The wedding party started in full swing three hours after the exchange of vows. And those three hours were the longest I had ever experienced.
I had clung to Suzette and Carter every second, afraid that if I let go of either of them, Navira would be back again to spite her even though she knew Navira and Hunter had returned to wherever it was they planned to get ready for the wedding party. She could not afford to face Navira again. Earlier on, Zion had rescued me. I could not count on him to do so again after the wedding... Or during the wedding party.
That was, of course, before he made it known to me, Suzette, and Carter that he would also be attending. I could still feel the shock on my own face. Before Carter could question who he was, I pulled him away from them to a corner. I needed to speak to him privately.
"What do you think you're doing? I needed you to escort me to the wedding, and that's over," I said, my voice a little sharper than I intended.
He raised a perfectly sculpted brow, glancing around the venue as if he didn't quite understand the urgency. "...Is it?" he replied, his tone calm, almost amused. "Because it seems to me all these people are still going to be there at the party."
I bit my lower lip hard, feeling that sting of frustration. He was right, of course. It hurt — more than I wanted to admit — but I nodded anyway. "I can handle it."
His eyes flicked away from my face, sweeping down my body briefly before returning to my eyes. I wouldn't have been surprised if he just nodded and walked away. Instead, he adjusted his tuxedo collar casually and looked over my shoulder.
"I'll see you at the party," he said simply, then turned and walked off without another word.
"Wait—!" I called out, but he was already walking away, leaving me standing there, stunned.
I stood there for a moment, feeling a strange mix of frustration and amusement. It was funny, really—how this mysterious man could give orders without saying much, just with his eyes. They seemed to hold all the consequences of disobedience, or maybe they just warned me to stay in line. Honestly, I wasn't sure what might happen if I crossed him, and part of me really didn't want to find out.
Then Suzette's voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Now that I think about it, I can't find your car outside."
Before I could respond, Carter appeared, looking at me with concern. "Nova! Who was that man just now?"
I sighed, wiping the sweat from my forehead. Guess I'd have to tell them the truth.
"About my car—what?" I hesitated, feeling the weight of their questions hanging in the air.
"You've ruined your powder, silly!" Suzette exclaimed, a touch of exasperation in her voice. "Let's get out of here first—"
But she was pushed away as Carter shook me. "That man! Who is that man?! Where did you meet him? I swear to god he looked like a fallen angel!"
Suzette shot him a sharp look. "You flirt! You already have a boyfriend!"
I cut them off before they could bicker further. "I got into an accident on the way here, and he bashed it. That's how I was able to drag him here," I said, not pausing to let them argue.
I flinched when they stopped and slowly looked at me, their eyes darkening.
"Who did what?!" Suzette was practically screaming as she checked my body for scratches.
Even Carter, who was shrieking just now, suddenly turned serious. "And you let that man to be your partner? Seriously, what's wrong with you? Just because he's more handsome than that cheating fucker, has a nice body, blue eyes that could make your knees go weak, especially his face that was sculpted by a go- oww!" He trailed off, clearly still lost in admiration.
Suzette smacked him again. "Stop that already!" she glared at him, her voice sharp and laced with disapproval.
Carter pouted. "Fine! Let's go to Nova's house first, and she can tell us the details later."
That was how we found ourselves climbing into Carter's car, preparing for the party. As we drove back home, I recounted what had happened earlier then Carter and Suzette, eager to get me ready, hurried to doll me up.
I didn't know what I had expected to see, but the reception hall surely beat my expectations.
The limousine Carter had hired pulled up in front of the banquet hall, its sleek exterior gleaming under the streetlights. Looking outside the tinted window, I finally understood why Carter had insisted on hiring a limo instead of a regular taxi.
"Baby girl, when you pull up in front of that hall, you're gonna see why I'm doing all of this to save our asses," Carter had said earlier, and he definitely wasn't wrong.
There was only one way to describe the tall, white castle we stood in front of: magnificent.
I sighed softly as the tip of my crystal heels touched the ground. I was now wearing a mermaid-cut champagne gown, carefully chosen by Suzette. The fabric clung to my skin, accentuating my petite curves. Carter gently held my brown hair in a low bun, allowing a few tendrils to frame my face.
They had made sure I looked as stunning as I could possibly be tonight—hot, beautiful, and comfortable. At this moment, I genuinely felt all three. I silently hoped I could maintain that sense of ease throughout the wedding party.
"Time to slay and get laid," Suzette whispered, leaning in close to me with a mischievous grin.
"You witch! What are you trying to teach my baby girl?!" Carter exclaimed, quickly pulling me away from her.
"What? My baby's still a virgin because that cheating bastard always says he needs to save it for his wedding. Look who broke that promise!" Suzette shot back, her voice teasing but loud enough to be heard.
I blushed furiously. "Stop shouting it out..."
Suzette ignored me, linking her arm with Carter's and giving me a mischievous smirk. "Let's find a newer, fresher dick to finally penetrate you!
"It seems you're the one who's thirsty for dick," Carter joked, laughing and rolling his eyes.
"At least I'm not the one leaving his boyfriend out again," Suzette shot back, a teasing smirk on her face.
Before they could escalate further, I cut in. "Can you guys please shut up?" I asked, quickly walking away, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration. Really, those two have no filter!
As I finally stepped inside, my breath hitched. The grand hall was breathtaking—classical chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow. The white polished walls were adorned with luxurious draperies and beautiful portraits, including ones of Hunter and Navira together, capturing their love in timeless images.
People were seated in exquisite chairs arranged around equally stunning tables. The tables were laden with mouthwatering small bites—cakes, pies of all kinds, chocolates, and doughnuts. I also took note of the wine and champagne selections. Spotting Pinot Noir bottles on every table, I realized Hunter had personally taken charge of the drinks.
A live band played gracefully at the front of the spacious room, filling the air with melodic tunes. Guests lounged and conversed, while waiters and waitresses moved effortlessly among them, offering drinks and appetizers. Photographers dotted every corner, capturing candid moments and posed shots alike. Meanwhile, some guests danced and celebrated, lost in the joyous atmosphere.
Then I caught sight of my family. They were seated at a table in the front row—the head table. Beside them sat my mother, father, and Jonathan. Between them, Navira and Hunter were seated. Hunter's left hand rested softly on Navira's shoulder as she leaned into his neck, laughing effortlessly.
My fists clenched at my sides.
"You can take your time before we go greet them, Nova," Carter said softly, worry evident in his eyes.
I scoffed. "And give them the pleasure of seeing me hide my pain? You know me better, Carter." I looked up at them, my gaze fixed on the table.
I reached out and grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, swallowing its contents in one gulp.
"I won't let them see me sad," I whispered, my eyes burning with suppressed emotion.
I took deep breaths as I trailed behind Carter and Suzette, my steps hesitant as we approached the head table. The closer we got, the faster and more painfully my heartbeat pounded against my chest.
"Nova!" Navira was the first to spot me—AGAIN.
I flinched at the false enthusiasm in her voice.
My sister immediately rose to her feet and wrapped me in a hug. "You look amazing! I'm so glad you could make it!" Navira said, her eyes scanning my face with concern.
"Thank you," I muttered softly.
"I'm so glad you came, sweetie," Heather chimed in, her smile bright and warm.
But I offered no response, saying nothing to acknowledge her words.