CHAPTER 38

Mia gracefully walked down the aisle, her arm linked with Marc's as they made their way toward the altar. The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the small gathering, creating an intimate and warm atmosphere. The wedding was exactly as Mia had always envisioned—simple, elegant, and surrounded by the people who meant the most to her.

At the altar, Noah stood with a look of pure adoration as he watched Mia approach. His heart swelled with love and anticipation. Mia was a vision in her wedding dress, ethereal and breathtaking, her beauty illuminating the moment. The sight of her brought a smile to his face that he couldn't suppress.

Following Mia were Ava and Lia, each holding delicate bouquets of flowers, their expressions reflecting the joy and love that filled the day. Ava, dressed in a stunning rosewood gown, looked nothing short of divine. Her elegance drew every eye, but none more intently than Xavier's. As Noah's best man, he stood near the altar, yet his gaze was irresistibly drawn to Ava. She captivated him completely, her presence making the day even more magical.

As Mia reached the altar, she handed her bouquet to Ava and joined hands with Noah. They stood before the priest, their fingers intertwined, radiating love and commitment. The ceremony, though simple, was profoundly moving. Every word spoken felt significant, echoing the deep bond between the couple. When it came time for the vows, both Mia and Noah spoke with sincerity and emotion, their words a testament to their love.

The exchange of rings was followed by a moment of anticipation as the priest finally announced, "You may kiss the bride."

Noah didn't hesitate. He drew Mia into his arms and kissed her with a passion that made everyone in attendance feel the depth of their connection. Mia responded in kind, the kiss sealing not just their vows but the beginning of their new life together. The guests erupted into cheers and applause, the joyous sound filling the air.

After the ceremony, everyone moved to the reception for dinner. The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and celebration. However, Ava quietly excused herself and made her way to the bathroom. She leaned against the sink, trying to steady her breathing. For weeks, she had been battling sudden bouts of shortness of breath and unexplained weight loss. The symptoms were becoming increasingly concerning, but she had kept them to herself, not wanting to worry anyone—especially not on a day as important as this.

*

Ava stepped out of the bathroom, feeling the cool evening breeze as she made her way to the balcony. She took a deep breath, seeking solace in the fresh air as she placed her hands on the railing, gazing out at the vast expanse of greenery before her. The quiet moment of reflection was soon interrupted by the familiar warmth of hands encircling her waist and a series of gentle kisses trailing along her neck.

"You look like a goddess, love," Xavier murmured against her skin, his voice a low rumble of admiration. He placed a soft kiss on her cheek, his breath warm against her.

Ava smiled, turning in his arms to face him. "Thank you, and you're quite the handsome devil yourself," she teased, looping her arms around his neck as she leaned in closer.

Xavier inhaled the sweet scent of her perfume, his lips capturing hers in a tender yet passionate kiss. He pulled her closer, his hands roaming over the curve of her back, as if committing every inch of her to memory.

Ava, despite the intoxicating allure of his touch, gently broke the kiss, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "As much as I'd love to stay here with you, I have bridesmaid duties to attend to," she reminded him, her voice laced with playful regret.

Xavier's hold tightened slightly as he leaned in to whisper, "I hope you've reserved the night just for me." His tone was half serious, half teasing, as his fingers traced a path along her spine, sending shivers down her body.

"It may be their wedding night, not ours," Ava replied, giving him a quick, affectionate peck on the lips before pulling away.

Reluctantly, Xavier released her, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I'll let you go now, but tonight, I'll show you exactly what our wedding night will be like," he promised, his voice thick with intent as he placed a lingering kiss on the curve of her neck, his lips grazing the sensitive skin just above her collarbone.

Ava bit her lip, stifling a moan as she felt the heat of his kiss spread through her like wildfire. He stepped back, his smirk deepening as he observed her flustered expression.

"Jerk," she muttered under her breath, trying to compose herself as she exited the balcony and joined Mia, who was engaged in conversation with a cousin nearby.

Mia's mother, Bethany, and Marc were seated at a table nearby, chatting quietly. Ava picked up a glass of wine and took a sip, glancing at Mia's new dress.

"So, when's the flight?" Ava asked, her tone light as she continued to sip her wine.

"At seven," Mia replied, smoothing down the fabric of the elegant blue dress she had changed into for the evening.

Ava raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Don't you dare call me for the next three weeks," she warned jokingly, giving Mia a mock-serious look.

Mia chuckled, shaking her head. "Don't worry, I won't. I'll be busy enough as it is," she teased, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You know…" she added with a knowing look.

Ava smirked, unable to resist a playful jab. "Yeah, busy eating, sleeping, talking, and of course, sex. I still can't figure out how Noah puts up with you," she teased, her tone affectionate.

Before Mia could fire back with a retort, Ava set her wine glass down and pulled her best friend into a warm embrace. "Congratulations on your marriage, Mrs. Parker. I'm going to miss you," Ava whispered, her voice tinged with emotion as she held Mia close.

Mia hugged her back, feeling the weight of their friendship in that moment. Despite the many friends she had, Ava was her rock—her best friend for life. A small, nagging feeling of unease tugged at Mia's heart, but she brushed it aside, focusing instead on the joy of the moment.

As they pulled apart, Mia looked at Ava curiously. "Why does it feel like you're saying goodbye for more than just three weeks?" she asked, a hint of concern in her voice.

Ava smiled, trying to dispel Mia's worries. "It's just a goodbye for now. Three weeks will fly by, and then you'll be back, telling me all about your adventures," she reassured her.

Their conversation was interrupted by Mia's sudden realization. "Where are Xan and Lia?" she asked, glancing around the room.

Ava chuckled, already guessing the answer. "Probably off somewhere, enjoying some private time," she replied with a knowing smirk.

Mia gave her a pointed look. "Really, Ava? Could you be any more vague?"

Ava laughed, shrugging her shoulders. "Hey, if one person goes missing, you worry. If a couple disappears, you just connect the dots," she quipped.

Mia smirked, turning the tables on Ava. "Says the woman who disappeared with Xavier for a good while earlier," she teased.

Ava scoffed, trying to play it cool. "We were just talking," she said, but the blush creeping up her neck betrayed her.

Mia's gaze dropped to a spot just below Ava's collarbone, where a faint mark was visible. "Sure, just talking," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Realizing what Mia was staring at, Ava quickly covered her neck with her hair, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Was that there the whole time? When did he even—ugh! I'm going to kill him one day," she muttered, scanning the room for Xavier.

Mia burst into laughter, unable to contain herself. Their attention was soon diverted when a flushed and slightly disheveled Lia approached them.

"Hey, guys," Lia greeted them with a bright smile.

"Hiiii," Ava and Mia responded in unison, their smirks giving away their amusement.

Lia looked at them suspiciously. "Did you two drink something you weren't supposed to?" she asked, eyeing them warily.

"No, we were just solving a little puzzle called 'Where Are Lia and Xan'" Mia teased, her smirk widening.

Lia blushed, confirming their suspicions. "We were just talking," she tried to defend herself, but Ava's laughter drowned out her attempt.

"Definitely," Mia said, her tone laced with playful skepticism as she eyed her two friends.

As the evening progressed and the festivities wound down, Mia and Noah prepared to leave for their honeymoon. They said their goodbyes, sharing hugs and well-wishes with everyone present. Ava stood by, watching as her best friend embarked on a new chapter of her life, a bittersweet smile playing on her lips.