The garden venue stretched wide under the late afternoon sun, its winding stone paths kissed by golden light. The others had driven ahead for the food tasting — but Chloe stayed behind to check the lights being strung between the trees.
Or at least, that was her excuse.
"You're still here," a calm voice said behind her.
She turned. Vince stood there, hands in his pockets, the hem of his polo slightly wrinkled.
"You didn't go with them?" she asked.
"Bella needed space," he said simply. "And I saw you walking. Akala ko may kailangan ka pa."
Chloe smiled faintly. "Always."
They walked side by side in silence. The rustle of leaves, distant birdsong, and the creak of garden swings filled the air.
It was peaceful. Too peaceful for two people caught in the chaos of a wedding neither of them seemed completely sure of.
"Do you ever feel like you're just... following a script?" Vince asked suddenly.
Chloe glanced at him. "All the time. But unlike you, I get to write mine."
Vince chuckled softly. "Touché."
They reached the stone bench near the koi pond. Vince sat. Chloe stayed standing at first — then, slowly, sat beside him, leaving enough space for propriety.
"Yung mama ko," Vince began, "lagi niya akong tinuturuan na unahin ang pamilya. Kahit ayoko. Kahit di ko naiintindihan."
Chloe listened quietly.
"Nung college ako, gusto ko sana maging architect. Pero tinapik ako ni Dad — sabi niya, 'engineers don't dream, they solve.' So I followed."
She turned to him. "And now?"
He shrugged. "I'm solving problems. Everyday. Every project. Every... expectation."
Chloe bit her lip. "Does Bella know that about you?"
He hesitated. "She used to ask. But now she just wants me to show up and smile."
The breeze picked up, tousling Chloe's hair. Vince reached out instinctively to tuck a strand behind her ear — then paused, catching himself.
She froze at the gesture — not because he touched her, but because of what it meant.
"I'm sorry," he said quickly. "I—"
"It's okay," she whispered.
They stared at each other, something unspoken passing between them.
Then Chloe looked away. "You know what's funny?"
"What?"
"I plan weddings for a living. Dozens every year. Pero never pa ako na-in love."
Vince tilted his head. "Never?"
"Never. I thought... maybe I'm broken. Or maybe I just know how messy it can be."
"You're not broken," he said quietly. "You're just careful."
Chloe laughed lightly. "Says the groom about to get married to someone he barely talks to."
He smiled — but it didn't reach his eyes. "You notice that too?"
She met his gaze. "I notice everything."
They kept walking, further away from the tents and lights. Just them, and the path.
"Do you love her?" Chloe asked, the words out before she could stop them.
Vince was quiet for a long time.
"She's... beautiful. Ambitious. Smart. And I respect her."
"That's not love."
"No," he said. "It's not."
Chloe's chest ached. Not out of jealousy — but from the weight of honesty hanging between them.
"You deserve more than just 'respect,' Vince," she said softly. "You deserve a partner."
He looked at her. "So do you."
The sun dipped lower, casting long shadows on the ground.
"I saw you with Maverick the other day," Vince said. "By the catering tables."
Chloe tensed. "Did he tell you?"
"No," Vince said. "But I know how he plays."
"He said you were selfless to a fault."
Vince laughed bitterly. "He would."
"Is he wrong?"
Vince didn't answer. Instead, he asked, "What about you, Chloe? What do you want? Not just from this job. From everything."
She exhaled. "I want... a quiet life. A home that feels like mine. Not too big. Not perfect. Just safe."
"Safe," Vince repeated. "That sounds... amazing."
And in that moment, Chloe saw it — the yearning in his eyes. Not for her, necessarily, but for that quiet life he never got to choose.
Their walk ended at the stone fountain near the gate.
"I should go," Chloe said, glancing at her phone. "Denise is waiting."
Vince nodded, but didn't move.
"Chloe," he said. "If I asked you what you notice most in a wedding... what would it be?"
She smiled sadly. "The pauses. The glances. The people who aren't saying anything — but mean everything."
He nodded. "Then you already know how this ends."
She looked at him, eyes heavy. "Maybe not. Maybe this time, something changes."
For a moment, they just stood there.
Then Vince stepped back. "In another life, Chloe."
And she whispered, "In another choice."
40Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75C6IXAGBo
and then Add to home screen.