CHAPTER EIGHT: The Confession

The wedding day dawned bright and warm, the upstate venue transformed into a dream—white roses draped over the wooden arch, soft music floating through the garden, guests in pastel dresses and suits. Lara stood in her lilac bridesmaid dress, her curly brown hair cascading over her shoulders, her hazel eyes searching for Ethan. After her confession to Maya at the rehearsal—and Ethan overhearing it (Chapter 7)—she hadn't slept, her heart a mess of hope and fear. Did he feel the same, or had she scared him off?

She found him near the rose garden, away from the crowd, his white shirt sleeves rolled up, his black hair tousled, his green eyes distant as he adjusted his camera. "Ethan," she called, her voice soft, her hands trembling as she walked over, the grass tickling her bare feet.

He turned, his gaze softening, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Lara, you look… beautiful." His words made her blush, her heart racing, but she needed to know—needed to hear it from him.

"I meant what I said last night," she started, her voice shaky, her hazel eyes locked on his. "This started as a fake relationship, but I'm not pretending anymore. I love you, Ethan. I don't care about the loan, the bakery, any of it—I just want you."

Ethan's eyes widened, his camera slipping from his hands, landing softly in the grass. For a moment, he was silent, and Lara's heart sank, fear gripping her—had she ruined everything? But then he stepped closer, his hands cupping her face, his thumbs brushing her cheeks, his green eyes bright with emotion. "Lara," he whispered, "I've been falling for you since that first day in the park. I love you too."

He kissed her, a real kiss this time, soft and slow, his lips warm against hers, the garden fading away as her heart soared. She melted into him, her hands on his chest, feeling his heartbeat match hers, the world narrowing to just the two of them—until a sharp voice cut through the moment.

Jake stood at the garden's edge, his blonde hair perfect, his blue suit crisp, his smirk cruel. "Well, isn't this sweet," he said, loud enough for the nearby guests to turn, including Lara's parents. "Too bad your 'boyfriend' is a broke liar. Did you know he's drowning in debt, Lara? Ten grand, right, Ethan?"

Lara's parents gasped, their faces darkening, whispers spreading through the crowd. Ethan's jaw tightened, his hands dropping from Lara's face, shame flashing in his green eyes. The loan—her bakery's last hope—was slipping away, and Jake's revelation threatened to ruin everything on the happiest day of Lara's life.

To be continued…