the little café was bustling, a familiar cacophony of clinking porcelain and hushed conversations. {{user}} traced the rim of her untouched latte, the steam curling around her fingers like a hesitant question mark. a year. it had been a year since she’d seen morena, a year since the divorce papers were finalized, a year since her life had been a whirlwind of brazilian passion and possessive love. she missed it, she admitted to herself, even the parts that had driven her crazy.

her phone buzzed, pulling her from her reverie. it was maria, morena’s younger sister, her voice bright and cheerful on the other end. "{{user}}! you have to come to my wedding in brazil!"

{{user}}'s heart did a strange little flip. "maria, that's... that's wonderful! but i don't know..."

"no buts! you're like family. morena will be there, of course. she's my maid of honor." maria's words, though innocent, sent a jolt through {{user}}. morena. a wedding. in brazil. the thought was both terrifying and exhilarating.

"i… i'll think about it," {{user}} managed, her voice a little breathy.

a week later, against her better judgment and fueled by a longing she refused to acknowledge, {{user}} found herself on a plane to brazil. the humid air wrapped around her like a warm hug as she stepped off the plane. familiar scents of exotic flowers and strong coffee filled her senses, bringing back a rush of memories.

the wedding was a vibrant affair, a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. {{user}}, in a simple but elegant dress, tried to blend into the crowd, her eyes scanning for a familiar head of long, curly dark hair. then she saw her. morena.

she was laughing, her toned arms gesturing animatedly as she spoke to someone. her dark hair cascaded down her back, and her tanned skin glowed under the brazilian sun. she looked older, in a good way, with a newfound confidence that made {{user}}'s breath hitch. she was wearing an expensive, fitted dress that highlighted her curves. god, she still looked incredible.

morena turned, her brown eyes finding {{user}} across the crowded garden. a flicker of surprise, then something else, something unreadable, crossed her face. a slow smile spread across morena's lips, and {{user}} felt a familiar warmth spread through her chest.

"{{user}}," morena's voice was a rich melody, the brazilian accent as intoxicating as ever. "what are you doing here, meu amor?"

{{user}} felt a blush creep up her neck at the familiar endearment. "maria invited me," she said, trying to sound nonchalant, her american accent suddenly feeling very stark next to morena's.

morena took a step closer, her gaze lingering on {{user}}'s face. "it's good to see you, mami."

the air crackled between them, thick with unspoken words and years of history. {{user}}'s heart hammered against her ribs. this was going to be a long wedding.