Chapter 13

Alex sat at the dining table, the glow of the soft kitchen lights illuminating the stack of wedding planning brochures spread out in front of her. Chan had only been gone a day, and already she felt the weight of planning their November wedding pressing down on her. She flipped through the glossy pages showcasing grand ballrooms, extravagant floral arrangements, and luxurious table settings—each image more breathtaking than the last. The Shilla Seoul's Dynasty Hall II and III were exactly what she envisioned, but bringing it to life felt overwhelming.

She had spent the better part of the morning making calls and setting up consultations with wedding planners. The first planner, a polished woman with a clipboard and an air of efficiency, had bombarded Alex with an endless list of logistics, timelines, and contracts within ten minutes of their meeting. It was all too much, too fast. Alex had smiled politely, thanked her for her time, and crossed her off the list the moment she left.

The second planner, an older man with decades of experience, had been charming enough, but his vision was too traditional—too rigid. He'd balked when Alex mentioned incorporating a live-stream for their international fans and didn't seem to grasp the concept of blending K-pop energy with a refined, elegant atmosphere. He wanted classic and timeless; Alex wanted something that felt like them—grand yet personal. Another polite rejection.

By the time she met with the third planner, exhaustion and nausea had set in. She was no longer in the mood to meet, but she'd set the meeting and cancelling was a pet peeve.

Alex sighed, pushing through the queasy feeling in her stomach as she arrived at the quiet café for her final meeting of the day. The scent of freshly brewed coffee hit her as she stepped inside, and she took a slow, steady breath, trying to shake off the exhaustion that had settled deep in her bones. She spotted Mira Kim sitting by the window, a warm smile on her face and a neatly organized tablet resting in front of her.

"Alex, it's so nice to meet you," Mira said, standing to shake her hand. Her grip was firm but not overbearing, and Alex immediately felt a sense of calm settle over her.

"You too," Alex replied, sliding into the chair across from her. "Thanks for making the time today. It's been...a long day of meetings."

Mira chuckled knowingly. "I can imagine. Weddings can be overwhelming, but my job is to make it as stress-free as possible." She paused, her eyes scanning Alex with a perceptive gentleness. "And I get the sense that stress-free is something you could really use."

Alex hesitated for a beat, then nodded. "Yeah, it is. I have a lot on my plate already with work and..." She trailed off, instinctively placing a hand over her abdomen before catching herself. "Just a lot going on."

Mira didn't push. Instead, she tapped her tablet, pulling up a digital mood board filled with soft florals, elegant table settings, and lighting concepts that eerily resembled the inspiration photos Alex had collected.

"I did a little research based on the venue you're considering," Mira said, scrolling through the designs. "I wanted to get a sense of your style and what elements might speak to you and Chan. I know he's busy, but I want to make sure this reflects both of you."

Alex's eyes widened slightly as she scrolled through the images. "Wow... this is really close to what I've been picturing."

Mira smiled. "I'm glad to hear that. I like to approach planning from a storytelling perspective. Every detail should reflect your journey together, your personalities. I want your guests to walk in and feel like they're stepping into your world—not just a pretty ballroom."

Alex felt a genuine sense of relief. "That's exactly what I want. We have a lot of people coming from different parts of our lives—friends, family, industry colleagues, even some fans." She paused before adding cautiously, "There are a few personal things I need to be mindful of during the planning process, though."

Mira nodded attentively. "Of course. This is your day, and I'm here to make sure it's exactly what you need. If there's anything you'd like to discuss in confidence, I'm happy to sign an NDA."

Alex blinked in surprise, then smiled. "Actually... yes, I'd really appreciate that." She pulled a neatly folded document from her bag and slid it across the table. "I need to keep some things private, at least for now."

Mira took the document without hesitation, glancing over it briefly before signing. "Done. You can trust me, Alex. My job is to protect your vision and your privacy."

Alex exhaled slowly, feeling the tight knot in her chest loosen. "Thank you. Chan and I are expecting, so we need this process to be as stress free as possible. We had originally planned a small beach wedding in Sydney but with it being a high risk pregnancy and then everything else it's evolved into...this and I need a lot of help."

Mira's eyes softened with understanding as she placed the signed NDA back on the table. "Congratulations," she said gently, offering a warm smile. "And I completely understand why you'd want to keep that private. A wedding is a big enough event on its own, let alone balancing it with a pregnancy—especially a high-risk one. Have you guys settled on a date?"

