Hadley studied her friend’s face, recognizing the vulnerability and terror swimming in her gaze.
The wounds from her first marriage ran deeper than time could easily mend.
“It will be.” Though uncertainty flickered in Hadley’s heart, she spoke the words as both prayer and promise for Elissa. “Ernest fought for you with such determination. He’ll cherish what he’s worked so hard to earn.”
“Really?” Lines creased Elissa’s forehead as doubt continued to cloud her expression. A weary breath escaped her lips. “I desperately hope you’re right.”
Her fingers moved to retrieve her phone, navigating through apps until she found a specific folder. She shifted closer to Hadley, angling the screen between them. “Look at this. What’s your opinion?”
“Show me. What am I looking at?”
Their heads drew together over the glowing screen. An intricate image filled the display.
Hadley’s background in tailoring allowed her to instantly identify the delicate lines as a wedding gown design sketch. “A wedding dress?”
“Mm-hmm.” Elissa’s mouth curved upward, authentic happiness finally breaking through the melancholy that had shadowed her features. “This is my creation.” Her lips pressed together briefly. “Originally, I created this for Lin—”
The sentence hung unfinished, but Hadley grasped the implication. Elissa had accepted a commission as Linda’s wedding dress designer. But Linda’s wedding had crumbled before it could take place.
An uncomfortable laugh bubbled from Elissa’s throat before she continued. “The design remains incomplete—merely the basic framework exists. I haven’t incorporated any of the finer elements yet…”
Her head tilted at an impish angle as mischief danced in her eyes. “This time, I’m going to pour every dream I’ve ever harbored about my wedding into this design!”
“Absolutely!” Hadley’s smile bloomed as she nodded with enthusiasm. “Your wedding gown should reflect everything that brings joy to your heart.”
Read exclusive stories .c〇m
“Hadley, give me your thoughts on this section…”
They bent their heads together, voices mingling as they analyzed each detail.
While Hadley shared her insights, a quiet prayer formed in her mind—that Linda would remain absent from this chapter of their lives. She refused to watch Elissa endure the same torment that had once consumed her own life.
Elissa had already weathered more storms than anyone should bear.
Years of anguish had carved deep grooves in both their lives. And for that, Hadley yearned for Elissa to witness the storm clouds finally parting, revealing the golden warmth of long-awaited sunshine.
The new drama launched precisely on schedule, earning immediate acclaim from viewers and critics alike. Barely forty-two hours after its debut, the show’s popularity index rocketed beyond the ten-thousand mark.
Elvin’s triumphant announcement blazed across Hadley’s phone screen in the group chat. Within moments, her phone’s ringtone pierced the air—Elvin’s name flashing on the display.
“Hadley! Incredible news!”
“It truly is.” Hadley’s smile warmed her voice as she responded. “This calls for a proper celebration.”
.
.
.