As Harper excitedly dove into wedding preparations, meticulously planning every detail, she couldn’t ignore the growing distance between her and Tane. While she was caught up in the magic of their upcoming nuptials, he remained detached—unmoved by the whirlwind of decisions that typically excite a groom-to-be. It was as if the entire concept of marriage felt foreign to him, a mere obligation rather than a momentous occasion.

Things took an unexpected turn when Leah, eager to contribute, offered to bake their wedding cake. What was meant as a heartfelt gesture, however, triggered something deep within Tane. The mention of a wedding cake instantly transported him back to his ill-fated marriage with Felicity—a relationship that had left him scarred by betrayal and regret. Try as he might, he couldn’t shake the memories that came rushing back. The past he had desperately tried to suppress was suddenly looming over him, threatening to consume his present.

Despite the turmoil swirling inside him, Tane made a bold and unexpected move. Overcome with emotion, he presented Harper with an engagement ring, declaring that his future belonged to her. The gesture was grand, seemingly affirming his commitment, yet something about it felt… off. Harper tried to smile, tried to let the moment wash over her like a dream come true. But deep down, unease gnawed at her. His words didn’t carry the passion she had longed for. Instead of joy, a creeping doubt took hold—was this truly love, or was Tane simply trying to convince himself that it was?

That night, as Tane slept beside her, Harper found herself unable to shake the nagging thoughts swirling in her mind. The weight of her doubts became unbearable. Slipping out of bed, she reached for her phone, her fingers trembling as she dialed Dana’s number. As soon as her best friend answered, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down Harper’s face as she confessed the painful realization she had been suppressing for so long—Tane had never once told her that he loved her. Not when they first got together, not even after their engagement.

She had been so consumed by the idea of a picture-perfect romance, clinging to the hope of a happily-ever-after. But in that moment, reality hit her like a crashing wave. The truth was undeniable—Tane’s silence said more than words ever could. And as Harper stood there, her heart shattered, she was left questioning whether their wedding was truly the beginning of a beautiful future… or the start of something far more complicated.