3: Is It That Delicious?

Vivienne wanted to say something to him but before she could, he rose, preparing to leave. She watched his retreating back with a deep and contemplating look in her eyes. His back overlapped with her memory from ten years when he walked away from her after rejecting her confession so coldly. She still couldn't snap out of the fact that he actually apologized to her for his rude behavior. She couldn't believe this turn of events.

Seeing him walk over to stand beside the groom, only then did Vivienne realize that he seemed to be the best man. That answered her question as to why he was at this wedding.

She picked up her phone from her lap and unlocked the screen. She opened the chat with Aurora and wanted to tell her what just transpired just to remind herself that it wasn't a dream and it actually happened. But she held herself back at the last moment and locked the phone again.

At the appointed hour, the bride made her grand entrance with the live orchestra playing in the background. The last she saw Angelina, they were both 17 and full of an exuberant and whimsical vibe of teenage girls. But now at 27, things were different. Now, the teenage girl who always had a jubilant energy coursing through her looked like a mature woman in her wedding gown as she walked on the path towards a new journey of her life.

Vivienne noticed how Angelina's gown trailed behind her like a cascade of ivory silk. She walked down the aisle arm in arm with her father, a vision of beauty and grace against the backdrop of the vineyard. Vivienne thought the scenery was beautiful but it paled before the bride today. Not because Angelina wore a beautiful gown or had the perfect make-up, not like that was not it but there was something that looked better than everything else. 

It was the big smile on Angelina's face, the love and anticipation in her eyes as she looked at her groom waiting for her at the end of the aisle. For a moment, Vivienne felt a little envious of this old friend. But it was just a little envy and nothing else. Not because Angelina was about to marry the man she loved, it was more so because Vivienne could tell that the groom loved her too.

Someone once said to her, you can't fall in love all alone. So, it's a blessing when that love is reciprocated because only then it can be called complete.

And she, Vivienne Pearl was someone who had an incomplete love with a man who just minutes ago apologized to her for breaking her heart and her teenage dream. Did it make her feel better though? Not even a little.

As the bride reached the groom, waiting beneath the arbor with a look of awe and adoration, a hush fell over the crowd. The officiant, whom Vivienne didn't know, began the ceremony with his velvety voice, weaving together heartfelt words of love and commitment.

In the distance, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, rosy glow over the vineyard. As vows and rings were exchanged the air was filled with the sense of magic and possibilities. With a kiss that sealed their union, the newlyweds faced the guests, their smiles radiant and their hearts full.

Slowly, the fairy lights incorporated into the decoration lit up, making the atmosphere seem even more magical. Vivienne was smiling to herself as she watched it. She stood up to walk towards the newlyweds.

As Vivienne approached, Angelina's eyes caught her figure and her eyes lit up in surprise as she rushed over to meet her, "Vivi, you're here!" She hugged Vivienne tightly making the latter feel rather pressured by her enthusiasm but Vivienne still hugged her back.

"You invited me, how could I not come?" asked Vivienne. "Congratulations!"

"Thank you!" replied Angelina as she beamed. "You have no idea how much it means to me that you really came. I was taking my chances and didn't know you'd really show up. And where is Aurora?"

"She got a last-minute work call," told Vivienne.

Angelina's smile dimmed a little, "And I did not expect her to not show up either. I knew from the beginning that only one of you would be coming but I didn't think that one would be you."

"Quite the surprise, then?"

"Indeed!" Angelina glanced at Vivienne before adding, "But I'm still happy that you are the one who came. I can see Aurora all the time. It's you who is difficult to get a hold of."

"That sounds like a complaint," Vivienne pointed out.

"Then you should be taking note of this complaint."

Vivienne smiled at her and a feeling of relaxation washed over her. She wasn't as uneasy as earlier. She definitely didn't think Angelina would greet her the same way as she did in the past. It was as if the distance of ten years didn't exist between them and they were just seeing each other like any normal friend. Vivienne was thankful for this though.

 Angelina chattered non-stop making it difficult for Vivienne to keep up with her hyper energy but she was still a very attentive listener and chipped in whenever she was needed to do so. Soon, Angelina was called by the groom to meet other guests so she said goodbye to Vivienne.

"You don't disappear again. I still have a lot to talk to you. Stay here until I'm back from my honeymoon. Have fun!" She threw a flying kiss her way before going to join her groom.

Vivienne chuckled at her and felt the pain of her newlywed husband who'd have to deal with this ball of energy. And her energy never ran out. At least, Vivienne had never seen it before.

Vivienne walked around to get a drink for herself and between the crisp Chardonnay and robust Cabernet Sauvignon, she obviously chose the latter. Nothing against the Chardonnay except that she was a red wine person rather than a white wine person.

The deep, garnet liquid danced gracefully in the glass, Vivienne inhaled deeply, allowing the rich bouquet to envelop her senses. Notes of blackcurrant, cherry, and subtle hints of vanilla teased her nostrils. She felt her mood getting better with just the scent and as she took the first sip, her taste buds were greeted by the velvety texture. The wine's full-bodied richness enveloped her tongue, leaving a trail of complex flavors that unfolded with each passing moment.

"Is it that delicious?"

The voice came from behind her, startling her to the point of choking. She coughed until her eyes were washed with a sheen of tears. As she looked up with a look of accusation at Noah, the latter was left speechless staring into the radiance of that pair of eyes before him.