Chapter: Chapter 67The late afternoon sun streamed through the large floor-to-ceiling windows of Izzy’s office, casting warm golden light onto the drafting table where she worked. The space was a perfect blend of creativity and professionalism, with sleek modern furniture, open shelving filled with architectural models, and a massive whiteboard covered in sketches and ideas for her latest project.Izzy stood at the table, pencil in hand, her brow furrowed in concentration as she sketched out the final details of a sleek, contemporary home design for a new client. A soft breeze drifted in through the open window, carrying with it the distant hum of the city below.She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her engagement and wedding rings catching the sunlight as she worked. It was a small detail, but one that made her heart swell every time she noticed it.The door to her office creaked open, and a familiar voice broke the quiet.“Still at it, I see.”Izzy looked up, a smile breaking across her face as
Last Updated: 2024-12-23
Chapter: Chapter 66The hum of the private jet’s engines filled the cabin, but Izzy barely noticed it. She sat by the window, her head resting against Liam’s shoulder as she gazed out at the clouds stretching endlessly across the sky. The week on the island had been a dream—a blur of white sands, turquoise waters, and tender moments—but now, as they returned to Chicago, reality was waiting for them.And for the first time in her life, Izzy didn’t feel anxious about it.Liam’s hand rested over hers, his thumb tracing slow circles against her skin. “You’re quiet,” he murmured, glancing down at her.“I’m just thinking,” she said softly.“About what?”Izzy smiled, tilting her head to look up at him. “About everything. The future, mostly. It feels like… like we finally get to start living. No contracts, no scheming uncles, no dark secrets hanging over us. Just us.”Liam’s lips curved into a small smile, his blue eyes softening. “It’s a good feeling, isn’t it?”She nodded, leaning into him. “The best.”When th
Last Updated: 2024-12-22
Chapter: Chapter 65The warm, salty breeze of the Caribbean washed over them as Liam and Izzy stepped off the private plane. The island was like something out of a postcard—white sand beaches stretching endlessly, turquoise waters sparkling under the sun, and lush palm trees swaying gently in the wind. It was paradise, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Izzy could breathe deeply, unburdened by worry or stress.“This is unreal,” she said, her voice full of awe as she looked around.Liam placed a hand on the small of her back, guiding her toward the waiting car that would take them to their villa. “I wanted it to be special,” he said, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “After everything we’ve been through, you deserve nothing less than perfection.”Izzy glanced up at him, her heart fluttering. He was dressed casually in linen pants and a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, his usual commanding presence softened by the relaxed atmosphere. This was a side of Liam she r
Last Updated: 2024-12-21
Chapter: Chapter 64The morning was perfect. The crisp, early autumn air carried the scent of freshly fallen leaves, and the soft sunlight filtering through the trees made the garden venue glow. The space had been transformed into a dreamscape of white roses, twinkling fairy lights, and flowing ivory drapery. Everything looked exactly as Izzy had imagined it—the perfect blend of elegance and intimacy.In the bridal suite, Izzy stood in front of a full-length mirror, her heart pounding in her chest. The dress she had chosen—a classic ballgown with a sweetheart neckline and delicate lace detailing—fit her like a dream. The soft tulle skirt pooled at her feet, and the intricate beadwork on the bodice sparkled in the sunlight streaming through the windows. Her hair was swept into an elegant chignon, a few loose curls framing her face, and her makeup was soft and romantic.Sarah fussed with the hem of the dress, her face glowing with excitement. “You look like a literal princess, Izzy,” she said, stepping bac
Last Updated: 2024-12-19
Chapter: Chapter 63The week leading up to the wedding had been a whirlwind of preparations, meetings, and final adjustments. Yet amid the chaos, there was one tradition that Izzy and Liam’s friends refused to let slide—the bachelor and bachelorette parties. After everything they had been through, it was time to celebrate, to laugh, and to allow themselves a moment to breathe before the big day.Izzy glanced at herself in the mirror, laughing softly as she adjusted the sparkly “BRIDE” sash Sarah had insisted she wear. “This is ridiculous,” she muttered, turning to her best friend, who was grinning ear to ear.“Ridiculous? No,” Sarah said with mock offense, hands on her hips. “It’s tradition. You are the bride, and we are going to celebrate like it’s our job.”Izzy rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t stop the smile tugging at her lips. Dressed in a sleek white cocktail dress and heels that Sarah had forced her into, she felt radiant—something she hadn’t had much time to think about in the chaos of the weddi
Last Updated: 2024-12-18
Chapter: Chapter 62The morning sunlight poured into the penthouse kitchen, flooding the space with a warm golden glow. Izzy stood at the counter, surrounded by swatches of fabric, invitation samples, and color-coded to-do lists spread haphazardly across the marble countertop. A cup of coffee sat untouched beside her, forgotten in the chaos as she flipped through her wedding planner for what felt like the hundredth time that week.“This might actually drive me insane,” she muttered under her breath, biting the end of her pen as she tried to finalize the seating arrangements.Liam walked in, dressed casually in dark jeans and a crisp white shirt, his hair still slightly damp from his morning shower. He stopped in his tracks at the sight of the counter, his brow raising at the sheer volume of wedding-related material. “Am I interrupting a battlefield strategy session, or is this still about the wedding?” he teased, leaning against the doorframe.Izzy shot him a mock glare. “You laugh now, but you’ll feel m
Last Updated: 2024-12-17