A lavish wedding took place that Saturday night. Hosted at Oceana’s number one hotel, located at Ashford City, the Azure Hotel, the event was flawlessly orchestrated without a hitch. Everything was put on the line to deliver an unforgettable reception as it was one of the most anticipated weddings for many parties.
The wedding package for a thousand guests cost over one hundred thousand dollars. And that did not include decorations and other expenses. It was no surprise that the wedding embodied the dreams of women around the world. Luckily, Vlora was the star of the show that night.
Vlora stood quietly next to Andreas. She let out a slow breath, feeling a little relieved that the most important part of the event was behind them. They were now united in marriage in front of God and witnesses. It was time for them to receive well wishes and prayers from the guests.
“How are you holding up, Vlora?”
Finally, they had a brief moment to sit and catch their breath. Andreas looked down and noticed Vlora’s feet, apparently aware that standing in high heels was both beautiful and agonizing.
“Are you tired?”
Vlora turned and their eyes met. She replied, “I’m sure I’m still okay.”
Andreas smiled. “Of course, you’re fine. It’s only natural.”
Even more than he had hoped, Andreas thought. Vlora seemed to be enjoying the event, something he had doubted at first. The bride smiled and responded to each guest’s greeting with sincerity shining in her eyes. So, it was not surprising that he often took the opportunity to steal glances at Vlora.
Oh, it was not just Vlora’s expression that caught Andreas’ attention. In fact, from the moment the event began, he was captivated by Vlora’s appearance.
Andreas knew that Vlora was beautiful. What he did not expect was that the drop waist wedding dress would turn all of Vlora’s charming curves into enchantment. Not to mention her flawless makeup and hairstyle, which turned Vlora into the beautiful princess of every man’s dreams.
More guests arrived. The brief moment when Andreas and Vlora had to catch their breath was over. They stood up and greeted the next guests, who immediately teased them.
“Honestly, I really didn’t think your wedding day would come.”
Andreas laughed heartily at Lucas’ teasing. He patted his friend on the back and accepted the congratulations, which were a little different than usual.
“That’s because it’s not fun to be unmarried. You can say you’re my inspiration, Luc.”
Lucas grinned while Andreas turned to Velia and said something similar.
“Thank you for being my inspiration, Ve.”
The pregnant woman’s smile was radiant. “It feels good to inspire.”
Lucas and Velia turned to Vlora. As they shook hands, Andreas asked.
“Can Vlora come Monday afternoon, Luc?”
Velia gaped in shock. Then she laughed as she gave Lucas a little pinch on his hand.
“I know Lucas can be insensitive sometimes, but really, Luc? For the newlyweds?”
Lucas was silent for a moment. He was taken aback by Velia’s expression. Anyone observing could clearly see the rays of affection in the eyes of the man often labeled as insensitive.
“You can ask Vlora.”
Velia turned to Vlora, and her husband’s secretary smiled casually, seemingly not at all bothered by the decision.
“Thanks, but we’re sure we’ll be fine, Ma’am.”
Velia nodded. “Very well then. In that case, may your marriage be a happy one.”
The line of guests continued. This time another couple approached them.
“Congratulations!”
Andreas shook hands with Maxwell Hernandez and said, “Oh, I thought you wouldn’t even come to my party, considering you didn’t even show up at your cousin’s wedding.”
Maxwell grinned and looked around, searching for Lucas’ presence.
“Don’t say it too loudly. I’m afraid Lucas will suddenly take offense and I’ll be in trouble again.”
Andreas laughed. It felt good, just like people had said. That weddings brought their own joy.
“I even doubted that he would come to your wedding. Given his nature, an eye for an eye,” Andreas continued with a mischievous grin. “I thought he wouldn’t come.”
Max laughed with a horrified look on his face. He decided to leave Andreas, who continued to tease him. Now he offered his congratulations to the bride.
Of course, Max did not come alone. Next to him was a woman named Vonda Raveena Scott. As it turned out, they had married recently as well.
A moment passed. Most of the guests were enjoying their meal. Only a few remained and approached Andreas and Vlora.
“It seems that you’re just beginning to look tired.”
As proof, Vlora had just finished a glass of water. She took a long breath.
“It turns out that weddings are indeed tiring.”
“Of course. Just living with a family can bring a lot of exhausting things, let alone living with families. Still…” Andreas said, leaning slightly towards Vlora. He took a position at Vlora’s side, making sure that his whispering would not be heard by anyone but his wife. “There are certain aspects of exhaustion in marriage that I believe will be pleasurable exhaustion.”
Vlora’s peripheral vision looked at him. She knew exactly what Andreas had meant.
“Why? Are you implying something?”
Vlora shook her head. “Not at all, but I thought…”
Vlora’s gaze shifted to a beautiful woman who seemed to be making her way towards them.
“… your ex-girlfriend is coming to congratulate you.”
Nadine approached them. Her expression was flat, and the congratulations she offered were perfunctory.
“Congratulations.”
Andreas and Vlora had not even had a chance to talk, but Nadine was already on her way out. She walked briskly and left the scene with a mocking smile from Vlora.
“Didn’t you have time to give her the breakup words according to playboy etiquette? She looked really annoyed.”
Andreas rarely saw Vlora take the opportunity to tease him. He rubbed the edge of his right temple.
“Just so you know, playboys never have ethics. If they had ethics, they wouldn’t be playboys at all.”
Vlora agreed. “You’re right.”
The conversation about Nadine ended there. The topic flowed naturally and they did not notice that it was Nadine who was watching them now.
*