The florist's shop was an oasis of cool serenity compared to the sweltering July heat outside. Elena trailed her fingers over the velvety petals of a blush-pink peony, its delicate fragrance a stark contrast to the turmoil roiling within her.
"What do you think about these for the centerpieces?" Eddie asked, gesturing to an arrangement of cream roses and baby's breath.
Elena forced a smile. "They're lovely," she said, her voice sounding hollow even to her own ears.
The florist, a petite woman with silver-streaked hair, eyed them keenly. "You don't sound convinced, dear. Remember, these flowers will be the backdrop to one of the most important days of your life. They should speak to your heart."
Elena felt a lump form in her throat. How could she explain that her heart was currently a battlefield of conflicting emotions? That every rose reminded her of the thorny mess she'd entangled herself in?
"I'm just a bit overwhelmed," Elena managed to say. "There are so many choices."
Eddie squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Why don't we take a break? Get some air?"
They stepped outside, the humid air immediately enveloping them like a warm, damp blanket. Elena leaned against the shop's brick wall, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.
"Are you okay?" Eddie asked, concern etching his features. "You've seemed... distant since this morning."
Elena opened her eyes, meeting Eddie's gaze. For a moment, she was tempted to confess everything – her night with Alfie, her doubts, her fears. But the words died on her lips as she saw the love and worry in Eddie's eyes.
"I'm fine," she lied, plastering on a smile. "Just a bit stressed about all the planning. And the heat isn't helping."
Eddie nodded, though a flicker of doubt passed over his face. "I know it's a lot, but we're in this together, right? No more secrets between us?"
The irony of his words hit Elena like a physical blow. She swallowed hard, fighting back the urge to laugh hysterically. "Right," she echoed. "No more secrets."
Just then, her phone buzzed in her pocket – again. She'd been ignoring Alfie's messages all morning, but this time, curiosity got the better of her. She pulled out her phone, angling it away from Eddie's view.
The message made her blood run cold,She felt a chill emanating from every pore: "We need to talk. I'm not letting this go, Elena. Meet me at our spot in Hyde Park at 7 PM, or I'll come find you."
"Everything okay?" Eddie asked, noticing her sudden pallor.His gaze was filled with doubt and inquiry.
Elena quickly pocketed her phone. "Just my mom," she lied smoothly. "Asking about dress fittings."
As they re-entered the florist's shop, the sweet scent of flowers now seemed cloying, almost suffocating. Elena moved mechanically through the rest of the appointment, her mind a whirlwind of panic and indecision.
By the time they left, arms laden with sample bouquets and centerpiece mock-ups, the sun was beginning its slow descent, painting the London sky in hues of pink and gold. It was nearly 6:30 PM.
"Should we grab dinner?This place is very close to the steakhouse you love the most" Eddie suggested, oblivious to Elena's internal struggle.
Elena's heart raced. She had less than thirty minutes to make a decision that could alter the course of her entire future. Meet Alfie and risk everything, or ignore him and pray he was bluffing?Her heart was swaying left and right.
"Actually," she heard herself say, "I just remembered that my mom asked me to go home today, she needs to go over the dress code with me again, and the guest list for my family. I'll go another day, okay?"Elena struggled through the excuse.
Eddie's face fell slightly, a doubtful expression appeared on his face again,but he nodded. "Of course, you should go back. Shall I escort you there?"
"Oh no...no need." Elena hastily refused, "I mean, it's too congested with traffic right now, and my home is only a mile away, so I'll walk back. It's just the right time before my engagement, I need to maintain my weight to fit into my dress." She tried to force a smile, but she didn't know how fake it looked to Eddie.
"You make a good point," Eddie finally nodded in agreement. "Then I'll see you tomorrow, honey, I'll miss you." Eddie kissed her forehead and reluctantly turned and left.
As Elena watched Eddie's retreating form, she felt as if she were standing on the edge of a precipice. Behind her lay the safe, familiar path – a life with Eddie, the man she'd loved for years. Before her, an unknown road, fraught with danger and desire, leading to Alfie.
She glanced down at the delicate rose in her hand, a sample from their centerpieces. Its petals were soft, inviting, but Elena knew that hidden beneath its beauty lay sharp thorns, waiting to draw blood.
Took a deep breath, she held the rose in her hands and turned towards Hyde Park, Alfie and Eddie's faces intertwined in her mind. "I wonder what Alfie will say to me this time?" she pondered, completely unaware that a few petals had been blown away by the wind and scattered on the sidewalk, as if reflecting her current state of mind.
But had she turned, she might have noticed a familiar figure watching from the shadows, his eyes narrowed as he observed her choice. The game, it seemed, was far from over.