As I read Chris's message, a pang of guilt settled deep within me. He had been nothing but understanding and loving, and here I was, caught in a web of deceit and conflicting emotions. I knew I couldn’t keep running away from the truth—not from Chris, not from myself.
“Melissa?” Stella’s voice pulled me back to the present. She was smiling, still buzzing with the joy of the evening. “Who’s that?”
“Oh, it’s Chris,” I replied, trying to sound casual. “He wants me to come back to the hotel.”
Stella’s smile widened. “You two are so sweet. Go on, I’ll handle everything here. You deserve some time together.”
I nodded, trying to muster a smile. “Thanks, Stella. I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Of course! Now go!” She gave me a playful shove toward the door.
As I walked out, my mind was a blur. The
