Her heart squeezed painfully. What if Stella hadn't run? she thought. Would he have married her instead?
Bella's throat bobbed as she swallowed back the tiny sob that tickled her throat. The ache in her stomach made it worse, like a cruel reminder she wasn't strong like him — or beautiful like Stella.
She curled tighter, feeling her soft pajamas tug at her legs. Even her favorite lavender scent felt useless toady.
Slowly, she reached for her phone and opened her email again, hoping, just hoping, there'd be some sign the photographer had sent the pictures so she could do what she loved best — color grading them, making something beautiful with her own hands. But the inbox stayed empty.
She sniffed, rubbing the corner of her eye with her sleeve. Her heart felt like someone was wringing it out.
What if I'm just… a mistake in his life? she thought, her mind spiraling. What if he regrets me every time he sees me?
