He leads me to the kitchen where the caterer has left small plates of appetizers. "Eat at least three of these. I'll be back in fifteen minutes."
Then he's gone, leaving me alone with my racing thoughts and a plate of food.
I eat mechanically, my mind spinning.
What just happened?
He gave me an order, and I followed it without question. Without resentment. Because some part of me needed him to take control in that moment.
Is this what the dynamic actually feels like? This surrender that doesn't feel like weakness but like strength?
My phone buzzes.
Madison: T-minus 30 minutes. How are you holding up?
Lily: I think I just had a revelation,
Holly: Good revelation or scary revelation?
Lily: Both?
Chloe: Elaborate.
Lily: Ethan told me to eat and I just... did it. Without arguing. And it felt right.
Emily: That's the dynamic clicking into place.
Amber: Told you this was going to be good.
Maya: Just remember: you're still in control even when you're giving up control.
Madison: Exactly. You choose to follow. That's the power.
Their words settle over me like a balm.
I choose this.
I choose him.
I choose us.
When Ethan returns, he's changed into dark slacks and a crisp white button-down that makes my mouth go dry.
"Better?" he asks, nodding at the empty plate.
"Much. Thank you."
"You're welcome." He offers his hand. "Come on. Let's get you changed before everyone arrives."
"Changed?"
"You didn't think I'd let you host this party in yesterday's clothes, did you?"
Heat creeps up my neck. "I didn't bring anything else."
"I know. So I took the liberty of getting you something." He leads me upstairs to the guest room I've been using.
Laid out on the bed is a dress. Soft lavender fabric that looks like it cost more than my car.
