laughter from the backyard grew louder. Outside by the pool, everything looked like something out of a dream.

Tomorrow, she would be Mrs. Andy Baldwin.

The thought sent a flutter through her stomach.

"There she is!" Ashley called out the moment she stepped outside. "The woman of the hour!"

Before Amber could protest, Ashley placed a "Bride-to-Be" sash over her chest and handed her a drink.

"Now, let's party!"

Ashley, her cousin and the wildest one of the group, was in charge of the night. Amber knew she was in for one hell of a time.

"So, tell me," Amber said, sipping her drink. "What's the plan? No surprises, okay? I know you, Ashley. You're trouble."

Ashley smirked. "You'll just have to wait and see."

Amber laughed, stretching out on one of the poolside loungers. The night air was perfect, and for the first time all day, she felt like she could actually breathe.

Still... something felt off.

Karlie should have been here.

Her best friend. Her ride-or-die.

But Amber knew if Karlie could have been here, she would be.

Before she could slip too deep into her thoughts, Ashley grabbed her hand. "Enough sulking. Let's dance!"