Eva went out of her room, intensely aware of the expensive jewelry she wore. Not used to wearing such things, she shyly went to Sienna’s room to help her get ready. She didn’t know how to explain to them if they asked about the jewelry. She saw Skylar working on Sienna’s hair and helped her. Later, Alyssa did her makeup and Eva helped her with the dress. Hayley fixed the jewelry and the veil and they all gasped at Sienna’s complete look, admiring the off-shoulder mermaid gown she wore.
“Lucas bought the perfect one for you. How did he manage it, I wonder!” said Alyssa.
“I know. Christian sucks at shopping. It seems like a punishment to him,” said Skylar.
“Even my brother, but strangely, he accompanies Eva on her shopping escapades!” laughed Alyssa, making Eva blush.
“Only once because he was dropping me home, okay?” Eva protested, blushing more at the memory of it. She was around twelve then and had to attend Hayley’s birthday party, but didn’t have a proper dress to wear. Alexander offered to drop her home after a get-together in Skylar’s house.
Flashback (Ten Years Ago)
Eva was immensely aware of Alexander sitting beside her with a grim expression on his face as he drove her home. She didn’t understand why he wanted to drop her if he was hating it so much! He hadn’t spoken a word after asking her to get into his car. No one had forced him to drop her. She was used to walking down to the bus stop every day, so what changed now?
“You can drop me here. Thanks for the lift,” she said nervously.
“Why here? I’ll drop you home,” he said grimly, looking around the place.
“I need to buy a dress for Hayley’s party. I’ll just walk down to Orbit Mall from here,” she said, but he just drove over to the mall. Parking his car, he led her to a shop, much to Eva’s discomfort.
“Choose a dress for yourself,” he said, looking through the dresses.
“You can leave if you have something important to do. I’ll manage,” said Eva, but he didn’t budge an inch and stood waiting for her. She sighed and chose the cheapest dress available in the shop. She would have to buy it out of her pocket money since her mom would never allow her extra that too for a dress.
“Are you sure you want this one?” asked a confused Alexander. He was dying to tell her he was leaving for college but couldn’t. What if she broke down into tears? He didn’t know how to stop her! He didn’t want her to feel upset, stop eating and land up at the hospital.
“I’ll pay,” he said, taking out his card, but Eva already deposited cash at the counter.
“No, I won’t take your dad’s money, Alexander. I’ll pay,” she said stubbornly. His parents hated her with a vengeance and she would accept nothing bought with their money.
“Fine.” Alexander felt snubbed, but swore in his mind that he would buy her gifts with his own money when he started earning.
At the party, when Alyssa came to know of their shopping escapade, she told all their friends. It was news indeed since Alexander never took her shopping! Ever since, they never left an opportunity to pull her leg.
End Of Flashback
“As you say, but I know otherwise,” said Alyssa, bringing Eva back to reality.
“Eva’s the reason he came all the way here to enemy territory,” said Hayley.
“Yeah, and you’re the reason Ashton accompanied him here,” said Alyssa with a laugh.
“No, you’re the reason Alex came here,” Eva told Alyssa.
“I don’t think so. I never listen to him and he never follows me around. It’s only when I’m with you does he go crazy,” said Alyssa with a laugh.
“So the next wedding should be Skye’s or Eva’s?” asked Hayley.
“Mine? Have you all gone crazy? Who will I marry?” scoffed Eva. As if they didn’t know that Alexander was engaged to Beatrix.
“Oh, don’t worry! He’ll break up with Beatrix again. I’ve seen them together. They don’t click at all. Even when with her, he was like, ‘Eva, you didn’t eat! Eva will come with me! Eva, this, Eva that!” said Hayley with a chuckle.
“It’s not that way at all. It was just a simple concern,” protested Eva with a blush.
“Wow, where did you buy the jewelry from? I didn’t see it before?” asked Alyssa, and Eva blushed more.
“It’s quite expensive. Did you use your inheritance money, Eva? I asked you to borrow mine. Why did you have to buy it?” scolded Hayley.
