"Miss Carlisle, I'm delighted to be your assistant for the wedding preparation,” a brunette lady said with a bright smile. It was the kind of smile that could light up a room, but I couldn’t bring myself to return it—not when Nathaniel’s shadow loomed so large over my thoughts.
I managed a small smile, though it felt forced, as I sank into the lounge chair. The wind played with my hair, sweeping a few strands across my face, and I absentmindedly tucked them behind my ear. Everything felt distant, like I was watching my life from the outside.
The assistant hesitated, her smile faltering as she waited for some sign of approval. After a beat of silence, she stepped closer, her heels clicking lightly on the stone patio.
"Is there anything specific you'd like to start with?" she asked, her v
