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Chapter 15 - Chapter 15: Love is in the Air

The evening lights glowed softly across the Harrison farmhouse hall, chandeliers spilling golden warmth against the polished marble floor. The elders were already gathered, waiting with anticipation. Yet the unmistakable absence of the "Crazy Gang" hung in the air like a missing piece of music.

Upstairs, chaos was in motion. The girls fussed over the final touches of their makeup and gowns, their laughter echoing down the hallway. Meanwhile, the boys were still in their rooms, tying shoelaces and teasing each other.

Sebastian Whitmore was the first to descend. Each step down the staircase carried his aura of composure. He wore a perfectly tailored black suit—sleek, sharp, every line designed to command attention. The crisp white shirt underneath emphasized the contrast, while his black tie lay in flawless symmetry. Polished leather shoes clicked softly against the stairs, his posture regal, his expression unreadable. With his clean-shaven jawline and storm-gray eyes, he looked every bit the untouchable Whitmore heir.

But as he reached the bottom, there was still no sign of Abby and Julian. Irritation flickered across his face.

"Where are those two?" he muttered before turning to his mother.

Yonika, resplendent in a burgundy silk gown, smiled. "Their rooms are down the right hall."

Sebastian gave a small nod and started toward Abby's room. Halfway there, a burst of laughter echoed from the corridor. Abby and Julian appeared, strolling side by side, shoulders bumping as they joked over some private nonsense.

Abby looked effortlessly stylish in a crisp white blazer with a casual navy shirt peeking underneath, paired with fitted blue jeans. His hair was slightly tousled, giving him that careless-but-charming CEO look. Julian, on the other hand, was pure mischief incarnate—he wore a black blazer with a dark tee beneath, paired with blue jeans, his face lit with the grin of someone who lived for chaos.

"Finally," Sebastian called out, his voice sharp but steady.

They both turned, grinning wider when they spotted him.

"What's up, bro?" Abby greeted, his tone casual as if they hadn't kept him waiting.

"Different lights," Julian answered immediately, pointing at the ceiling with mock seriousness before bursting into laughter at his own joke. Abby joined him, nearly doubling over.

Sebastian stared, his brows furrowing. "What?"

Julian could barely get the words out between laughs. "He asked what's up… I said different lights." He pointed upwards again as though the ceiling lamps were the punchline of the century.

Abby clutched his stomach, laughing even harder.

Sebastian closed his eyes briefly and exhaled. "Unbelievable."

The two younger men were practically howling in the hallway, feeding off each other's energy. Sebastian adjusted his cufflinks with restrained annoyance, his jaw tightening.

"Where are the girls?" Abby finally asked, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes.

"They'll come on their own," Sebastian replied curtly.

Julian gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. "Excuse me? Come on their own? Absolutely not! We are gentlemen. We will escort them."

Sebastian arched an eyebrow. "Escort? You were literally with them two hours ago."

"Exactly!" Abby chimed in with perfect seriousness. "It's been two whole hours. We haven't seen them since. Do you realize how much can happen in two hours?"

Sebastian's disbelief deepened. "It's not two years, Abby. It's two hours."

Julian shook his head in mock disappointment, patting Sebastian's shoulder. "Seb, Seb, Seb… you'll never understand the way of love."

Sebastian stiffened at the casual touch, glaring. "Don't."

Abby smirked knowingly, clearly amused by Sebastian's lack of humor. "You should try it sometime. It makes the world a lot less… monochrome."

Julian was about to drag him along when he suddenly froze mid-step. His grin widened into a mischievous spark as he pointed toward the staircase.

"Never mind. Look who's already here."

Sebastian and Abby turned.

And then the air changed.

First came Navya.

She wore a flowing midnight-blue gown that hugged her waist and flared into soft pleats at the bottom. Tiny crystals shimmered like stars across the fabric, catching the golden chandelier light. Her hair cascaded down in loose waves, parted neatly to the side, with silver hoops grazing her shoulders. She looked elegant yet untouchably radiant—like midnight sky wrapped in silk.

Julian's jaw nearly hit the floor. His playful grin faltered into awe, his eyes glued to her as if she were the last light in his world. He didn't even blink. Navya, noticing the weight of his gaze, stiffened. She arched a brow and crossed her arms, but the faintest blush betrayed her.

Behind her, Mia descended.

Her gown was pure white silk, sculpted with a daring slit that revealed just enough leg with every step. A diamond-studded choker hugged her neck, glittering against her sun-kissed skin. Her makeup was minimal but sharp—dark lashes, peach lips—elevating her natural charm into something breathtaking. She looked ethereal, untouchable, like a goddess who had no idea she was killing every man in the room.

Abby nearly lost his balance. His lips parted, breath caught in his throat. "Oh f–fuck… she'll be the death of me," he whispered under his breath.

Sebastian snapped his head toward him, his sharp eyes narrowing. "What did you just say?"

But Abby didn't even hear him. He was too far gone, his gaze following Mia like a moth drawn to flame. His heartbeat was written across his face.

"Hey, guys," Mia greeted lightly, her voice sweet but calm. She tilted her head with an easy smile. "Wow, you all look very handsome tonight."

"Yeah," Navya added, her tone smooth but slightly teasing. "You all clean up well."

Julian leaned in instantly, his grin returning. "And you look… so sexy."

Navya froze, her eyes widening. "What?" she hissed, mortified, her blush betraying her attempt at outrage.

Julian just smirked, utterly unapologetic.

Sebastian stood rigid, watching silently as the scene unfolded. Both his brother and his closest friend looked like love-struck fools. He shook his head in disbelief, tension tightening across his jaw.

So Abby was staring at Mia like she was air, and Julian was lost in Navya as though she hung the stars.

When had this happened? And why didn't he know?

Sebastian's gaze sharpened on Abby. Mia was his sister. Abby might be his closest friend, but Sebastian knew too well how feelings could blur lines—and he wouldn't let any man toy with his sister. Not even Abby. And Julian… his carefree little brother… was Navya just a crush, or something more?

Sebastian said nothing, but inside he decided: he would find out. He would watch them all very carefully.

Abby, oblivious to the storm brewing in Sebastian's mind, cleared his throat, finally managing, "You both look… really beautiful."

Mia's cheeks pinkened, her lashes lowering in soft shyness. Navya looked away quickly, her chest rising and falling faster under Julian's stare.

Just then, Richard Harrison walked into the hall, his deep voice breaking the tension.

"Where is my princess? We've all been waiting for her."

Before anyone could answer, a voice floated from behind, soft yet commanding enough to still the air.

"Dad," it said.

"Your princess is here."

Every head turned toward the staircase.

And as Bella stepped into view, Sebastian froze.

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