Chapter 74: Unwelcome Memories-1
The sun had climbed higher by the time they finished prepping the last of the table markers and floral arrangements. A warm breeze drifted through the Garden Pavilion, stirring the scent of orchids and sea salt. Maya stepped back, wiping her palms discreetly against her skirt as she exchanged a nod with Jessa.
“That’s the last of it,” Sienna said, stretching her arms above her head. “If I stand another minute under this sun, I might melt into the gravel.”
Harper chuckled. “Then let’s go before we have to carry you to lunch.”
Their group turned, weaving back through the resort’s winding path, shoes crunching softly on the pale stone walkway. Laughter and light chatter floated among them, the mood lighter now that the setup was complete.
But as they neared the restaurant terrace, Maya’s steps slowed.
Walking toward them from the opposite direction-like a scene rehearsed and waiting for its cue-was Ethan Miller.
He looked freshly showered, a linen button-down rolled up to his forearms, sunglasses hooked casually at the neck. His eyes locked onto Maya the second he saw her.
Harper stiffened beside her. Sienna’s smile dimmed.
“Afternoon, ladies,” Ethan greeted smoothly, slowing as he approached. Then his gaze lingered-too long-on Maya.
“Maya,” he said, his voice lower now. “You look radiant in the sun.”
A quiet hush fell over the team.
Maya blinked, her breath catching before she smoothed her expression into something neutral. “Ethan,” she said evenly. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”
He smiled. “I was hoping to bump into you.”
There was something in the way he said it-too polished. Too rehearsed.
And suddenly, the warmth of the day didn’t feel quite so golden anymore.
already briefed by James, didn’t miss a beat. He stepped forward smoothly, his voice professional but firm.
“Ms. Maya, lunch is ready. We should head in.”
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Aluent 76 Uhus aine me bemowes-i
Before Maya could reply, Ethan flashed his signature grin. “Perfect! I’m starving. Let’s have lunch together!”
Maya hesitated-just a breath-but it was enough. She pressed her lips into a polite line and gave the faintest nod, wordlessly agreeing. She didn’t want to cause a scene. Not here. Not with the others watching.
As they moved toward the restaurant, Lee deftly maneuvered to walk beside her, body angled just enough to create a buffer between her and Ethan. Harper slid in on Maya’s other side without a word, her protective energy loud in its silence.
The moment they stepped into the cool embrace of the restaurant’s air-conditioning, a collective sigh of relief passed between them. The heat of the garden gave way to crisp comfort-and maybe, Maya hoped, a moment of peace.
“Ahh, this feels so much better,” Harper exhaled with a grin, lifting her hair off her neck.
Inside, Trina, Mary, and Aimee were already seated, sipping iced tea and flipping through printed event notes.
Trina looked up. “How’s the prep going?”
Jessa smiled as she slid into the booth. “It’s done! We went with serene garden wedding vibes. We can shoot our first set after lunch.”
“Perfect,” Trina said warmly. “Well done, ladies.”
But peace was short-lived.
The doors opened again-and this time, Damien entered.
He walked in alongside Ashcroft and James, the weight of his presence enough to shift the air in the room. His gaze immediately found Maya-and then Ethan.
They arrived just in time to hear Ethan’s voice float above the soft restaurant chatter.
“Maya!” he said brightly. “I remember you once told me how you dreamed of a garden wedding, right? You said you wanted it full of lavender and tulips… and that warm light you love in the late afternoon. I’ve been picturing that scene lately.” He gave a soft laugh, nostalgic. “At the time, it gave me motivation too. I told myself that after we graduate, I’d work hard so I could give-”
I won’t be necessary.”
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.