Alex nodded, running a hand through her hair. "Yeah, we're looking at November 25th. We want to have the wedding before I start showing too much." She let out a small, nervous laugh. "I know it's ambitious, but with Chan's schedule, it's really our best window."

Mira's expression remained calm and composed, nodding thoughtfully as she tapped a few notes into her tablet. "That gives us just under four months. It's tight, but definitely doable, especially since you have a clear vision. We'll need to move quickly on securing vendors and finalizing major details like decor and catering." She looked up with a reassuring smile. "But I promise, we'll get it done without overwhelming you."

Alex felt a flicker of hope. "I really appreciate that. I don't want to get lost in the chaos, you know? I want to actually enjoy this process with Chan instead of it feeling like a full-time job."

Mira leaned forward slightly. "That's why I'm here. I'll take care of the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters. Let's break it down into manageable pieces, starting with your top priorities. Other than keeping things stress-free and private, what's most important to you about the wedding?"

Alex hesitated for a moment, then said, "I want it to feel... intimate, even if it's big. I know we have hundreds of people coming, but I still want it to feel like it's about us. Something elegant but with touches of warmth and familiarity." She gestured to the mood board on Mira's tablet. "The florals, the lighting... I love how dreamy it all looks. But I also want moments where it feels personal—where our friends and family can feel how much they mean to us."

Mira nodded, taking it all in. "I love that. We can achieve that by creating pockets of intimacy within the grand space—lounge areas, thoughtful table settings, and personalized elements that tell your story. Maybe framed photos from your relationship milestones, handwritten notes to guests, or even incorporating music in a way that's meaningful to you both."

Alex's lips twitched into a smile. "Music is huge for us. I have a playlist started. And it wouldn't surprise me if Chan and the guys tried to perform something."

Mira's smile widened. "Music can set the tone for the entire event, so that's a great place to start. And if Chan and the guys want to perform, we can absolutely build that into the timeline seamlessly. We'll make sure it feels like a natural highlight, not just another scheduled moment."

Alex nodded, feeling more at ease with each passing minute. "I also want the décor to reflect us, not just the grandeur of the venue. I love the florals, the candles, and the warm lighting, but I also want touches that feel... grounded, you know? Not just something you'd see in a wedding magazine but something that speaks to who we are."

Mira flipped through the images on her tablet and paused at a concept that combined elegant grandeur with soft, personal touches—think handwritten menus, intimate seating clusters, and a color palette that felt both sophisticated and comforting. "I think we can achieve that balance," she said thoughtfully. "You're envisioning something that feels like an extension of your relationship—romantic, warm, and welcoming."

Alex smiled, running her fingers over the edge of her coffee cup. "Exactly. And then there's the fan element. We're inviting 100 of them, and I want to make sure they feel like they're part of this without it turning into a spectacle."

Mira's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I love that you're including your fans—it's such a unique touch. We can create a special section for them at the ceremony that feels exclusive but still connected. And for the reception, maybe something interactive? A photo wall, special seating arrangements, or a personalized takeaway that ties them to your journey."

Alex's shoulders relaxed. "Yes, I love that idea. Something that reminds them they're a part of this, but also gives them space to enjoy it."

Mira made a few quick notes before glancing up again. "Let's talk logistics—dress fittings, cake tastings, engagement shoot timelines. We're on a tight schedule, but if we plan it right, it won't feel overwhelming. I suggest we lock in the key vendors first—florals, catering, and photography—then move on to the smaller details. I'll coordinate everything with your availability and Chan's, so you're not handling it alone."

Alex let out a relieved sigh. "That sounds perfect. Honestly, I was feeling so overwhelmed before this, but you're making it feel... manageable."

Mira grinned. "That's the goal. You focus on enjoying this time with Chan and preparing for the baby. I'll handle the rest."

Alex's smile softened as she nodded. "I guess we should get started, then."

Over the next hour, Alex and Mira dove into the details, and for the first time since the whirlwind of planning had begun, Alex felt like she had a real partner in this process. Mira's calm and methodical approach helped her break down what once seemed impossible into manageable tasks, and Alex could already feel the weight lifting off her shoulders.

"Alright," Mira said, scrolling through her notes, "our first priority is securing the venue. You're set on The Shilla Seoul's Dynasty Hall II and III, correct?"

Alex nodded. "Yes. We love the space, and it's perfect for the number of guests we're expecting. I just need to confirm with them, but they tentatively held our date."

