The roar of the jet engines died down as the plane settled onto the tarmac, its sleek body gleaming under the Las Vegas night sky. Sophie Harper stepped onto the private runway, the heat of the desert evening brushing her skin. The city stretched before her like a glittering promise, but her stomach twisted with unease.
"Come on, Sophie," Olivia called from ahead, her heels clicking against the pavement. "This is Vegas! No overthinking allowed."
Sophie forced a smile. Olivia's infectious energy usually lifted her spirits, but tonight it barely touched the weight in her chest. She trailed behind, clutching her small purse like a lifeline, hoping the weekend would provide the distraction she so desperately needed. Her friends wanted to celebrate her upcoming wedding. She wanted to forget it.
The limousine waiting at the curb was all plush leather and ambient lighting, its luxurious interior at odds with Sophie's spiraling thoughts. Olivia popped a bottle of champagne the moment the doors closed. Fizzy laughter erupted from the group as they clinked glasses, but Sophie stayed quiet, the bubbly liquid untouched in her hand.
"You're thinking too much," Olivia said, nudging her. "This weekend isn't about your fiancé or your mother's expectations. It's about you. Have fun for once."
Sophie's lips curved into a faint smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I'll try," she murmured, looking out at the city flashing past. The truth sat heavy inside her—this wasn't her dream wedding. It was a merger dressed up in romance, a deal struck between families. Love had never been part of the equation.
Their suite at the Grand Majesty Hotel was opulence defined—crystal chandeliers, extensive city views, and champagne waiting on ice. Sophie let herself be pulled along as Olivia and the others marveled at the space, snapping selfies against the glittering skyline. She laughed when prompted, but her enthusiasm felt hollow, like a mask she couldn't take off.
"We're hitting the clubs in an hour," Olivia announced, tossing Sophie a dress draped in emerald silk. "This is yours. No arguments."
"Olivia, I—" Sophie started, but her best friend silenced her with a raised eyebrow.
"No arguments," Olivia repeated firmly. "It's time to stop being Daniel Harper's perfect bride-to-be and start being Sophie. Just for one night."
Sophie stared at the dress for a moment before relenting. Maybe Olivia was right. Maybe tonight she could shed the expectations and just… be.
The club was alive with music so loud it vibrated through Sophie's chest. Neon lights pulsed in time with the beat, casting flashes of pink and blue over the crowd. She followed Olivia to the bar, trying not to flinch as strangers jostled around her.
"Shots!" Olivia shouted, grinning as she passed Sophie a small glass of amber liquid.
Sophie hesitated. "Maybe I'll just—"
"Drink," Olivia ordered, tilting her own glass back with a practiced ease. Sophie sighed, then raised hers and drank. The alcohol burned, but the heat spreading through her veins was oddly comforting.
As the night wore on, Sophie found herself loosening, the music and the crowd pulling her in. She danced with Olivia, laughed at her friend's over-the-top moves, and for the first time in months, let herself be swept up in the moment.
That was when she saw him.
He stood at the edge of the dance floor, half in shadow, with sharp cheekbones and a confidence that radiated like a force field. His dark eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, Sophie forgot how to breathe.
He didn't approach immediately, just watched her with a small, knowing smile. It sent a shiver down her spine, though she couldn't say why.
"Hello, stranger," he said at last, as he stepped closer. His accent was faint but alluring, the kind you couldn't quite place.
"Hello," Sophie replied, her voice steadier than she felt.
"I'm Ethan," he said, offering a hand. His touch was firm and warm, lingering just a second too long.
"Sophie."
"Well, Sophie," Ethan said, his smile deepening, "you look like someone who needs another drink."
Time blurred after that. Sophie didn't remember how many drinks she'd had or how long they'd talked. All she knew was that Ethan's company felt easy, natural. He wasn't prying or performing; he just was. They talked about everything and nothing, from their least favorite childhood memories to the absurdity of Vegas itself.
At some point, they moved from the dance floor to a quieter corner of the club, their conversation growing more personal. Ethan had a way of looking at her that made her feel like the only person in the room. It was disarming, and Sophie wasn't sure if it was the alcohol or the way he said her name that made her feel so reckless.
"Let's go somewhere," Ethan said suddenly, his tone soft but insistent. "This place is too loud."
"Where?" Sophie asked, her voice breathless.
"Anywhere," he replied, his gaze holding hers.
The night air was cool against her flushed skin as they stepped out onto the street. Ethan led her by the hand, his grip firm but not overbearing. She followed without question, her mind fogged with alcohol and adrenaline.
When they stumbled upon the wedding chapel, Sophie's laughter rang out, light and carefree.
"Should we?" Ethan asked, his eyes glinting with mischief.
"Should we what?" Sophie replied, still laughing.
"Get married," he said, as if it were the most natural suggestion in the world.
She stared at him, expecting a punchline that never came. "You're joking."
"Not at all," he said, his smile daring her. "It's Vegas. If you can't be impulsive here, where can you?"
The idea was absurd, ridiculous, impossible. And yet…
"Okay," she heard herself say, the word slipping out before she could think.
The ceremony was a whirlwind of neon lights, cheesy vows, and laughter. An Elvis impersonator declared them husband and wife, and Sophie was pretty sure she was still laughing when Ethan kissed her. It was quick, playful, and far from romantic, but it left her heart racing all the same.
They stumbled out of the chapel hand in hand, still giddy from the absurdity of it all.
"This is insane," Sophie said, gasping for breath between laughs.
"Insane is good," Ethan replied, his grin wide and infectious. "And you, Mrs. Ethan… something, are officially my partner in crime."
Sophie opened her mouth to reply, but a flicker of doubt silenced her. She ignored it, pushing the feeling aside. For tonight, she was free.