SWNOVELS Chapter 978
As evening fell, Maria slowly woke up.
A soft, muted glow filled the room, and for a moment, she felt a bit disoriented. Just then, she noticed an added weight on her. Looking down, she saw Sidney's arm draped over her. Turning her head, she found him still asleep, his breathing calm and steady, his body pressed close to hers.
In the dim light, Maria quietly watched him for a while, a soft smile gradually forming on her lips. She thought, perhaps her decision had been the right one after all. Marriage wasn't so bad. She didn't move, just lay there watching him for a few more moments. Though she couldn't fall back asleep, she didn't want to wake him either.
As dusk settled in and the room darkened, Sidney began to stir. He turned over, but his arm remained around her.
"Are you awake?" Maria asked.
"Yeah," Sidney responded softly, leaning in to kiss her cheek. "Hungry?"
Maria replied, "A little. We've got dinner plans tonight. We can head straight there."
Sidney nodded. "Alright."
Maria got up, freshened up, and changed into a new outfit.
The dinner reservation Tiana made was at a restaurant that specialized in spicy southern cuisine, one of Maria's favorites. When the two of them arrived, Tiana was already there, along with Herman. "You're here!" Tiana greeted them, her eyes darting over Sidney as she spoke.
"Hello," Sidney said politely, extending his hand in a gentlemanly manner.
Tiana shook his hand, followed by Herman, who greeted Sidney with a warm smile and a calm, steady gaze.
Sidney returned the gesture in kind.
After all, the matter was settled-Maria was now his wife.
"Take a seat. Do either of you have any food restrictions?" Tiana asked, despite knowing Maria's preferences. The question was really aimed at Sidney.
"I'm good with anything," Sidney replied with a smile.
"Great, that makes things easier," Tiana said, flashing a grin before calling the waiter over to place their order.
Once the waiter had left, Tiana turned to Sidney, "I've seen you before, but I never realized you were so capable-managing to win Maria over! Care to share how the two of you got together?" Maria quipped, "So, the real reason you invited us was to hear some gossip?"
Tiana shot back, "Why not? You quietly pulled off such a big move, and I'm not allowed to be a little curious?"
"Alright, I'll allow it," Maria replied with a helpless smile.
Around her friends, she felt more relaxed and at ease.
Herman, however, interjected, "Their story is their own. As long as they understand it, that's what matters Everyone's idea of romance is
different. What seems romantic.ne
you might not be the same for them."
Tiana glanced at him and sighed. "Brother, sometimes I don't know what to say to you."
Herman replied calmly, "Then say nothing at all."
Tiana was speechless.
He really was determined not to let her dig deeper. How frustrating!
Sidney broke the tension, saying, "It's actually pretty simple. I started out as a designer at Maria's studio. I developed feelings for her early on, and when I became a partner in the business, we spent more time together, and things just naturally progressed from there."
He offered a straightforward explanation, leaving out the complexities of their past and the personal struggles he'd faced. It was the simplest version of their story, free of the emotional weight behind
it.
QUMS
Tiana wasn't entirely convinced, but she also knew it wasn't her place to pry. Besides, with it being their wedding day, asking too many questions would feel inappropriate.