Page 82 of The Wrong Fiancée

This is where I belonged. I could feel it in every fiber of my being. The burden of all the struggles and setbacks eased with each passing day. This chance I'd been given made it all worthwhile.

We spent another twenty minutes discussing logistics,confirming shipping schedules, planning artist talks, and setting up interactive displays.

Melody was sharp and quick to spot weaknesses in the plan as we bounced ideas off each other like a well-oiled machine. By the end of the meeting, I felt a sense of accomplishment that cleaning a room had never given me.

As we gathered our notes, Melody gave me an approving nod. "You've really come into your own here, Elika. This exhibition is going to be something special."

"Yes, it is."

"And that's going to be largely because of you."

I flushed at her compliment.

Melody checked her watch. "Alright, I've got another meeting. Keep me updated on Silva and Arakaki."

I watched as she left the room, feeling a surge of pride. As I gathered the folders and made my way toward the gallery's front desk, I saw Dean standing just inside the entrance, his hands in his pockets, a familiar half-smile on his face.

"Busy?" he asked.

I nodded excitedly. "I get to manage two of the artists for the exhibition in November," I blurted out, unable to contain my excitement.

"Yeah?"

"Oh, I know you talk to big artists all the time, but for me?—"

"I remember the first time I spoke with an artist I was going to manage. It was a high. I get it."

I set the catalogs down and went to him. I looked around to make sure we were alone and hugged him. "Thank you."

He held me, stroking my back. "I didn't do anything."

"You talked to Dante."

"You impressed Melody, that's the only reason you're here."

"What are you doing here?"

He glanced past me toward the hallway that led to the garden courtyard, the outdoor seating area reserved for resort guests, offering an incredible view of the ocean—Hale Moana’s most secluded and stunning spot.

"You have a guest waiting for you over at the Lanai Garden Pavilion. It's quiet there, so you'll have privacy."

"Who?" I asked, confused. I wasn't expecting anyone.

Dean's smile softened, his tone gentle. "Let's go." He kissed my forehead and then, with hands on my shoulders, walked/pushed me to the pavilion.

Curiosity stirred in me.

Dean knew the Lanai Garden Pavilion was one of my favorite spots in the resort. It was open-air, surrounded by tropical flowers and low hedges, with wide, comfortable chairs arranged in intimate clusters. The pavilion was framed by the sound of nearby waves and the distant laughter of guests down by the pool. It was the perfect spot to feel secluded while still being in the heart of the resort.

As we rounded the corner, I stopped, and Dean kissed the side of my head. "Trust me."

Noe sat in her wheelchair, her head turned slightly toward the view of the ocean. Her hair was pulled back, and she wore a simple sundress; her posture was relaxed in a way I hadn't seen in years.

For a moment, I couldn't move. My heart raced, and my thoughts tangled together. The last time we'd been together, it hadn't ended well. All the tension, the bitterness—our relationship had frayed so much over the years, I didn't know if it could be repaired.

She looked up as if aware of my presence. Her expression stopped me cold. She wasn't angry. She was contrite. She gave me a small, sheepish wave.

I nodded at Dean, and walked toward Noe.

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