s, and the prayers, love permeated the air, casting a spell of beauty over the entire event. As the organizers directed the attendees to the reception area in the grand hotel, my in

standing among the groomsmen, I remained focused on the rea

hed card labeled "Table twenty-one" gleamed against a foil background. The crystal vases holding the fragrant flowers hinted at their considerable cost, easily surpassing a hundred dollars per arrangement. My lips twisted as I pondered whether I would be the lone occupant at what seemed to be the leftover guests' table, prompting a wave of nervousness to wash over me. No, I refused to succumb to the insecurities of A

re," he remarked, a hint of concern in his voice. "I hope I'm not taking anyone's place." I turned to face him, greeted by his youthful charm, hazel eyes that matched his smoothly styled blond hair. He a

himed in as they settled into their seats. Her gaze roamed around the table, eventually meeting mine and the young man who had joined me before the arrival of the girl squad, donning their revealing, high-end gowns. "Hey there," she greet

chuckled. "You might reconsider that once you experience the company of us single and desperately seeking ladies when the dance floor opens," a captivating woman remark

uncomfortable and at a loss for words. How could anyone go out of their way to be so malicious? As we finished our sumptuous five-star meal, I found myself yearning to escape this toxic environment, with or without the presence of Mr. G. Sure, we

I noticed the groom leading a meticulously choreographed dance, with his groomsmen following in perfect sync. They had discarded their jackets, revealing crisp white shirts adorned with suspenders. My hand instinctively covered my mouth as I witnessed Mr. G effortlessly executing some seductive dance moves alongside the others. His smile held a mischievous allure as his body swayed in harmony, captivating the bride's attention. This man was a physical specimen, his muscular physique straining against his button-down shirt. Unlike the others, his sleeves were rolled up, exposing his sculpted forearms. I swiftly pulled out my phone, det

of her burgeoning belly. I couldn't help but imagine how radiant I would feel if I were ever pregnant. Her long, lustrous black curls bounced with each step, and the diamonds adorning her pinned-up veil twinkled under t

men, taking my place next to a spirited, gray-haired lady with vibrant red lips. "Are you going to catch it for me, kid?" she asked in a salty voice. I smirked in response,

g planner and his team. "Jesus," I muttered, running my fingers over the nail marks on my arms inflicted by the desperate women. I turned to the elderly lady and offered her a warm smile. "Here you go,

ing my attention as he approached. "Why?" the girls nearly chorused, their faces flushing under his gaze. He looked at the blonde who held the bouquet in her hands. "I've never been so thrilled to catch the garter so that I could partake in a photograph with my future wife," he said with a grin

beginning of the reception, I had a sinking feeling that they were capable o

nding the bouquet towards me. "We n

ng, feeling the burning gazes directed

of these ladies later, but for now, you and I are the ones who will be talked about as the next ones

"Sheesh, you're pissin

t's go take our pictures," I said, linking my arm with the guy. As we walke

the bride's sworn enemies?" he asked, a m

mile. "He's part of the wedding party and didn't bo

ss," Mr. G

leep with him last night," I revealed. That caught Mr. G off

ted, taking my hand and placing the flowers in it.

s the one who accepted the job, being a good friend and all," I responded, allowing

that he was coerced into thi

room sway to the music. "I don't recall h

s played along. "H

I'll probably leave him to deal with the rest of this onc

by his dancing skills

lied. "Well, I can't blame you

s while engaging in conversation with this magnetic stranger. "Wel

m I was determined to give the flowers. Gorgeous guy or not, I was done with this entire wed

eyes met mine as he stood up. "You

ting towards the elderly woman engaged in conversation with, presumably, his wife. "It's

" he replied, reaching over to

on inquired with genuine concern, standing up from his seat. I

, trying to brush off the weight of the topic. "It cou

l for all you've done and so excited for toda

n replied warmly. "I have a dance with my daughter. I'll

n my thoughts, I stood there alone until a sudden interlocking of fingers startled me. I turned to find Mr.

?" I asked, my voic

ur dance, of course," he replied,

remarked, slightly tak

t out of here," I confessed, feeling the overwhe

firmly. "I lost you once-last night-after no

ntrigued. "Funny," I responded, a hint of a smile playing on my

erably shorter than him even with my heels. "Mo

scaped his lips, he managed to loosen the imaginary tension that had gripped me

-wife future back there, I believe I'll stick

you?" I commented, both impres

d, flashing a mischievous grin that

I challenged, meet

eyes locking onto mine. "I'l

I had. I found myself inexplicably drawn to his sultry voice, his darin

told me that I might just be the one sending the morning-after text, not the other way arou

s, twirling gracefully on the dance floor. In that moment, I silently thanked my

erfect step. Though we were having fun, we managed to avoid causing too much

that fleeting moment, I was transported to a world of spon

o care about my dad and me, asking about my mom's death. That's what this trip had become-a constant reminder of her passing whenever someon

cancer. Now, I understood why my dad had reservations about co

of healing. It was like he had the power to soothe the wounds this trip had reopened. It was

me, it was what I wanted. If I considered being with him, it would be for my own sake, not his. And given how attr