Chapter 6: Crosswinds
315 Words
The reception tent was already halfway up when Elena stepped into the garden, clipboard in hand, pretending to focus on table assignments instead of the storm brewing on the horizon—not in the sky, but in the people gathering below.
Adrian was there, standing tall in a crisp shirt, watching Daniel with narrowed eyes. Daniel, ever smooth, held court with a few guests, that easy charm that always seemed to get under Adrian’s skin.
Elena’s heart twisted.
She approached slowly. “Adrian.”
He turned, face tight. “We need to talk.”
She nodded. “Later, please. I have to finish here.”
He didn’t argue but his gaze lingered on Daniel, then flicked back to her. “Watch yourself. He’s not just some old flame. He’s trouble.”
“Thanks for the warning.”
Daniel’s voice cut through the air. “Elena.”
She turned, forced a polite smile. “Daniel.”
He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “You’re still playing with fire, aren’t you?”
Elena’s pulse quickened. “I’m trying to do the right thing.”
“Which is what? Stay with the safe choice?”
She shook her head. “No one’s safe.”
Daniel’s eyes darkened. “Maybe not. But at least I’m honest.”
Adrian appeared beside her, quiet but fierce. “She doesn’t need you to speak for her.”
Daniel’s smile sharpened. “Relax, old man. I’m just here for the wedding.”
Adrian’s jaw tightened. “For now.”
Elena squeezed Adrian’s hand. “Enough.”
Her voice was steady, but inside, the weight of choices pressed down.
Could she really leave the past behind?
Could she trust the future?
The tent flapped in the rising wind, a reminder that storms came in many forms—some outside, some inside.
And Elena knew that to find peace, she had to face them all.
- Writer
