A Dance Before the Vows...
The sunlight spilled through the window like melted gold,, washing the hotel suite in a warm,, serene glow... I blinked slowly,, my mind momentarily blank before the memories of the night before surged back with a rush that made my chest tighten.
Adrian...
His voice still echoed in my mind,. His touch lingered on my skin like a whisper,, And that gaze… the way he looked at me like I was the only person in the universe...
I rolled over,, my eyes landing on Bella,, curled up in the corner of the bed,, her tiny chest rising and falling in peaceful slumber,. I reached out and stroked her soft fur gently,, grateful for her calm presence amidst the storm in my heart...
But today wasn't about me... Or Adrian...
It was about Lily and Mike...
Today, Lily would walk down the aisle,, radiant and glowing,, and I would be by her side as her bridesmaid—her best friend. The weight of the honor and responsibility settled in me like a quiet fire...
I stretched and got out of bed,, letting the cool floor wake me further. Outside my window,, I could hear the distant chatter of the wedding staff,, the rustle of floral arrangements, the soft hum of preparations unfolding. A breeze carried the scent of roses and sunlight through the open window.
Today is going to be beautiful....
My phone buzzed on the bedside table.,
Lily:Bridesmaid,, rise and shine!! Glam team's heading to your room in 30,. Can't wait to see you!!
I couldn't help but smile... Her joy was contagious—radiant and unshakeable. Whatever turmoil was buried inside me,, I would bury it deeper today... Today was Lily's day.
I stepped into the shower,, letting the warm water soothe my nerves,, trying to rinse away the swirling thoughts of Adrian... But they clung to me like shadows—his smile,, the warmth of his fingers wrapped around mine,, the protective way he stood by me last night.
After I dried off,, a knock on the door announced the arrival of the glam team. They filled the room with energy—curling irons buzzing,, makeup brushes swirling, laughter bubbling between them... I let them work their magic,, grateful for the distraction.
And then… they brought out the dress...
The moment I saw it,, I froze.
A soft mauve gown,, delicate lace tracing the shoulders like whispers of dreams,, and a satin ribbon at the waist that tied everything together... It wasn't just beautiful—it was me,, in ways I didn't think anyone truly saw. The kind of dress I'd never choose for myself., but always imagined in secret.
"He picked this??" I whispered.
The stylist nodded with a smile. "Mr. Adrian insisted..."
I stared at the dress for a long moment before slipping it on... When I finally looked at myself in the mirror,, I hardly recognized the woman staring back.
Elegant., Soft. Like someone worthy of being adored...
Like someone Adrian could fall in love with...
I barely had time to process that when a knock on the door made me jump.
"Rimi??" Adrian's voice was a soft murmur through the wood. "You ready??"
I swallowed hard and opened the door.
And there he stood...
In a tailored black tuxedo,, sharp and graceful,, a mauve tie matching my dress perfectly. His dark hair was swept back just enough to show off the clean lines of his jaw,, and his eyes locked onto mine the second the door opened.
"You—uh—you match me,," I said,, voice weak and stunned.
He smirked. "Yeah... It's perfect for couples. I planned it that way..."
I rolled my eyes,, trying to hide the blush that crept up my cheeks. "You're impossible..."
He leaned in slightly,, voice dropping as his eyes swept over me. "You look…" He paused,, his throat moving as he swallowed,, "…breathtaking."
My heart flipped so hard I almost lost my balance. "We should go,," I mumbled,, stepping back,, trying to hold onto some thread of composure.
He smiled softly. "Okay,, But… what about Bella??"
"She's staying in my room,," I said. "I don't want her to disappear again..."
"But you made her those special little flower jewels,," he reminded me.
"Yeah,," I said, glancing toward the box on the table. "But what if she—??"
Adrian took my hand gently,, and I looked up.
"I'll keep her safe. And I'll keep you safe,, too."
My breath caught in my throat...
I nodded and turned away quickly to hide the burning in my eyes. I moved to Bella's jewelry box and carefully adorned her with the delicate floral collar I had made... She purred in response,, nuzzling against my fingers.
Adrian watched from the couch,, his gaze never leaving me. I could feel the weight of it,, the intensity,, and yet… it comforted me.
Once Bella was ready,, Adrian picked her up with practiced ease,, and we made our way toward the garden.
