"I know you've been friends with him since you were in school, but do you really want to marry him?" she asked quietly. "I've known you for years, Juliet. I don't think I've ever heard you say you were in love with anyone. Then suddenly you're engaged, and now you're getting married."
She hesitated before adding gently, "Don't you think it's a little strange to marry someone you don't love?"
For a moment, Juliet said nothing.
The sounds of arriving guests and distant music filled the silence between them.
Then she released a small breath and looked away.
"It's not about love, Amara."
A faint smile touched her lips, though it didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Not everyone gets a love story like you and your husband."
Amara's chest tightened slightly.
Juliet glanced toward the brightly lit entrance of the club before continuing.
"I like Vincent. We've been friends for years. He's independent, reliable, and I know he'll take care of me."
Her voice was calm, as though she had already thought about this countless times.
"As for romantic feelings..." She gave a small shrug. "I think those things can come later. Once we're married and living together, maybe everything will fall into place naturally."
A hopeful smile appeared on her face.
"I'm not looking for some grand love story anyway. I've never experienced anything like that before."
The smile lingered for only a moment before slowly fading.
When she spoke again, her voice was softer.
"I'm already twenty-five, Amara."
Amara felt something twist painfully inside her chest.
Juliet looked down briefly before lifting her gaze again.
"I want someone to build a life with. I want someone waiting for me when I go home."
The vulnerability in her voice made Amara's heart ache.
Juliet smiled, but this time there was unmistakable sadness behind it.
"My parents died when I was still in school," she said quietly. "Ever since then, I've hated coming home to an empty house. No one waits for me. No one asks how my day was. No one notices if I'm late."
For a second, she looked so lonely that Amara almost forgot about the club, the surprise, and everything else.
Then Juliet straightened and forced a brighter smile onto her face.
"So trust me," she said softly. "I know what I'm doing."
Her eyes drifted toward the entrance where Vincent was waiting somewhere inside.
"I do want to marry him."
Amara stared at her friend for several seconds.
