Page 4 of SEAL'S Secret Vows

He wasn’t interested in my dreams—past or present—and didn’t care about me achieving them.

That wasn’t the first crack, of course. But it was the first time I realized that the problem wasn’t just that he didn’t know me. It was that he didn’tcare.

Deep down, I knew that our childhood friendship and shared history couldn't bridge the growing gap between us.

And now, reflecting on that conversation, I realize that running away from my own wedding wasn't just about escaping the pressure and expectation, it was about acknowledging the truth I had been avoiding for so long.

I had never actually loved Ethan.

And I was certain he’d never actually loved me, either.

Chase’s house is tucked away from the bustling city. When we pull into the driveway, I lean towards the window, basking in the modern and minimalist design, characterized by sleek lines and contemporary finishes. I’ve been here a few times before, but I’ve never got used to howbeautifulhis house is.

He taps some commands into the smart-home system integrated to his car, and we enter through the gates. A light feeling of nostalgia washes over me as we drive in. The exterior features a striking facade with clean architectural elements, complemented by large windows that allow plenty of natural light to flood the interior. Chase has a taste for the finer things in life.

We had spent hours setting up his smart home automation system together with the company. Such events bring a smile to my face. It's one of the few times he'll let go of his boss mode and act like a little kid in a toy store. The last time I was here, we were celebrating a victory with his team. That was a few weeks ago, and I didn't think I'd be here so soon. He shuts the gate immediately after he drives in and parks in the ample garage.

I note the security cameras placed in subtle positions to capture movement from any angle. There is no avoiding them unless you’re as stealthy as Chase himself.

The entrance is marked by a grand double door, hinting at the luxury within.

I follow him inside, feeling a mix of gratitude and apprehension, my white dress billowing around me like a ghostly shroud. This is not how I expected my wedding day to unfold.

Ethan was just what my parents wanted. A man of prestige. The boy with whom I used to play childhood games before college took us in separate directions. I’d let my parents’ joy at the match pull us back together, and for a while, had been content enough to think I was happy. I shake my head, trying to ignore the thoughts spinning around and around. I focus instead on following Chase inside.

Titan, his dog, runs towards me enthusiastically, greeting me with a friendly wag of his tail and a soft nuzzle. He barks, running to Chase playfully before returning to me.

“Hi, Titan, I’m glad to see you again, too.” I plop down on the couch, and Titan crouches beside me. I rub my fingers on his sleek, fawn-colored coat. Despite being a Belgian Malinois, he exudes a playful demeanor around me, even when Chase brings him to work.

Chase pours me a glass of water and sits beside me on the plush couch. “Take your time, Nora. Whenever you're ready to talk, I'm here.”

I look up at him, his eyes filled with concern and support. “Thank you, Chase. I don't know what I would do without you.”

He offers me a small smile. “You don't have to figure it all out right now. Just know that I've got your back.”

We lapse into a comfortable silence as I sip the water.

“I... I just needed to get away,” I finally admit, my voice barely above a whisper. “Everything was just too much, and I couldn't breathe. Why did I prioritize my parents’ friendship over my happiness?”

“It must have been rough,” he says, his tone gentle yet probing.

I nod, unable to find the words to articulate the bout of emotion inside me.

“You did the right thing by following your heart,” he says firmly. “Marriage is a big step, and it should be based on love and certainty.”

“I know. I was just being too self-righteous. My parents would have understood if I explained to them.” Now that the adrenaline is wearing off, I see that I’ve made things more complicated. Feeling guilty, I wrap my arms around myself. “I've just caused a huge mess, and I even dragged you into it.”

“Dragged? No one drags me into anything. I'm just being dutiful as your boss. It’s done and dusted.”

“I guess…” I mutter.

He levels me with a look, and I see my attitude is wearing him down. “What more could possibly go wrong? Nora, you know I'm quite disinterested in things like this. And I've always warned you to be decisive.”

“Now you are judging me.”

“I'm not the one in a white dress with ruined makeup.”

I flinch a bit at his unkind tone. He shrugs, seeing that his sarcasm hits hard.

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