I could feel his presence beside me like a magnet. Every step made my heart race faster.
As we neared the venue,, the sound of music,, the murmur of guests,, and the scent of white roses filled the air. The aisle was lined with blooms,, sunlight catching on the petals,, glimmering like stars. The arch stood tall and proud,, draped with ivory fabric and adorned with soft pink peonies.
And then I saw her...
Lily.
She looked like a vision—her lace gown hugging her perfectly,, pearls delicately draped around her neck,, and her face radiant with joy and love. Mike stood at the altar,, his eyes locked onto her,, emotions brimming in his gaze.
I rushed to her, pulling her into a hug,, careful not to wrinkle her dress.
"You look… like the most beautiful bride I've ever seen,," I whispered.
She pulled back slightly,, tears already threatening to spill. "And you,," she said, voice trembling,, "are the most beautiful bridesmaid. I don't know what I would've done without you..."
I hugged her tighter. "Thank you,, Lily. For always being there when I was broken. When I didn't even know how to stand... You gave me strength when I had none."
Tears slipped from both our eyes...
"You're my best friend,, Rimi,," she said. "It's my greatest pleasure to be here with you..."
"I'm so happy for you,," I whispered. "Mike is lucky to have you... I wish you both a life full of love and laughter."
"And I wish the same for you,," she said,, wiping my tears gently. "And when it happens… I'll be there,, standing by your side."
As the ceremony began,, I took my seat beside Luka and Lily's mom. Adrian sat across from us,, his gaze drifting toward me more than once. Luka noticed...
He leaned closer and murmured,, "Jealous glances,, aisle-side?? Seems like someone's struggling to keep his cool."
I gave him a sideways glance. "Behave..."
He smirked,, but his hand brushed mine for a moment in silent support...
The vows were heart-wrenchingly beautiful. Every word was a promise,, every look a testament to the love Lily and Mike shared. I found myself wondering… What would it feel like to stand there like that?? To have someone look at me the way Mike looked at Lily??
Would Adrian ever look at me like that??
When the couple finally kissed and walked back down the aisle,, Lily reached for my hand and squeezed it tightly,, whispering as she passed,, "Don't be afraid to fall,, Rimi. Sometimes… it's worth it..."
And just like that,, I was blinking back tears again.
The reception unfolded like a dream... Fairy lights danced in the trees... Tables overflowed with roses and candles. Laughter,, music,, and the soft clink of champagne glasses filled the air.
I wandered to the drinks table,, sipping something fruity when Lily's mom approached me with a warm smile and open arms...
"You were wonderful up there,," she said, hugging me.
"Thank you... Lily is—she's everything..."
She leaned closer,, her voice soft. "I saw the way Adrian looked at you..."
I stilled..
"It reminded me of how your father used to look at me. Like the world disappeared when he saw me..."
My heart fluttered.
I smiled faintly. "I don't know what's happening..."
"You don't have to,," she said kindly. "Sometimes the heart understands before the mind does..."
Before I could reply,, Lily found me again.
"You look like you stepped out of a fairy tale," she said,, eyes gleaming.
"You're the one who got the prince today,," I teased.
She grinned. "Mike and I were talking…"
"Oh no," I laughed. "What now??"
"We were kind of hoping… maybe you and Adrian are next."
"Lily!!" I gasped,, cheeks on fire.
She laughed,, full and bright. "The chemistry is undeniable,, Rimi. Don't fight it forever."
We chatted about her nerves before the vows,, Mike's teary eyes,, and how she always dreamed I'd be there beside her. We giggled over old memories,, even reenacted our secret handshake from childhood...
Meanwhile,, Adrian stood with Mike on the far side of the garden.
"You really care about her??" Mike asked.
Adrian didn't hesitate... "More than I've ever cared about anyone."
"You planning to tell her everything??"
Adrian glanced toward me,, his expression tender. "When the time's right. I don't want to lose her… not before I even have her..."
The MC's voice rang out suddenly...
"Now presenting the bridesmaid and best man—Rimi and Adrian!!"
I froze...
Adrian appeared at my side,, offering his hand. "May I have this dance??"
My breath caught as I slipped my hand into his...
"Let's give them a show,," he said softly.
But I knew… this wasn't just a dance for the guests.
This dance was for us...
To be continue...