Valerie's POV
"You look absolutely gorgeous," I gasped, standing in front of my younger sister as I dabbed her face. Her eyes were already watery. The spotless white mermaid-laced gown hugged her waist down to her knees before fanning out elegantly.
"Thanks, sis," she whispered softly.
I knew today would be emotional for the entire family — this was the first wedding we were hosting. I had made up my mind not to let any tinge of jealousy get in the way of celebrating Gina's big day.
We were still having our sister
moment when Mother stepped into the room. She hugged me first, then Gina — a long, tight hug full of emotion.
"Do you remember everything I told you?" she asked.
Gina nodded.
Then Mother said a heartfelt prayer, and I quietly slipped out to attend to other guests.
I had been appointed chief bridesmaid without a choice. My protests fell on deaf ears — Mother was convinced chief bridesmaids were always the next to get married.
I smiled as I welcomed our guests, already seated in the beautifully decorated garden. Gina had wanted an outdoor wedding, and this place looked perfect — especially with the floral arrangements I had recommended.
Scanning the crowd, I spotted my best friend walking in with Caleb, her fiancé. I had a strong feeling he was going to pop the question soon.
I hurried to meet them, hugging her tightly and giving Caleb a brief side hug. He mumbled something about getting seats, but I knew he just wanted to give us space.
"Where is your brother?" I asked, half-whispering, half-shouting.
"I thought he was already here," she replied, scanning the crowd like she was searching for someone.
I inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly.
Sarah caught the panic in my eyes. She placed both hands gently on my arms.
"Jake will be here any minute now, I promise," she said with a reassuring smile.
Then she quipped, "Let's go, girl. We have a wedding to celebrate!"
"I kinda have bridesmaid duties," I replied with a playful pout. "See you before the reception!" I blew her an air kiss and hurried back to the dressing room.
Before leaving, I unlocked my phone again — still nothing. The last message I sent him this morning was sitting there, read at 8:02 AM. No reply. No explanation. Just silence.
Dad was already there, talking with Gina. As I walked in, he turned toward me.
"Well, look who we have here."
I forced a smile. "Good morning, Dad."
"Is this boyfriend of yours still coming, or are you making it up?" he asked, completely ignoring my greeting.
"He will be joining us shortly," I said firmly, straightening my back.
"Isn't it too early to ruin my day, Dad?"
"Good." That was all he said before walking out.
It was 10 a.m. The officiating minister was ready, and everyone was seated. Soft violin music drifted through the air. Christian stood at the altar, waiting. I was at the front, next to the best man.
The melody changed to "You Are the Reason" by Calum Scott.
And there she was — Gina — walking hand in hand with our father.
"I'd climb every mountain, and swim every ocean…"
Tears stung my eyes. Not from joy or overwhelming emotion — but because I had just been dumped again. At my own sister's wedding.
I quickly dabbed at my face, trying to keep my composure.
As Gina marched on, a pair of eyes caught mine from across the garden— it was Jake!
He wore a midnight-black tuxedo that hugged the sharp angles of his broad chest. He waved — a small, casual wave — and gave me the brightest smile I had ever seen.
He mouthed, "Hey."
And for a moment, the world stood still.
I mouthed back, "Hey."
I felt the flutter of butterflies rumbling in my stomach as I flashed a brief smile, my eyes drifting to the bride—already standing at the altar in all her glory.
"Today was about to be an amazing day."
Throughout the sermon, I found myself exchanging glances with Mr. Handsome. His gaze lingered on me so often that every time I looked his way, our eyes collided. It felt deliberate.
After the ceremony, the ballroom shimmered under the soft glow of golden chandeliers. Waiters in black and white glided across the polished floors with trays of champagne, while a soft jazz quartet played in the corner. Everything screamed timeless class.
Jake had walked up to me moments after the ceremony to apologize. His car had broken down, and he had had to call a mechanic before booking a ride.
Just like that, all the anger I had nursed dissolved into nothing.
He offered his hand, and I tucked mine underneath as I led him toward my parents.
"Uhmm..." I cleared my throat to get their attention. My mother was seated next to my father at the special table reserved for the bride's family.
They looked up at me, expectant.
"Dad, Mom, I would like you to meet someone… special—Jake." I tried to suppress the smile tugging at my lips.
"Babe, meet my parents."
My father welcomed him with a firm handshake. I caught a glimpse of pride flash across his face.
Jake cracked a joke that had my father laughing—a rare sound. It was strange. But a good strange. If you know what I mean.
He was a natural at winning hearts. I hadn't seen this side of him before, and curiosity bloomed in my chest like a freshly watered flower.
"I'll be stealing him for a second," I said, sliding my arm through Jake's. "I need to introduce him to the couple."
As we made our way toward the newlyweds, I asked, "How did you do that?"
"Do what?" he replied, a mischievous smile dancing in his eyes.
I stopped and folded my arms. "How did you make my father laugh like that?"
He let out a soft chuckle.
"It's a secret," he whispered, winking.
I laughed too. But the moment shifted when we reached Gina. I was expecting the usual excitement, but her expression was anything but welcoming.
"Guys, meet my man," I said with a proud smile.
"Congratulations to the latest couple in town!" Jake beamed, pulling Christian into a brotherly hug. Gina extended her hand to Jake instead of returning his hug.
As the men launched into conversation, Gina leaned in and whispered, "Of all the men in New York, you decide to show up with Jake?"
Her tone sliced like a knife.
"I thought I invited you and Damian personally."
"I changed my mind," I replied through a tight smile, trying to maintain composure. "Damian is history."
"If you say so," she murmured, flashing a fake smile at Jake and me.
I leaned into Jake's side, hoping to ease the tension—but then I saw him.
I froze.
Damian.
He was here
.
I knew that look—I had seen it before, right before everything fell apart.
Damian wasn't here to celebrate. He was here to finish what he started.
My head began to spin.
Damian was out to get me.