Mira smiled, making a note. "Great. I'll reach out and take care of the formal booking. We'll work closely with their in-house catering and event team to make sure everything runs smoothly. Now, let's talk florals. You're envisioning something soft, romantic, and elegant—lots of florals, candles, and warm lighting?"

Alex glanced at the mood board again, her fingers brushing over an image of cascading wisteria. "Yes. I love the idea of something immersive. I want the space to feel like you're walking into a dream."

Mira's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "We can absolutely make that happen. I'll set up meetings with a couple of florists who specialize in large-scale installations, and we'll narrow down options together."

Alex exhaled slowly, feeling more at ease. "Thank you. And for the dress... I know time is tight, but I want something timeless. I don't want anything too restrictive, something that will work with my body changing over the next few months."

Mira nodded thoughtfully. "I'll arrange for private fittings with designers who specialize in custom work, so we can make sure it's both flattering and comfortable. We'll need to move quickly to allow for adjustments, but I know a few boutiques that can accommodate our timeline."

Alex smiled gratefully. "That's perfect. The sooner we get that sorted, the better. I'd rather have it taken care of so I don't stress over it later."

Mira made a note. "Got it. We'll aim for a fitting within the next two weeks. Now, for the engagement shoot—have you thought about when and where?"

Alex hesitated, chewing her lip. "Chan and I talked about doing something cozy and intimate—maybe at our penthouse or somewhere meaningful to us. But we also know we'll need some formal shots for announcements."

Mira tapped her tablet thoughtfully. "We can split the shoot into two sessions—one casual, one formal. That way, you'll get a mix of both styles without feeling rushed. Let's aim for late August or early September while the weather is still nice."

Alex nodded, feeling more confident with every decision they made. "That sounds good."

Mira smiled, clearly pleased with their progress. "I'll get started on all of this and keep you updated. One last thing—what's your comfort level with media coverage? With Chan being who he is, this is bound to attract attention."

Alex sighed. "We want to keep the pregnancy private for as long as possible. The wedding itself will be big, but I want to control what gets shared and when. Maybe work with JYP to handle official releases?"

Mira nodded. "Absolutely. We'll coordinate with their PR team and make sure everything is carefully managed. I can also recommend a few trusted photographers and media outlets to work with."

Alex smiled, feeling more in control than she had in weeks. "Thank you, Mira. I really feel like I can breathe now."

Mira reached across the table and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "We've got this, Alex. You focus on the exciting parts—I'll take care of the rest."

As Alex walked out of the café and into the warm summer evening, she felt lighter than she had in days. For the first time, she could picture the wedding coming together—not just a grand event, but a reflection of everything she and Chan had built together. And with Mira by her side, she knew she wouldn't have to do it alone.

Alex woke up to a dull ache in her lower back, a wave of nausea creeping up her throat as she rolled onto her side. She groaned softly, pressing a hand to her abdomen, willing the discomfort away. It was too early for morning sickness—wasn't it? She had read that symptoms typically started around six weeks, and she was barely four weeks along. Then again, with all the hormones she was on, her body probably didn't know what to think.

Sitting up slowly, she rubbed her temples, feeling the pounding reminder of another restless night. Between the wedding planning and work at Golden Stag, stress was becoming an unwelcome companion, and now this—waves of exhaustion that hit her out of nowhere, headaches that lingered, and an unsettling queasiness that made her reconsider every meal.

Her phone vibrated on the nightstand, and she reached for it with a tired sigh, her face softening when she saw Chan's name on the screen. A FaceTime call. She quickly smoothed her hair and accepted the call.

His face appeared on the screen, bright-eyed and slightly disheveled, the telltale signs of a long day of rehearsals. "Hey, love," he greeted, his voice warm and comforting despite the distance. "You look... cozy." His smile faded slightly as he took in her tired expression. "You okay?"

Alex managed a weak smile, shifting the phone in her hand. "Yeah, just... tired. And I feel a little off today. Nothing major." She tried to downplay it, but Chan wasn't buying it.

"Alex," he said gently, his brows knitting together in concern. "You're not just tired. You look exhausted. Did you sleep at all?"

She sighed, leaning back against the pillows. "Not really. I kept waking up feeling hot and uncomfortable, and my stomach's been weird all morning. I'm sure it's just the hormones messing with me."

Chan frowned, running a hand through his hair. "Did you call the doctor?"

