Mariely had also become quite busy with her life—balancing her role as a teacher and a sister, and now, today, celebrating the wedding of her sibling and their beloved.
Fortunately, the wedding was scheduled for a Saturday, so she didn't have to miss work. Suddenly, her phone vibrated, and she glanced at the screen to see who was calling.
"Veron?" she answered.
"I'll be there. Is the makeup artist for the bridesmaids already there?" Veron asked.
"Ah, yes, she just arrived," Mariely replied while looking around.
"Good, I'm almost there too," Veron said.
"Hey, drive safely," she reminded her.
"I'm here—where are you?" Veron asked again.
"Hold on, I'm stepping outside now," Mariely replied as she quickly made her way out. She immediately spotted Veron and waved at her.
She noticed Veron ended the call right away and rushed over to her.
"So much traffic," Veron sighed.
Mariely let out a soft chuckle. "Let's go, the bride's waiting," she said.
Veron just nodded in response. Mariely wasn't dressed yet because she was the bride's hairstylist today.
"Nadia, sorry I'm a bit late," Veron apologized hurriedly.
"No, it's okay, really." Nadia smiled at them. "I'm definitely going to look beautiful today because you two are doing my hair and makeup," she added, laughing softly.
"Nadia, really," Mariely said, shaking her head with a smile.
There were only a few bridesmaids, so the other makeup artist focused on them while Mariely and Veron helped Nadia.
Once they were done, they both looked at Nadia.
"She's really stunning," Mariely said in admiration.
Nadia smiled at them and checked herself in the mirror.
"Hey, Ely, you always amaze me. My hair looks so good—I really love it," Nadia said.
Mariely chuckled softly. "That's my only contribution to you today," she replied.
They also helped Nadia into her gown. It was simple yet undeniably elegant.
When Nadia finally wore it, Mariely couldn't help but gasp at how beautiful she looked.
"Why are you so gorgeous, Ate Nadia?" she asked, almost in disbelief.
"Stop it, you're beautiful too," Nadia replied.
"She really is," Veron chimed in.
The three of them laughed together.
"Oh, you two—go get dressed, especially you, Ely," Nadia said.
"Yes, ma'am," Mariely replied.
"Oh, let me handle this, Nadia," Veron offered.
"Alright, I'll leave her glow-up to you."
"On it!"
Veron chuckled lightly and had Mariely sit down. "Okay, besties, I will make you more beautiful," she teased.
"Whatever you say, besh," Mariely said, shaking her head.
She didn't say much else and didn't even complain about what Veron was doing to her face. She was one of the bridesmaids, and the chosen color was apple green. Her dress was already prepared—she just had to finish what her best friend was doing.
She glanced at the clock. It wasn't too late for the trip to the church. She was going to ride with the other bridesmaids.
"Gosh! So beautiful!" Veron suddenly exclaimed. "I'm so talented."
Mariely looked at herself in the mirror, furrowing her brows and raising an eyebrow.
Damn, is this even me? She swore inwardly, amazed at her friend's skill. She looked nothing like her usual self—Veron had made her, someone who never thought she was beautiful, absolutely stunning. She stared at her now-smug best friend.
"I think you made up a different person," she said.
"Idiot, that's really you. You're beautiful; I just enhanced it," Veron replied. "Now go get dressed."
Mariely nodded. After changing, she fixed her own hair and even helped Veron get ready—she didn't want her friend to pout or feel left out.
****
Becca also attended the wedding ceremony and was now at the reception following the church rites. She spotted Mariely and Veron; Mariely gave her a simple smile. She was one of the bridesmaids.
She's very beautiful, Becca thought to herself as she watched her subordinate.
Frank, you really wasted this woman, she thought, shaking her head.
Since she had been invited to the wedding, she needed to show her face to the couple as well. The newlyweds were clearly overjoyed, welcoming and entertaining each guest.
She decided to wait a bit before approaching them. She couldn't help but glance at Mariely again—there was something magnetic about her presence today. She rarely saw her all glammed up like this. Normally, Mariely kept it simple—maybe a little lipstick, but never heavy makeup.
I wonder who did her hair and makeup. Also, Nadia looks stunning—she's even more beautiful today. Becca smiled at the next generation blooming before her.
I don't know when that son of mine will ever straighten up, she thought, sighing.
She was also here because her son had asked her to deliver a gift to the newlyweds.
When she noticed that there weren't too many people surrounding them anymore, she walked over.
"Congratulations," she greeted the couple warmly.
"Ma'am Becca, thank you for coming," Nadia said, leaning in to kiss her cheek.
"You're always welcome," she replied, handing over the gift she brought.
"Here, please accept my gift. It's very simple, but I hope it helps in your new life together," she added.
It was just something useful for the home—specifically the kitchen.
"Thank you so much, Ma'am," Nathan responded.
She turned to him and sighed. "I know my son did you a great wrong, and I'm truly sorry for that," she said sincerely, looking him in the eyes.
Nathan looked a bit surprised by her words and glanced at Nadia, who simply smiled calmly.
"What's done is done—it's not your fault, Ma'am," Nathan replied respectfully.
She nodded. "I know he probably deserves a punch in the face—I don't know when he'll finally come to his senses."
The couple didn't respond but nodded quietly in acknowledgment.
"By the way, I know you invited him to your wedding, but he couldn't make it today," she continued.
"Where is Frank now?" Nathan asked.
"Oh, he's in the States. His father placed him there to manage part of the company," she explained.
"I see—that's why I haven't run into him," Nathan replied.
"By the way, Frank asked me to give you two something. Please accept it," she said.
The couple exchanged a glance. She knew they were hesitant, but out of respect for the guests, they nodded.
She handed them a small package.
"Use that for your honeymoon. That's all he could give, even though he really thought hard about what would be a meaningful gift for you both. Please accept it as his way of apologizing," she said gently.
"Ma'am Becca, I—it's too much," Nathan started to decline.
"Please, Nathan. He would be really happy if you accepted it. He's sincere about this—it's his way of apologizing. I'm sorry again that he couldn't be here," she said.
"As his mother, I ask you—please use it for your honeymoon or vacation."
Nathan sighed and looked at her earnestly before turning to his wife. Nadia gave him a soft nod.
"Thank you so much for this gift, Ma'am. Please tell Frank we appreciate his thoughtful gesture," he said.
"Thank you, Nathan," she replied, smiling.
She hugged the newlyweds. "Be happy and build a wonderful family," she said. "Congratulations to both of you."
"Thank you, Ma'am," they replied.
As she walked away, she saw Nathan place the gift in his pocket. She let out another sigh.
Someone was watching her—she turned to find Mariely smiling at her, standing beside Veron.
She stayed until the reception ended, happy and content with everything she witnessed that day.