iLOVE YOU (You Series #2)

Chapter 83

The day of the wedding finally arrived with an unusual stillness that left me feeling oddly calm.

After so much contemplation about if I should go or just sit my a$$ at home, I was now standing in front of my bedroom mirror.

I adjusted the delicate lilac silk dress that I had worn. It hugged my figure perfectly and I felt good in it.

The soft fabric shimmered in the light, and for a fleeting moment, I felt beautiful. My makeup was light but elegant, and I had silver earrings dangling from my ears as I moved, adding a subtle sparkle to my look.

"Ready, sweetheart?" Dad's voice called from downstairs, breaking me out of my thoughts.

"Coming!" I replied, slipping into my matching heels and grabbing my clutch. My heart raced a little as I descended the stairs, Dad waiting at the bottom with a proud smile.

"Wow! You look beautiful..." he said warmly, offering me his arm.

"Thanks, Dad" I said softly, managing a small smile. But inside, a knot of nerves was forming, tightening with every step closer to the door. Attending this wedding felt like walking into the unknown, and I wasn't sure if I was ready to face Bryce.

The drive to the venue was quiet, the car filled only with the gentle hum of the engine. I stared out the window, watching as trees and houses blurred together, my thoughts spinning faster than the wheels beneath us. By the time we arrived, the sun was setting, giving the place a warm, golden light. The sky was filled with beautiful colors, making it a perfect start to the evening.

It was breathtaking.

Guests mingled under a canopy of twinkling fairy lights, their laughter and chatter blending with the soft notes of a live jazz band. Cascading floral arrangements adorned every corner, their pastel hues glowing softly in the candlelight. For a moment, the magic of it all made me forget why I was so nervous.

Dad gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze before heading back to the car, leaving me to step into the fairy tale on my own.

As I scanned the crowd, my eyes landed on a familiar figure—Mrs. Wallace. She looked radiant in her elegant white gown, her soft curls framing her face like a halo. When she spotted me, her smile lit up, and she crossed the room to greet me.

"Alex! Oh, I'm so glad you could make it" she said, pulling me into a warm hug. Her perfume was floral and sweet, a comforting contrast to my frayed nerves.

"Thank you for inviting me" I replied, my voice steady even though my hands weren't. "Congratulations, Mrs. Wallace. This is beautiful..."

Her face lit up even more, her happiness practically contagious. "Thank you, dear. That means so much to me. And look at you...you're absolutely stunning!" She winked, and I felt a blush rise to my cheeks.

"Thank you Mrs. Wallace" I said with a nervous laugh, glancing around the room for something—or someone—to distract me.

"You're welcome. Just make sure to enjoy yourself" she said, giving my arm a gentle squeeze. "Don't worry about a thing. Just have fun."

"I will" I promised, feeling a little lighter. "And congratulations again. You look absolutely beautiful."

"Thank you, sweetheart" she said warmly before being whisked away by another guest.

As I stood there, I let my gaze wander, hoping if I'd see a familiar face–Bryce.

Suddenly, a server in a crisp black uniform approached me, balancing a tray of cocktail glasses with practiced ease.