~~ELLIE~~
The big lounge smelled wonderfully like buttercream and vanilla bean. I’d spent hours perfecting every corner. The whole place had transformed into every book girlie's dream—twinkling purple fairy lights curled around the curtain rods, stacks of Martha’s favorite romance novels towered like castles on the coffee table, and soft floral garlands hung from the ceiling like paper chandeliers.
The scent of freshly baked cupcakes lingered in the air. I’d already eaten one—just to make sure it looked and tasted perfect.
On the wall, I’d managed to string up a colorful banner that read:
Love Stories Never End — Celebrating Martha.
A quiet instrumental playlist of Martha's favorite songs hummed through the speakers.
Although Nolan had said he wanted no part in the decorations, I’d
