A Dream, a Delay, and a Devastating Accusation

Warm lips pressed against mine as Sebastian's strong arms held me close. The wedding march played softly in the background as guests applauded. I was a bride at last, wearing the dress I'd poured my heart into creating—but not for Alistair. For Sebastian.

"I've waited for this moment my whole life," dream-Sebastian whispered against my ear, his voice sending shivers down my spine.

My heart swelled with joy as he gazed at me with those intense eyes. This felt right. This felt real.

Then the alarm blared.

I jolted awake, my hand automatically slapping at my phone to silence it. Six a.m. Reality crashed back like a bucket of cold water. The dream faded, leaving behind a confusing mix of emotions and a racing heart.

"What is wrong with me?" I groaned, pressing my palms against my eyes.

It was just a dream—a ridiculous fantasy my subconscious had conjured after my dinner with Sebastian and Vera's outlandish texts. Nothing more.