"No," Alex admitted, rubbing her eyes. "It's too early for symptoms, right? I don't want to overreact."

Chan shook his head, his tone firm but gentle. "Alex, with everything going on, we're not taking chances. You're on HRT, blood thinners, and this is a high-risk pregnancy. I want you to call your doctor, even if it's just to check in."

Alex groaned, burying her face in her hands. "I knew you were going to say that."

"Of course I am," he said with a small smile. "I'd be on the first flight back if I thought something was wrong."

Alex peeked out from behind her hands. "You're not coming back, Chan. It's probably nothing. Just... I don't know, hormones or something I ate."

He sighed, but the worry in his eyes didn't fade. "Still. Promise me you'll call?"

She rolled her eyes but nodded. "Fine, I'll call." She paused, a teasing smirk tugging at her lips. "You're bossy, you know that?"

Chan grinned. "Only because I love you. And our little bean."

Alex's expression softened, and she instinctively rested a hand on her stomach. "I love you too. I wish you were here."

"I know, baby," he said, his voice softer now. "But I'll be back soon, and I'll make you my famous toast with peanut butter and honey, and we'll binge-watch terrible dramas until you feel better."

She laughed, despite the lingering nausea. "Deal."

Chan's face turned serious again. "But seriously, call the doctor, alright? And take it easy today. No wedding planning, no stress. Just rest."

Alex exhaled slowly. "No promises. I have a client meeting today."

Chan groaned dramatically. "Alex, come on. You're growing a tiny human, and I think that takes priority over one client meeting."

She smiled softly, appreciating his concern. "I know, I know. I'll rest after. I promise." She held up her pinky to the screen, and Chan chuckled, linking his pinky in the air. "Pinky swear," she added.

"Alright," he relented, though the worry in his eyes didn't completely fade. "But if you feel worse, even a little, you call me and then the doctor. Got it?"

"Got it," she said, her voice laced with affection. "Now go rehearse before the guys start whining that their leader is MIA."

Chan grinned. "They'll survive. I just miss my fiancée, that's all."

Alex felt her heart swell at his words. "I miss you too. Go kill it out there today, okay?"

"I will. And Alex?" He waited until she met his gaze again. "Take care of yourself. For me."

She nodded, feeling a lump rise in her throat. "I will."

They ended the call, and Alex stared at her phone for a long moment, sighing heavily. As much as she hated to admit it, Chan was right—she needed to take it easy, and checking in with her doctor wouldn't hurt. She grabbed her phone and dialed the clinic, explaining the symptoms to the nurse. After a brief conversation, they reassured her that while it was early for typical pregnancy symptoms, her hormone therapy and blood thinners could be amplifying everything. They scheduled her for a quick check-up the next morning, just to be safe.

Satisfied but still feeling the unease in the pit of her stomach, Alex slowly made her way to the kitchen, hoping that a light breakfast would settle things.

She took a deep breath, reminding herself to take things one step at a time. With Chan away, she had to balance everything carefully—her health, work, and wedding planning—without overexerting herself. Pouring herself a cup of ginger tea, she glanced at the clock and realized she had less than an hour before she needed to leave for Golden Stag.

Despite the lingering nausea, she forced down a few bites of toast, knowing she needed the energy. As she moved around the apartment, she tried to focus on the small victories: the wedding planner was sorted, the venue was nearly locked in, and she had a check-up scheduled to make sure everything was okay. But a part of her still felt overwhelmed, a nagging fear in the back of her mind reminding her of how fragile this pregnancy was.

She chose a loose-fitting blouse and a pair of comfortable slacks, the thought of tighter clothing making her stomach churn. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, she smoothed a hand over her abdomen. "We got this," she whispered, offering herself a small nod of encouragement.

By the time she arrived at Golden Stag, the bustling energy of the office was in full swing. Employees rushed between meetings, voices hummed through the air, and the comforting scent of fresh coffee filled the space. Alex plastered on a professional smile as she walked in, but Elliot—ever observant—was waiting near her office door with a raised brow.

"You look like you didn't sleep," he remarked, handing her a coffee before she could even ask.

Alex sighed, taking the cup gratefully. "Thanks, and no, I didn't. Hormones, stress, take your pick."

Elliot crossed his arms, concern etched on his face. "You know you don't have to be here, right? You could be resting, wedding planning, or—"

"I know," she interrupted with a small smile, squeezing his arm. "It's one client meeting and then I'll head home okay? I've barely been here since Seattle. We are still new company and while my team—our team is amazing, the CEO should still show her face every now and then."

