CH 1

There was no time to think. I had to link my arm in his as we walked down the aisle together. I could hear the guests whispering and chattering. It felt like they were talking about me. Not even the soft brush of the silk of my dress against my skin was helping.

I staggered, but he steadied me by swiftly moving his hand behind me before anyone noticed. I gave the crowd my best fake smile and quickly unlinked my arm from his when we reached the front.

************

Earlier that day,

A loud bang echoed through the garden, and I whipped around, heart racing. My eyes widened, and John took two quick steps back, fear written all over his face like he had just seen a ghost—or worse, an ex.

Closing my eyes, I mentally recited a mantra. 'Breathe, the skies are blue, and you've got ice cream waiting for you in your room. You’re calm. You’re happy.'

With forced calm, I opened my eyes and gave John a tight, sarcastic smile. "John, didn’t I tell you to change the poles of the canopy to sturdier ones? And didn’t I also tell you to reduce the weight above it?"

"Y-you did, ma'am."

"So how come this happened?"

"I—I don't know, Miss Ivelle."

I took a deep breath, resisting the urge to scream. "I don't need you to know, John. I need you to fix it! Now, all of you get up and get moving. Replace the poles with the new sturdy ones. Lizzy, sort out the flowers. Rain, handle the chair arrangement. I want everyone working!"

They scattered like startled birds, rushing to their tasks. I turned away, jaw clenched.

'This isn't my job.'

It was my first time planning an outdoor wedding and to be honest, first times aren't my thing. I considered shoving the responsibility on Kyren's assistant, Sarah, but Kyren takes her with him on every trip.

'This is all Kyren’s fault.' I pushed the thought away, but it lingered, buzzing in my mind like an annoying fly. His mother had to fall ill at this critical moment. But deep down, I knew she wasn’t really sick. This was just another one of her ploys to force Kyren to come home so she could set him up on blind dates with girls of "his status". And Kyren? He’s too blind to see it, claiming I'm always overthinking.

I slammed my binder on the desk in my makeshift office, the sound echoing in the small space. I could feel a meltdown coming my way, so I forced myself to breathe. With a sigh, I reached for my crochet kit, sinking into my chair. The motion of the hook and yarn soothed my nerves. As I got fully immersed in counting my stitches, gradually, the chaos in my head faded.

Don’t get me wrong—I love planning weddings, but it’s not my true passion. Matchmaking is where my heart lies. Bringing two strangers together and watching them fall in love? That’s what I live for. Working at Hearts and Vows was my dream come true, even if others didn’t see it that way.

When I finally looked up, the sun had shifted, casting a warm glow through the window. Soon, I dozed off, the crochet still in my hands until a knock at the door startled me.

"Miss Ivelle," John called from the other side. "We’re almost done with the decorations."

I stretched, my muscles stiff from sitting too long. As I stepped outside, the sight before me brought a smile to my face. The garden was transformed—vabriant cream silk fabrics draped elegantly over the canopy, bright red flowers adorned the poles and the wooden chairs were arranged perfectly, making the surrounding trees look like a natural backdrop.

“Good job, everyone!” I called out, a genuine smile breaking through the stress. They cheered, the tension easing from their shoulders.

"John, is the best man ready with his speech?"

"Yes, ma'am. I just confirmed with him."

"Rain, has the wedding dress arrived?"

"Yes, it should be with the stylist now."

"Lizzy, is the makeup artist here?"

"Yes, she's with the bride and bridesmaids."

“Great. I think our job here is done—for now,” I added with a knowing look. They laughed, though their fatigue was evident.

“You can all rest until 8 p.m. before the wedding begins.”

As I walked back to my hotel room, hoping for a few minutes of peace, I heard my name. I turned to see Briana striding toward me in the pink robe Nami picked for the bridesmaids, her smile bright as always.

“Ivelle! You’ve been working so hard. I know you want everything perfect, but you need to take care of yourself too. Come on, the girls are having a mini spa session in Nami’s room.”

I hesitated. “But Anna, I have to finish a few more rows of my—”

“Nope, not taking no for an answer. Move that huge ass of yours, ma’am.” She grinned mischievously as a passerby glanced our way, then quickly looked away when Briana caught him staring.

"You agree with me, don't you?" She shouted at the man who scurried away like he was being chased.

I gave her a look, half embarrassed, half amused. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“And you love me for it,” she shot back, tugging me along.

The moment we walked into the room, I was met with a chorus of cheers and hugs. Nami, the bride who also happened to be my friend, sat in the middle, glowing as she chatted with Celine and her sister, Renee. I made my way to her, a wide smile on my face.

“How’s my favourite bride doing?”

She blushed, but before she could answer, Briana jumped in. “Just look at her! Girls, that’s the secret—find a man, and you’ll glow like this too. ”

Celine hollered from her seat, “Indeed!” while applying skincare products to her face. I rolled my eyes, but the playful banter brought a smile to my lips.

“Not everything is about men, you know. Some of us just want to live our lives and focus on God.”

Celine’s tone shifted slightly, her eyes meeting mine. “Just because Arden was a jerk doesn’t mean all men are the same, Ivelle.”

A sudden silence filled the room, the air thick with unspoken words. I blinked rapidly, forcing a smile. “Anyway, how do you like the wedding decor, Nami?” I asked, gesturing to the tablet in my hand.

She seemed to sense the change in the atmosphere and quickly answered, “Oh my God! Everything’s perfect. You did a great job. Just check your email for the final touches.”

“Will do,” I said, grateful for the distraction. But the tightness in my chest didn’t ease.

“Come on, let’s get your nails done,” Nami coaxed.

I glanced at my bruised fingers, the memory of the canopy incident fresh in my mind. “I injured my finger earlier, so I’ll pass.”

“What about your makeup?” Nami persisted, concern in her eyes.

Suddenly, the walls seemed to close in on me. The room felt too small, the air too thick. “I’ll get it done later. I need to check on John and make sure everything’s set for the reception. Bye!”

I bolted for the door, ignoring Nami’s voice calling after me. Once outside, I breathed deeply, trying to shake the unease. I was almost in my room when someone brushed past me. A tall, masculine figure. The scent of his cologne—familiar, almost nostalgic—lingered in the air.

My breath caught. 'It can’t be…'

I turned, my heart pounding in my chest, but the figure was already disappearing into the elevator. My mind raced, piecing together memories, doubts, and that undeniable scent.

'Why would he be here?'

When I finally reached my room, I collapsed onto the bed, my thoughts spinning. I quickly forwarded John the email with the final arrangements. But as I stared at the screen, my mind kept drifting back to that cologne, that familiar presence.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that this wedding was about to get a lot more complicated. My head kept spinning with several ideas until I finally fell asleep.