Whispers Of The Hearts

decorated with white lace and delicate florals, the warm glow of string lights hanging overhead creating a soft, ethereal atmosphere. Yet, Charlotte f

radiant and genuine. Charlotte couldn't help but feel a tug at her heart. This was supposed to be a time of celebration for Sophie, a moment of happiness that

ears. But tonight, being back in Meadowbrook, surrounded by memories and old faces, there was no escapin

te had carefully maintained her distance during the reception. She couldn't help but wonder if he was doing the same, but no matter how much s

f the venue away from the crowds. The sharp buzz of conversations, the laughter, and the

ve for the occasional rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. Charlotte leaned against a stone pillar, closing her eyes for a moment to steady herself. She could sti

his is quite

an. His expression was unreadable, but his presence was as unmistakable as ever. He had been watching her, she realized, perhaps from the

trained. She didn't want to seem surprised by his appearanc

istant as he looked out toward the night sky. "Same

space, the distance between them felt so much more pronounced. The past few hours had been a blur of politeness, of sidestepp

s back to her. There was a hint of concern in his voice, but it didn't qu

smile. "I just needed a moment to myself. Wedding

ng to read her. "Yeah, I get that." He paused for a mo

t she could leave it behind, locked away in a place she never needed to revisit. But the way Ethan said it-quiet, almost contempla

bove a whisper. She glanced away, not wanting to let

e way he looked at her made Charlotte's heart race, and for a moment, she wondered if he could

" Ethan said finally, his voice gentle but filled with an un

those feelings, burying them under layers of success, independence, and distance.

replied quietly, her throat thick with emotion.

at same intensity that had always unnerved her. The intensity that had once made her belie

t... I thought it was the right thing to do. But looking back, I realize how

to acknowledge the past, to admit his mistakes. After all this time, after e

our career. And I-" She stopped herself, taking a shaky breath, before continuing. "I couldn't be part

ce known-the one who had been so full of promises, so certain that their love would last for

th regret. "I didn't see what I had until it wa

. She wanted to believe that he had truly understood the weight of his actions. But the ye

said, her voice firm now, though it was laced with

rds. "I know. But I wanted you to know, Cha

art of her had always hoped that Ethan would come back, that he would fight for her, for them. But the woman she had become-strong,

id, her voice steady but soft. "But i

ok a step back, his shoulders slightly slumped. It was a small movement, but it felt significant. F

"I didn't expect you to forgive

r, one she hadn't realized she needed until now. She had carried this weight for so l

tte said, breaking the silence. "S

g more. He just nodded, his gaze lingering on he

back to the reception. The night was still young, but it felt like something inside

all, Sophie caught her eye immed

ng her head slightly. She wasn't read

ast had spoken. And now, Charlot