chapter 5

                                    

                                          
The warm evening air felt heavy as Sophie paced back and forth in the villa's courtyard, her thoughts a swirling storm. Sky stood a few feet away, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. His usual easy-going demeanor had given way to frustration, and the tension between them was palpable.
"I just can't believe you didn't tell me," Sky said, his voice taut with disbelief. "You invited three men who might be your father—and Addie's father—to our wedding without even talking to me about it?"
"I didn't think it was something you'd care about," Sophie shot back, her tone defensive. "It's my family, Sky. This is something I needed to do."
"You needed to do it? Fine. But this affects me too, Sophie. We're supposed to be a team, remember? A partnership? You didn't trust me enough to share this with me?"
Sophie stopped pacing and faced him, her arms gesturing wildly. "I didn't tell you because I knew you'd react like this! And... and because I knew you wouldn't understand why this is so important to me. Just stop I dont want to have this conversation again."
"Maybe I don't understand," Sky admitted, his voice softening but still firm. "But what hurts the most is that you didn't even give me the chance to try."
The weight of his words settled over them, and for a moment, the only sound was the gentle rustling of the olive trees in the breeze. Sophie wrapped her arms around herself, looking away.
"I'm sorry," she murmured. "I didn't mean to shut you out. I just... I've been carrying this for so long, and I thought I had to handle it on my own."
Sky exhaled, his frustration giving way to weariness. "Sophie, I love you. But this isn't just about the diary or your dads. It's about everything. Ever since we got engaged, it's felt like all your plans are about staying here. On this island. Building a life that... doesn't include the dreams we used to talk about."
"Those were your dreams," Sophie countered, her voice sharp. "Traveling the world, seeing new places... I thought I wanted that too. But then I realized this is where I'm happiest. This island is my home."
"And what about me?" Sky asked, his voice breaking slightly. "Where do I fit in your home? Do you even want me here, or am I just... another thing you're trying to keep tied down?"
Sophie's breath hitched, tears pooling in her eyes. She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. Sky shook his head, stepping back.
"I need some air," he said quietly before turning and walking away toward the beach.
Inside the villa, Sophie found Addie in the kitchen, leaning against the counter with a glass of wine in hand. Her older sister looked up as Sophie entered, immediately sensing the tension.
"That bad, huh?" Addie said, setting her glass down.
Sophie nodded, wiping her eyes. "We had a fight. A big one. I... I don't know what to do, Addie."
Addie pulled her sister into a hug, holding her tightly. "It's okay. Breathe, Soph. Tell me what happened."
Sophie recounted the argument, her voice trembling as she spoke. Addie listened without interrupting, her hand gently rubbing Sophie's back.
When Sophie finished, Addie leaned back to look her in the eyes. "You know, relationships aren't always about being on the same page all the time. Sometimes it's about figuring out how to turn the page together. But it sounds like you two need to have a serious talk about what you want. Not just what you think the other person wants to hear."
"What if we want different things?" Sophie whispered.
Addie's expression softened. "Then you figure out if you love each other enough to make it work. And if you do, you will. Trust me."