Elliot sighed but nodded, clearly not thrilled with her reasoning. "Alright, but I'm holding you to that. One meeting, then you're out of here." He narrowed his eyes playfully. "And don't even think about sneaking off to your desk afterward."

Alex raised a hand in mock surrender. "Scout's honor. One meeting, then I'm heading home to rest."

He studied her for a moment, as if deciding whether to believe her, then finally relented with a small grin. "Good. Because if you push yourself too hard, Chan's going to have my head."

Alex chuckled softly, sipping her coffee. "Trust me, he's already in full protective mode from halfway across the world. I don't need both of you ganging up on me."

Elliot smirked. "Too bad. You're stuck with us." He gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze before heading back to his office.

Alex took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders before stepping into the sleek glass-walled conference room. The client, a representative from a prominent Korean entertainment company, was already seated, reviewing a packet of materials Alex's team had prepared. She offered a confident smile and extended her hand.

"Good morning, Mr. Park. Thanks for meeting with us today."

The older man stood and shook her hand warmly. "Good morning, Ms. Taylor. I've heard nothing but good things about Golden Stag. I'm excited to see what your team can offer."

Alex took a seat, forcing her mind to focus as her assistant handed her a neatly organized presentation folder. She glanced briefly at the Golden Stag logo embossed on the cover, feeling a small flicker of pride. Despite everything happening in her personal life, her company was thriving, and she wasn't about to let that slip.

The meeting went smoothly, with Alex walking through their latest cybersecurity solutions tailored for high-profile entertainment clients. She felt herself easing into the familiar rhythm—answering questions, presenting strategies, and making mental notes for follow-ups. But beneath it all, a dull ache persisted in her lower back, and the nausea lurked in the background, making it harder to concentrate than usual.

By the time the meeting wrapped up, Mr. Park smiled approvingly. "Impressive work, Ms. Taylor. I'll be in touch soon to finalize details. You have an excellent team here."

"Thank you," Alex replied with a polite nod. "We're looking forward to working with you."

As soon as he left, Alex exhaled deeply, leaning back in her chair and rubbing her temples. Her assistant, Paloma, poked her head in cautiously. "Hey boss, you okay? You looked a little pale in there."

Alex forced a tired smile. "I'm fine, Paloma. Just pregnancy stuff."

Paloma stepped inside, concern evident in her expression. "You sure? Because you looked like you were about to pass out during the last ten minutes."

Alex sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Yeah, I just didn't sleep well last night, and this morning hasn't exactly been a breeze." She glanced at her watch and groaned. "I promised Elliot I'd leave after this, so I guess I should make good on that before he decides to drag me out of here himself."

Paloma grinned knowingly. "Smart choice. You know he's watching like a hawk." She reached over, gently squeezing Alex's arm. "Go home, get some rest. I'll keep things running here. And if you need anything, just call, okay?"

Alex nodded, touched by the support of her team. "Thanks, Paloma. I appreciate it."

Gathering her things, Alex stepped out of the office and made her way to the elevators. As much as she wanted to power through the day, the truth was her body was already pushing back against the nonstop stress. Maybe a quiet afternoon at home would help.

Instead of heading straight home, Alex decided to stop by a quiet café near her apartment. The idea of warm tea and a small bite to eat sounded too tempting to pass up. She found a corner table, ordered a chamomile tea, and pulled out her phone to go over the wedding notes Mira had sent her.

She had barely taken her first sip when she noticed a subtle shift in the atmosphere. A few customers near the counter were whispering, sneaking glances in her direction. Alex sighed inwardly. Not today.

She tried to ignore it, focusing on her phone, but it wasn't long before she heard the distinct click-click of a camera shutter. Looking up, she spotted a pair of teenagers, one holding a phone at an awkward angle, pretending to take a selfie but clearly capturing her instead.

Alex forced a polite smile, nodding slightly to acknowledge them before going back to her tea. Please just let me enjoy this tea in peace. But of course, that was wishful thinking.

A few moments later, the girls hesitantly approached, their faces filled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "Excuse me, um... you're Alex Taylor, right?" one of them asked shyly.

Alex glanced up, offering a tired but kind smile. "Yes, I am."

The other girl practically bounced in place. "Oh my God, we're huge fans of Stray Kids! And you and Chan are so cute together! Congratulations on the engagement!"