“Chill girls. I bought nothing. It’s a gift,” she admitted, not meeting their jaw-dropped gaze.
“A gift?” they chorused with curiosity.
“From whom?” asked Alyssa, wiggling her eyebrows, knowing the answer already.
“Who else but Alyssa’s crazy brother?” asked Sienna with a chuckle. “Am I right?”
Eva sighed, knowing it was no use hiding it from them. “Yes. He forced me to accept it.”
Alyssa smiled and inspected the jewelry her brother brought for Eva. “It’s beautiful, Eva. I just wish he’d soon realize how much he likes you before it’s too late.”
“If it’s destined to happen, it will, Alyssa. I’m sure God will put some good sense in his head. If not, you can,” said Sienna.
They laughed and discussed Alexander much to Eva’s discomfort until it was time to go downstairs. Aunt Claudia arrived to escort Sienna while the girls followed her to the enormous banquet hall where the officiant was waiting with Lucas and his groomsmen.
Alexander smiled at seeing that Eva still wore the jewelry he gave her. It had been his dream to buy her something with his money after she declined the last time. Therefore, he had been carrying the jewelry with him to give her ever since he returned from California, but didn’t get the opportunity. Aware of his eyes on her, she held her gaze for a split second before looking away. A strange flutter filled his heart, and he couldn’t wait for his next kiss. With her looking so enticing in the off-shoulder dress, he couldn’t wait to trail kisses all along her bare skin.
Her flushed cheeks ignited him all the more, and he watched her like a hawk as she waited for the bridal procession to start. The music started and unable to control himself further; he walked with Eva, oblivious to everyone around him. Hayley smothered a giggle and Christian laughed and smacked his arm, but he just winked at Eva, taking his position beside her.
“What are you doing here, Alexander?” she whispered in horror.
“He’s one of bro’s groomsmen. I don’t believe this!” said Nicholas, who went towards Alyssa’s side.
“Shut up, Nicholas. I’m doing this for Sienna,” said Alexander, and Sienna rolled her eyes at him. She caught Lucas’s surprised look, which soon transformed into a grin, seeing the enemy ready to walk down the aisle for him. Marcus seemed exceptionally quiet, and no one bothered him much knowing his temper.
Alexander held out his arm for Eva to take as the music started and they walked down the aisle in perfect synchronization. A strange feeling enveloped her and she couldn’t help but wish that she was getting married to Alexander instead. It felt so nice to hold on to him as if he was meant for her, but she knew it wasn’t true. He was Beatrix’s, not hers.
The wedding ceremony started and Eva watched, mesmerized by everything. Why couldn’t she be as lucky? Her glance fell on Skylar and Christian, who seemed to be lost in their own bubble. Even Nicholas and Alyssa shared hot looks, and so did Hayley and Ashton. She knew that every one of them would find their happily ever afters. It was only she who was doomed to live alone all her life! The wedding ceremony saddened Eva, but she put up a brave front and posed for the photographs.
Afterwards, Lucas thanked Alexander and Ashton for being a part of his wedding, and they suddenly disappeared somewhere without informing Alyssa.
“Where could they have gone? Are we leaving now?” asked Eva, longing to stay for the reception party.
“I’m as clueless as you are,” shrugged Alyssa.
“I hope he will let us stay longer and taste the tempting wedding cake,” said Eva, and Alyssa’s stomach grumbled for the cake.
“I know, right? I can devour the whole thing alone.”
After Alyssa left to go to their room to pack, Eva helped granny who was feeling a little unwell. “Do you want me to take you to your room, granny?” asked Eva.
“Yes, I think mom needs to rest for a while, now. Are you staying the night, dear?” asked aunt Claudia.
“I don’t know, aunt Claudia. I can’t find Alexander around to ask him about his plans,” said Eva.
“Oh, he has gone to the pier to make arrangements for your return,” informed granny and Eva’s jaws dropped with surprise. Would they be leaving this soon? Why was he hurrying them?