The plus one problem

1

Wes doesn't go back inside.

Not after Hallie left.

Not after she stood there, silent, shocked, not saying a damn thing when he told her he loved her.

Not after her mother pulled her away like he was some reckless decision she had to correct.

So instead, he stands outside the venue, hands on his hips, staring at nothing.

Because what the hell just happened?
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The wedding reception is still going on behind him.

Music is playing, people are drinking, dancing, laughing—moving on like the entire night didn't just implode.

But Wes?

He can't move on.

Not when his entire body is still buzzing from the words he said.

"I love you, Hallie."

"I've always loved you."

And she—

She just left.

Didn't fight him on it. Didn't deny it.

Didn't say a damn word.

And that?

That might be the part that's killing him the most.

The cool night air does nothing to calm him down.

His hands are still shaking. His pulse is still pounding.

This wasn't how it was supposed to go.

Maybe he hadn't planned to say it tonight, but part of him thought—hoped—that if she ever found out, it wouldn't be like this.

Not in a moment fueled by chaos and frustration.

Not with everyone watching.

Not with Ethan ruining everything.

But he did say it.

And she still walked away.

A staff member passes by, giving him a hesitant glance.

"Sir... are you all right?"

Wes exhales sharply, running a hand down his face.

He doesn't answer.

Because, honestly?

He has no idea.

Eventually, he forces himself to go back inside.

But he immediately regrets it.

Because the second he steps in, the whispers start again.

The stolen glances. The lingering looks.

Because everyone saw.

Everyone saw him fight Ethan.

Everyone saw his confession.

Everyone saw Hallie leave without saying a word.

And now?

Now, they're all waiting for the aftermath.

Wes grits his teeth.

He hates this.

Hates the fact that his personal life just turned into a spectacle.

Hates the fact that he still doesn't know what the hell Hallie is thinking.

Hates the fact that he still wants her, even now.