CEO Flew to a Destination Wedding, Never Expecting the Bridesmaid Would Be the One That Got Away
The Unexpected Reunion in St. Lucia
Tyler Thompson loosened his tie as he gazed out the airplane window, watching the clouds part to reveal the turquoise waters of the Caribbean below. He’d built an empire from nothing, yet the wedding invitation sitting in his carry-on felt heavier than any business contract he’d ever signed.
His oldest friend was getting married on a picturesque island. Despite the mountain of work awaiting him back in New York, he couldn’t bring himself to decline. What he didn’t know was that fate had orchestrated this trip with an agenda all its own.
The plane touched down on the small island of St. Lucia with a gentle bump. Tyler collected his luggage and stepped into the humid air, immediately feeling the weight of Manhattan slip from his shoulders.
The driver holding a sign with his name directed him to a sleek black car.
“Beautiful day for a wedding, sir,” the driver remarked, sliding Tyler’s expensive luggage into the trunk.
“Is it?” Tyler replied absently.
His mind was still half-occupied with the quarterly report he’d been reviewing on the flight.
“I suppose it is.”
The resort came into view, a sprawling property nestled between lush mountains and pristine beaches. Palm trees swayed in the gentle breeze, and the sound of steel drums floated through the air. For the first time in months, Tyler felt something loosen in his chest.
He checked his watch; there were still three hours before the welcome dinner. That was enough time to settle in and maybe even enjoy a quick swim. The resort staff efficiently whisked away his luggage while he completed check-in.
“Mr. Thompson, we’ve upgraded you to one of our beachfront villas,” the concierge informed him with a warm smile. “Mr. and Mrs. Davidson insisted that all members of the wedding party receive special accommodations.”
“That’s very generous of them,” Tyler replied.
He thought of his friend Mark Davidson and his soon-to-be wife, Jessica. It was typical of Mark to go all out. His villa was spectacular, airy and elegant with floor-to-ceiling windows revealing a perfect view of the ocean.
Tyler changed into swimming trunks and a t-shirt. He decided that a walk on the beach might help clear his mind before diving back into work emails. The sand was warm beneath his feet as he strolled along the shoreline.
The sun was beginning its descent, casting golden light across the water. Tyler felt his phone vibrating in his pocket—probably his assistant with another crisis—but for once, he ignored it. That’s when he saw her.
A woman stood at the water’s edge, her back to him as she gazed out at the horizon. Her dark hair danced in the breeze. Something about her posture, confident yet somehow wistful, made him slow his pace.
She turned slightly, and Tyler felt the world stop spinning. It was Amber Valente, the girl who had occupied his dreams for years after college, the one who had walked away. She hadn’t noticed him yet, and Tyler considered turning around.
