For Better or Worse to Infinity

The sun dipped low over Nairobi, casting a warm glow over the vibrant garden where friends and family gathered to celebrate a wedding. Jasmine smoothed the fabric of her lavender dress, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. She had promised herself she wouldn’t dwell on the past, but as she stepped into the venue, the weight of memories—especially those tied to Richard—began to settle in.

“Jasmine!” Daphne, her friend and the bride, called out, pulling her into an enthusiastic embrace. “I’m so glad you made it! You look stunning!”

“Thanks, Daphne,” Jasmine replied, managing a smile. Deep down, she had almost backed out of coming, knowing Richard would be here. They hadn’t seen each other in seven years, and the thought of reuniting stirred old feelings.

As the ceremony unfolded, Jasmine’s mind drifted back to their teenage years—carefree days spent laughing at the park, sharing dreams late into the night, and the bittersweet moment when they parted ways after high school. Richard had been her first love, but life had taken them in different directions.

When Richard finally entered the garden, dressed in a tailored suit, Jasmine felt a familiar rush. He looked every bit the man she remembered—confident yet approachable, with a warmth that had always drawn people to him.

Their eyes met, and in that moment, a wave of nostalgia washed over her. Jasmine quickly looked down, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. Could she really face him after all this time?

As the reception began, laughter filled the air, but Jasmine’s thoughts kept drifting back to Richard. He had always known how to make her smile, how to bring comfort in difficult times.

“Hey, Jasmine,” a smooth voice broke through her reverie. She turned to see Richard standing before her, a tentative smile on his lips. “It’s been a long time.”

“It has,” she said, her heart racing. “You look… great.”

“Thanks. You do too,” he replied, his eyes sparkling with sincerity. “I’ve been following your articles. You’re doing incredible work.”

Jasmine felt a rush of pride but also a flicker of vulnerability. “I try. It’s been a challenging year, but I’m finding my way.”

Richard nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Life has a way of throwing us curveballs. I recently went through a divorce. It’s been… a journey, to say the least.”

Her heart ached for him. “I’m sorry to hear that. It must be tough.”

“Yeah,” he said, looking down for a moment. “But it’s also made me reflect on what I really want. Choosing to remain in Nairobi has been part of that.”

As they spoke, memories flooded back—the friendship they had shared, the dreams they had talked about, and the bittersweet ways their lives had diverged. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, each word layered with nostalgia and unspoken feelings.

As the night deepened, Jasmine felt a pull between them, igniting a flicker of hope in her guarded heart. Maybe this wedding was more than just a celebration; maybe it could be a chance to rediscover the connection they once had.