Alex chuckled softly. "Thank you. That means a lot."

"Would it be okay if we took a picture with you?" the first girl asked, holding up her phone hopefully.

Alex hesitated. She really wasn't feeling up to it, but she also didn't want to disappoint them. "Sure," she said gently, standing up and quickly snapping a few selfies with them. "Just, uh... keep it casual, okay? I'm trying to enjoy a quiet moment."

"Of course!" they beamed, thanking her profusely before hurrying off to their table, whispering excitedly.

Alex sighed, settling back into her seat, but before she could even take another sip, she caught a flash from outside the window. Paparazzi. Great.

Within minutes, the café doors opened, and a man with a camera slung over his shoulder strolled in, pretending to browse the pastries. Alex's stomach twisted uncomfortably, and she knew it was time to go. She quickly finished her tea, paid at the counter, and slipped on her sunglasses before exiting the cafe.

Alex stepped outside, the cool breeze offering a brief moment of relief against the lingering nausea and the heat of unwanted attention. She kept her head down, moving quickly toward her car, but she could feel the eyes on her—the curious glances from passersby, the subtle clicks of cameras just out of sight. It was something she had learned to tolerate over the past year, but today, it felt heavier.

Sliding into the driver's seat, she exhaled slowly, gripping the steering wheel for a moment before starting the engine. Her mind buzzed with thoughts—wedding planning, work, the pregnancy, and now, the added pressure of keeping everything under wraps. It was only a matter of time before rumors started swirling, and she knew they had to be strategic about when and how they announced the pregnancy. She made a mental note to bring it up with Mira and Chan soon.

Back at the penthouse, Alex kicked off her heels and sank onto the couch with a relieved sigh. She rested a hand on her stomach, silently willing the unease to settle, but a dull ache still nagged at her lower back. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the quietness of the apartment wrap around her. As much as she missed Chan's presence—his warmth, his reassurances—there was a certain peace in having a moment to herself.

Her phone buzzed on the coffee table, and she reached for it, expecting another text from Chan. Instead, it was Mira.

Mira: I got you an appointment at the bridal boutique I mentioned for two weeks from now. They do both men and women. Let me know if Chan will be available for it.

Alex smiled faintly at the message, her fingers hovering over the screen as she debated whether to call Chan now or wait until later. She knew he'd want to be there for the fitting if he could, but his schedule was packed. She typed out a quick response.

Alex: "Thanks, Mira. I'll check with Chan and let you know. Appreciate you handling this!"

Setting the phone down, she leaned back into the couch, closing her eyes for a moment. Two weeks. That meant she'd be about six weeks along by then—right when morning sickness could start hitting even harder. She exhaled slowly, reminding herself to take things one step at a time.

After a few moments, she pulled herself up and grabbed her laptop from the coffee table, opening it to her wedding planning folder. She reviewed Mira's list of tasks, the boutique fitting now added to their timeline. Florals, catering, music—it was all coming together piece by piece, but the sheer scale of it still felt daunting.

Her phone buzzed again, and she glanced down.

Chan: "A fitting? Do I have to wear a suit for this?"

Alex chuckled, shaking her head as she typed back.

Alex: "Yes, Christopher, you do. It's called a wedding."

His response was almost immediate.

Chan: "Ugh. Fine. Let me check my schedule and I'll let you know. If I have to try on suits for a few hours does that mean I get to see you in your dress?

Alex: Absolutely not.

Chan: Not even a little peek?

Alex rolled her eyes, smiling as she sank further into the couch. Nope. You'll see it when you're supposed to see it. Consider it payback for all those times you made me wait to hear your new songs before they dropped.

Chan: Cruel. Absolutely cruel.

Alex laughed softly, setting her phone aside. As much as she loved their playful banter, exhaustion was creeping in fast. The ache in her back hadn't let up, and her stomach was still unsettled. She knew she needed to rest, but her mind wouldn't stop spinning with wedding to-dos and work obligations.

She pulled up her email and skimmed through the messages piling up from her team at Golden Stag. They were handling things well in her absence, but she still felt the nagging urge to stay on top of everything. Just as she was about to type a quick reply to Elliot, another wave of nausea rolled through her, forcing her to abandon the laptop and make a beeline for the bathroom.

After rinsing her face with cool water, she stared at herself in the mirror. Pale. Tired. But also... happy. Despite the stress and the whirlwind of planning, she was happy.