Page 261 of 7+Us Makes Nine

needed to be clipped. I moved on to the aisle, where the ends of the rows were lined with cherry blossom bundles. That is what took most of my time. There were thirty rows. On each side.

“Ma’am, we were sent here by Mr. Cox, do you need help?” two ladies entered the room, young and dressed in matching shirts that read Floral Girls.

Tristan must have sent them. I guess the way I rushed out of there woke him up, and he realized I was late. A small sense of relief washed over me.

“Hi. Yes, these rows need to be finished.” They nodded eagerly and got to work. I checked a few of them, they knew what they were doing.

I entered the reception hall and had to take a deep breath, or I would give myself a panic attack because there was so much to do. I took care of the bride and groom’s table first. It sat in the front with twelve seats for them and their bridal party. There were three vases split evenly. My plan for them matched the altar, so it didn’t take long.

Each centerpiece had the flowers already in them, I just tweaked the arrangement. I constantly padded my brow sweat with a napkin, so I wouldn’t ruin my makeup. But two hours later, I was finally finished.

Ten minutes before the party arrived.

I had to go back to the dressing room to fix the boutonnieres. It was a simple white rose surrounded by baby’s breath. I heard the men’s voices as I rounded the corner. And Tristan. He was with Levi, across the hall was his father and the other groomsmen. I only recognized his father.

I knocked first before they let me in. They were nice and didn’t give me any trouble as I pinned them on, making sure they were perfect. Trouble didn’t come until I was headed to the groom’s room. I knocked softly.

“Come in.” Tristan said. My breath hitched at his voice. I guess I was nervous because of how I left him this morning.

When I entered, it was like the room already knew what happened. My eyes went to his immediately. But I just went to Levi and told him I was pinning it on.

“Thanks…I have to uh, use the bathroom.” I knew he was lying when he shut the door to the coat closet.

I was left with Tristan.

“Are you trying not to look at me?” He asked as I stood in front of him.

I felt a spark in my hands as I slipped my fingers under his coat. Damn, he looked handsome. Especially with his hair slicked back again. I liked the rough look, but this was good too.

“No.” I whispered, still not looking making eye contact.

“Seems like it,” I gasped inwardly as his finger slipped under my throat, forcing me to look at him.

My heart swelled as tears stung my eyes with what I knew I had to do.

“Emilia, last night…”

“I should have left. I was late today, Tristan. This entire wedding almost fell apart because I was distracted.” I secured the pin and stepped back, escaping the heat of his proximity.

“I knew I should have left. And I knew I shouldn’t have stayed involved with you. I can’t do this. I woke up thinking it was all over—my reputation, everything. I have to focus on my job. I can’t do that when I’m with you. So, this is it, we can’t…we can’t be together.”

I wiped my tears away quickly. Taking a deep breath to calm myself. I looked into his eyes like it was the last time, memorizing the beautiful green hue of them. His jaw tight, he stared back at me.

“But I…Emilia, I love you. We can try to…no. I won’t make you choose.” He shook his head, looking down at the ground.

What did he just say? Maybe I was crazy, or I am still asleep.

“I just want you to know that. When you walk away. That I’ve fallen in love with you. And I thought I would never trust another woman again or want to be with anyone. But I do love you. And that’s why…if you want to go, I have to let you go.” His voice didn’t even falter.

There was so much I wanted to say. That I was sorry. That I didn’t want to hurt him, and I didn’t want to do that at all. As I turned away and left him behind…all I wanted to say was that I loved him too.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Tristan

“I want the ten floors at the top. Make the service elevator available to me too.” I barked commands at my leasing manager.

“Yes sir. And your noon meeting is here.” She tucked her dyed blonde hair behind her ear. When I hired her a week ago, she was a brunette.

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