As the night went on, laughter and music filled the garden. Harrison and I were sharing a quiet moment when Victoria walked over, her eyes flashing with a strange look. She turned her attention to Harrison, stepping closer than was polite, and smiled in a way that made my stomach twist.
“You know, Emma’s really lucky to have you, Harrison,” she said, her voice soft and flirty. “Maybe if things were different… who knows?”
Before Harrison could say anything, Alex, Victoria’s boyfriend, appeared beside her, his face red with anger. “Victoria, what are you doing?” he demanded, grabbing her arm. “Stop embarrassing yourself!”
Victoria shrugged him off, her tone sharp. “Why do you care, Alex? Maybe if you treated me better, I wouldn’t be looking somewhere else.”
I couldn’t stay quiet any longer. “Victoria, this is my engagement party. If you’re unhappy, that’s your choice, but don’t come here and ruin my night with Harrison.”
She shot me a cold look, but before she could reply, Alex pulled her back firmly.
As Victoria and Alex’s argument reached its peak, I noticed Rachel, my best friend, walking over. Her eyes widened slightly as she took in the tense scene. She must have overheard the raised voices because she was moving quickly, her gaze flicking between Victoria, Alex, and me.
“Is everything okay here?” Rachel asked, her voice calm but firm.
Victoria rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath, “Unbelievable.”
I gave Rachel a small nod, grateful for her support. “We’re fine, Rachel,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady, though I was still rattled.
Rachel crossed her arms, her gaze fixed on Victoria with a steady glare. “Victoria, maybe it’s best if you head out. This night is about Emma and Harrison.”
Alex, clearly embarrassed, grabbed Victoria’s arm. “Yeah, we’re leaving,” he said firmly, pulling her toward the exit. She gave me one last glare before storming off with Alex.
Rachel turned to me and put a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Don’t let her get to you, Emma. Tonight’s about you and Harrison.”
I gave her a grateful smile, feeling the tension melt away. “Thanks, Rachel.”
With Victoria gone, the mood slowly lightened again, and I let myself be drawn back into the joy of the celebration. Surrounded by people who cared, I knew that nothing could spoil this night not even Victoria.
With Victoria and Alex finally gone, a wave of relief washed over me. I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the frustration she had stirred up. Harrison gave my hand a comforting squeeze, pulling me close as we watched the garden lights twinkle softly around us. The music began again, filling the night with a calming melody.
Rachel stayed close by, her presence grounding me. “Are you okay?” she asked, her voice gentle and reassuring.
I nodded, giving her a small smile. “Better now. Thank you for stepping in.”
She grinned, nudging me playfully. “What are friends for?”
Harrison glanced between us, then turned to me with a smile. “Shall we continue our dance?”
I nodded eagerly, letting him lead me back to the center of the garden. As he wrapped his arms around me, I felt the tension melt away completely. The music slowed, and we swayed together, letting the world fall away.
“I’m sorry about Victoria,” I murmured, feeling a hint of lingering annoyance.
Harrison chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “Don’t worry about her. She can’t ruin this night. All that matters is you and me.”
His words filled me with warmth, and I leaned my head on his shoulder, savoring the moment. Around us, friends and family were mingling, laughing, and clinking glasses. The glow of the fairy lights overhead made everything feel magical, like a scene from a dream.
Rachel eventually joined us on the dance floor with her date, and we shared a few laughs as we danced in a small circle together. It felt like old times happy, carefree, and safe. No drama, no tension, just genuine joy.
As the night wore on, Harrison and I received endless congratulations from everyone who came to celebrate with us. Each kind word and hug reminded me how lucky we were to have people who truly cared about our happiness.
The last dance was announced, and Harrison pulled me close for one final spin under the stars. We danced slowly, savoring every second as if it were just the two of us.
When the music ended, he looked down at me, his gaze tender and filled with love. “I can’t wait to start this journey with you, Emma.”
I smiled up at him, feeling my heart swell with happiness. “Me neither. This is just the beginning.”
As we stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, I knew that no one not even someone like Victoria could stand in the way of our happiness. The night had been ours, and our future felt bright and filled with promise.