[BOOK2]
Friendship built their world. Love will break it open. ❤️
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Isla Brookes and Theo Dwyers have been inseparable since childhood-always there for each other, always just friends. Though, things start to change and everything starts feel...
{Song of the Chapter - You Are The Reason by Callum Scott}
8 YEARS LATER ...
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The morning sunlight spills through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the bridal suite, painting everything gold. My reflection stares back at me from the mirror, part dream, part disbelief. My hands tremble slightly against the silk of my robe, heart thudding hard enough that Becca laughs behind me.
"Breathe, bride," she teases, voice light, calm in the way only Becca can manage when I'm seconds from combusting. "If you pass out before we finish your hair, I'm not taking responsibility."
I roll my eyes but smile. "You're bossier than usual today."
She grins, twisting another section of my hair into an elegant low bun. "That's because I'm the maid of honour, and it's my job to make sure you look like the main character. Which, by the way, you definitely do."
I laugh nervously. "Relax, you act like this is your wedding."
"It feels like mine." She smirks, meeting my gaze in the mirror. "Except I don't have to worry about not ugly-crying when you walk down that aisle. Because spoiler alert...I'm going to."
"You? Crying?" I tease, raising a brow. "That'll be the first time in history."
"Shut up." She pretends to dab under her eyes dramatically, then gestures to the dress hanging by the window. "Okay, babe. Let's do this. Let's get you into that masterpiece."
The gown looks like a dream spun from silk and moonlight. The strapless bodice hugs every curve just right, soft lace glimmering in the sunlight. The skirt falls into delicate layers that float when I move, a subtle slit up one side that feels daring but elegant. When I step into it and Becca zips it up, the fabric whispers against my skin like a promise.
For a moment, neither of us says anything. Becca's hands drop from the zipper. Her eyes glisten.
"Oh my God," she breathes, taking a step back. "Isla. You look like a walking fairy-tale."
The makeup artist turns around and gasps softly. "She's right. You're glowing."
I don't answer, too overwhelmed to speak. The room goes quiet for a second, until the door creaks open.
My mum stands there, her hand over her chest, eyes already glistening. Behind her are Aunt Jennie and Aunt Kam, both clutching tissues and gasping in unison.
"Oh, sweetheart," Mum breathes, voice trembling. "You look... you look so beautiful." Her voice cracks on the last word.
Kam steps forward, wiping her eyes. "My darling boy is going to lose it when he sees you."
"Stop," I laugh, blinking fast. "I'm going to cry."
Becca smirks, sliding a hand around my shoulders. "Your makeup's waterproof. We planned for this." She high-fives the makeup artist, who grins from the corner.
