Contents
Chapter 19
Overview
Eloise and Jasper arrive on the Amalfi Coast for Samantha’s wedding and prepare for the reception. At the event, Jasper’s parents treat him with polished indifference, clarifying his guarded nature. Eloise realizes she loves Jasper and fiercely chooses his side. Samantha arrives, visibly jealous, cementing the emotional stakes.
Summary
Eloise and Jasper reach the Amalfi Coast after exhausting travel. While Eloise struggles to detach from running The Eloise hotel, Jasper reassures her. They avoid discussing their future, focusing instead on the wedding trip. Eloise dresses in the lavender gown Jasper chose; he appears in a tux, and their attraction is palpable.
They enter the elegant reception, noting details Eloise hopes to apply at her inn. Jasper admits he prefers her hotel to the lavish venue, and Eloise recognizes she has fallen in love with him. As they mingle, Jasper spots his parents across the room.
Jasper introduces Eloise to Davis and Blair Vale. The exchange is polite but emotionally vacant, with small talk about the setting and Blair’s recently deceased dog. They invite Jasper and Eloise to brunch in a perfunctory way, then quickly pivot to others, effectively dismissing their son.
Watching the snub, Eloise grasps how habitual their indifference is and feels protective fury. She drinks to steady herself, clings to Jasper’s closeness, and kisses him to communicate support. The encounter clarifies why Jasper is guarded and tense.
The newlyweds enter to applause. Samantha is stunning, and Eloise braces herself, refusing to show hurt. Jasper’s reassuring touch keeps Eloise focused on him. When Samantha notices them, she shoots a jealous glare. Eloise holds her smile, inwardly choosing Jasper, rejecting Samantha’s claim on his past, and preparing to be tough for whatever comes next.
Who Appears
- Eloise (El)Narrator; travels to Italy, realizes she loves Jasper, witnesses his parents’ indifference, and resolves to support him.
- Jasper ValeHusband; quiet and tense before the reception, introduces Eloise to his detached parents, anchors to Eloise amid emotional strain.
- Davis ValeJasper’s father; cordial but emotionally distant, quickly redirects attention to other guests, invites brunch perfunctorily.
- Blair ValeJasper’s mother; polished and detached, talks about her dog’s death and the event’s beauty, shows little warmth for Jasper.
- SamanthaJasper’s ex-wife; stunning bride who arrives to applause and shoots a jealous glare at Eloise.
- WaiterProvides champagne; brief interaction underscores Eloise’s agitation during the parental slight.