Bill replied he was just tired, and that work had been draining lately. His voice was calm and steady, but it didn’t fully convince her. Still, Ashley didn’t push further, telling herself she might be imagining tension where none truly existed. Later, she felt she was reading more into people and conversations than necessary.
Wedding preparations soon consumed their days. Appointments, guest lists, and decisions piled up quickly. The stress magnified Ashley’s old sensitivities, making her more aware of every interaction, every glance, and every silence she had previously brushed aside.