Chapter 21

The meal passed in strained small talk, Laura’s thoughts churning. She sipped her juice, the tang sharp against her tongue, and watched Jonathan cut into his meat rolls with precision. His charm was a polished shield, but she saw the cracks now—the way his eyes darted to his phone, the faint tension in his jaw.

“Look,” she said, setting down her glass. “I know you’ve been busy, but now’s as good a time as any.”

He glanced up, wary. “Okay.”

“I’ve been wondering when we’ll set a wedding date.”

He exhaled, leaning back. “No plans yet.”

“No plans?” Her voice tightened. “Jonathan, we’re running out of time.”

“It’s not like I’m stringing you along,” he said, his tone defensive. “I just don’t want you banking on high hopes.”

“High hopes?” She laughed, bitter. “Instead of moving on with someone else, I’m here waiting for a man who might not even be waiting for me.”