Chapter 9 First Impressions

• Amara sank into the plush couch of her living room, the morning light flooding through the large windows, casting a warm glow over her surroundings. The upheaval of the previous days lingered in her chest, and she hoped that without the chaos of the cathedral swirling in her mind, she might find a flicker of peace. Taking a deep breath, she reached for her phone and reluctantly opened her social media account, hoping to distract herself.
• As she scrolled through her feed, her heart plummeted when she stumbled upon a post that made her stomach twist like a knot. It was a picture of Tade and Bimpe, radiant and smiling, arm in arm, dressed in elegant wedding attire. The caption read, "Finally tied the knot! Here’s to love and new beginnings!" The image was laden with affection and happiness, showcasing a celebration that was meant to have been hers, turning her heart to ice.
• Amara's breath caught in her throat. The contrast between their joy and her own turmoil felt unbearable. A wave of emotions surged through her—betrayal, sadness, and anger. In that moment, she deeply regretted not having the chance to find her own joy, but she quickly reminded herself it was time to move on.