Chapter 3

Sienna:

“Do not forget what you’ve been told,” my father reminded me as the song reached its ending.

“This is the fifth time that you have said that this evening, father.” I said, making him frown. He didn’t like being talked back to.

“And I will say it a thousand others if it is what is required to remind you of your duties toward our family.” He said, taking a step back from just as the song ended. I stood in the center of the dance floor, by myself.

I looked away from our guests, some were eyeing me carefully, but I chose to put on the best smile that I could. I was no fool, this night was nothing more than a test for me, a test that I did not intend to fail.

I walked toward the dressing room, ignoring the clench that I felt in my chest. I might as well get changed from this long white dress. Something a little more comfortable to walk with was going to be a whole lot better for me.

“For a woman who just got married, I am surprised that I keep seeing you alone.” Lexi, my best friend, said, entering the dressing room where I was adjusting my makeup after changing the wedding dress.

Never did I think that I would be happy to take an attire off my body. But here I was, wanting to wear anything but these white dresses.

“I was getting dressed. As you may know, I have a mother who loves to scold for doing wrong.” I said, and she laughed. “I need to wear this dress for the after party. If I am going to keep dancing, the last thing that I wanted to do was dance with this wedding dress. I had enough time tripping on my feet as I did.”

“It is a beautiful dress, though.” She said, looking at it. I had to fight back a sarcastic response, knowing that she didn’t know that this was all arranged. “And don’t tell me that you were tripping your feet ‘accidentally’. Everyone knows how good of a dancer you are.”

I laughed, and she smiled before walking toward me. She looked at the necklace that was on my dresser before removing it from the box and putting it around my neck. “You look very beautiful. A little nervous, but beautiful.”

“Things are not going as I thought that they would. And with the number of people here, the families, I know that this wedding has to be perfect. I am going to be losing my head and mind if not.” I said, and she nodded.

“Don’t worry, it is the most beautiful wedding that I have attended in a long while. I wouldn’t expect it to be any less too. You know, with you being the one organizing it and all.” She said, watching as I turned around to face her. She helped me with my makeup while I fixed my hair, giving it a little volume.

“Thank you for coming. I never did thank you a while ago, but…”

“You are thanking me for being beside my best friend? The two of us have been planning our weddings together since we were kids. You shouldn’t have expected me to let you as easily.” She said, putting a hand on mine. “I am here for you if you need anything, you know that, Sienna?”

“It is my one consolation in this world. The pure friendship that I have being your best friend and sister.” I said, and she smiled.

“Well, best friend, how about we pop the secret bottle of champagne that I brought with me? I believe that it will help you ease your mind, and make you look a lot less nervous.” She said, making me laugh. “You are not the center of attention anymore. You can find it in yourself to chill.”

“You know that it is not as easy to do when you know that there are so many men and women taking pictures of you at the same time. Anyway, for the bottle of champagne, it looks like a better idea now than it would be any other time.” I said, and she laughed. “But you’re going to need to be careful. The last thing that we are going to need is to catch anyone’s attention. And trust me, they are going to be sure that we regret it if they find out about it.”

“Don’t worry, I have your back. No one is going to find out about the bottle. As long as your honest mouth stays shut, no one is going to hear of this. Of course, if you choose and decide to speak, then that is a different case.” She said, making me frown. “Don’t worry, I won’t get you drunk. You need to be sober for what is going to happen tonight.”

“I thought that you often said that it was more pleasing after a drink.” I said, and she smiled.

“It is, but a lot more romantic when you are sober.” She said, pulling the bottle out of the closet. MY closet, I must add. “For now, we settle for one drink. We’ll need to have this party later again. Then I am going to be sure that you are drunk enough not to be able to walk…”

Little did I know that half an hour later, the two of us would have emptied the whole bottle…