Page 60 of Matched with the Grumpy Secret Prince

“Sophie.”

“I’m serious,” I huff, folding my arms. “If he wanted to talk, he would have reached out. But he didn’t.”

Mia tilts her head. “Maybe he’s waiting for you to reach out first.”

I let out a sharp laugh. “You think I should chase after him?”

“No.” She narrows her eyes. “I think you should stop pretending you don’t care.”

That hits too close to home.

I inhale through my nose, willing the burning behind my eyes to disappear. “I’m not pretending.”

Mia gives me a long, knowing look.

I hold her gaze for as long as I can before I break away, shaking my head. “It doesn’t matter.”

“It does matter.” Her voice softens again. “Sophie, you deserve answers.”

I bite the inside of my cheek. “Well, I’m not going to get them, am I?”

Silence.

Mia sighs, rubbing my arm. “Fine. If you don’t want to talk to him, then don’t.” She pauses. “But don’t lie to yourself about how much this eats at you.”

I close my eyes for half a second, but when I open them again, I force a tight smile. “Thanks for the unsolicited therapy session, Mia, but I have a wedding to finish planning.”

She watches me carefully before shaking her head with a sad smile. “You always do this.”

“Do what?”

“Push things down, pretend you’re fine, and keep moving.”

My stomach twists.

Before I can respond, she gives my arm one last squeeze and steps back. “Just… don’t let work be an excuse to avoid what you’re feeling.”

I exhale and turn away, my fingers tightening around my clipboard.

If only it were that simple.

The anticipation buzzes in my chest as I scan the dining setup one last time. Everything is in place—twinkling fairy lights strung across the backyard, casting a warm glow over the elegantly set tables. Soft music hums from the speakers, and the smell of perfectly roasted chicken and freshly baked bread drifts through the air—a perfect surprise pre-wedding dinner.

I tug my dress into place, my heart pounding as I glance toward the entrance. Ethan and Riley have no idea we’ve planned this for them. The guests—close family and friends—are already here, whispering excitedly, waiting for the moment they walk in.

I shoot Mia a look, and she grins, bouncing slightly on her toes. “This is going to be so good.”

A beat later, the sound of a car pulling up in the driveway stills the entire table.

Mia claps her hands together. “Everyone, quiet!”

The moment the back door swings open, the entire table erupts in cheers.

“SURPRISE!”

Ethan and Riley freeze in the doorway, eyes wide, completely caught off guard. Behind them, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson stand just as stunned, though Ethan’s father quickly schools his expression, slipping into the composed demeanor I’m sure he’s perfected over the years.

Riley’s gasp is the first sound that breaks through the noise. “Oh my gosh.”

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