Chapter 1

Present Day

Valyne’s Pov

My clothes clung to me like a second skin, my back was completely drenched with sweat.

Using the mini towels I always brought out with me, I dabbed my forehead a bit. The sun really chose the perfect day to rain down its own special punishment.

“Boss, the kitchen is almost done with the food” Andre rushed towards me, his voice getting to me before he did.

“Good,” I walked off inspecting the chairs making sure it was lined perfectly.

“The flower decorations?” I asked.

“Done perfectly, only waiting for your approval” his lips spread into a proud grin, he nodded to himself.

“Good. Any information from the couple yet? When are they getting here? What about the banners? Please tell me you already hung it up?” I let out in one breath, this gig was big and I definitely couldn't mess it up, not after Sara outdid herself to get me this wedding planning contract.

His eyes twinkled, “I think they're still up at the Church, but I heard the priest cancelled, so they'll hold the vows here. I may have forgotten to inform you” he mumbled the last part.

My heart sank, “the main venue is here?” I screamed, he winced, bowing slightly

“I'm sorry boss, I totally forgot” he sounded almost remorseful.

“There's no time for all this,” I sighed, “Go make sure the banners are perfect.” I ordered, it was a shame, I would have loved to see the lovely couple I was working for, seems I'll see them when they arrive.

He raised his head slightly, “Are you sure boss? I can handle—”

A glare from me cut him off, he practically ran off, murmuring something I couldn't hear.

I shook my head, that boy was going to give me a headache.

Without wasting time I made my way towards what was supposed to be the reception, the settings had been changed pretty decently.

Rows of white chairs were lined up neatly on the emerald green grass, the aisle was lined with rose petals in different shades, blush, ivory, and crimson.

A floral arch stood at the altar draped with greenery and blossoms, soft sunlight filtered through the trees.

I nodded in satisfaction, this was turning out exactly as I envisioned it.

A gentle breeze carried the floral scent mixed with the morning air, rich with honey and peach and a little hint of citrus.

I inhaled greedily, just the perfect tang, from the corner of my eyes I caught sight of guests already arriving.

“Ok. I better go check out the kitchen, nothing can go wrong.” I can't wait to tell Sara all about the wedding, I will definitely take souvenirs back to her.

The aroma of freshly cooked rice, beef, chicken, pepper, and the rest assaulted my nose immediately I stepped into the kitchen, feet shuffled, some washing, some cutting rapidly with the precision of chefs.

The mini outdoor kitchen was as busy as it could get, some hands stirred, I could hear the faint sound of oil sizzling in the distance.

“I could just gobble up the kitchen, you're doing an amazing job guys” I praised, my heart swirled with joy, everything was almost put together.

“Thanks boss” their voices echoed, “Hey Valyne do you mind tasting some of these dishes? See if it aligns with the taste you had in mind.” Adrien, the head chef walked up to me, his toque was slightly bent.

“No need, I trust your judgement” I mumbled, ticking the kitchen off my list of numerous check-ins “besides this isn't even the tenth time we're working together. I shrugged.

He chuckled, “True. Well, off I go, by the way, don't forget to inform me if you do decide to further that stuff we spoke about last time”

“Sure, I'll inform you if I eventually decide. Hopefully they'll give me enough time to decide.” I finally raised my head to face him and froze.

“What's that?” I could feel my heart beat faster, I must definitely be mistaken.

“A brochure?” One of his brows rose higher than the other, a look he only gave when he had questions or was about to drop a series of comments.

Ignoring him I snatched the paper from his hands flipping through vigorously, there was no way, absolutely no way.

My eyes blurred, ignoring the side looks and comment, I took off, sprinting towards the same hall I came from, the empty rows were packed now.

It was deathly silent, only the voice of the priest reading the vows could be heard while two familiar silhouettes faced him.

I must be seeing things, I consoled myself, they wouldn't do this to me, my steps slowed, my brain barely registered the gasps that rang out in the air.

I walked the flowery path slowly, with each step my heart sank deeper, my eyes stung, but I held on to the tiny glimmer, this must all be a cruel prank.

Finally I heard the priest's voice, “You may kiss the bride.”

I watched the same pair of fair hands that held me to sleep every night raise the veil of another woman, planting a brief but deep kiss on her lips before turning to face the crowd, their pupils dilated on seeing me standing before them.

Cheers erupted but quietened on noticing the tension, both sides remained quiet, guilt swirled in their eyes but they regained their composure quickly.

“Valyne, be good. Don't cause a scene here, I'll explain everything later.” Micheal spoke, his arms wrapped protectively on Sara's waist, he pulled her behind him.

My chest tightened, my lungs found it difficult to breathe, streaks of tears rolled down my eyes, as I watched the two closest people in my life apart from my mother.

“V, I'm sorry, I tried to tell you” Sara pleaded, still standing behind Michael like she was afraid I would attack, her lips quivered as she watched me tearfully.

I scoffed, “How could you?” I asked, it all made sense now,

“You didn't expect my son to marry a clearly useless country bumpkin did you?”

A high pitched voice approached Rita, Micheal’s mother, her voice was laced with disgust.

“I mean look at yourself, do you think you're worthy to be the daughter in law of My Family?

Ignoring her, I fixed my gaze on the two adulterous pair, one my best friend, the other my boyfriend,

“I gave everything up for you.” My voice was merely a broken whisper, “and yet, for a pretentious bitch, you do this?”

Sara's jaw dropped, a flash of hostility went right through her gaze that I nearly missed.

Rita raised a hand towards my face, “How dare you!”

“I dare you.” My voice rose with quiet anger, “I dare that hand to land” my gaze fixed her in place.

“Valyne...”

“Shut up” I cut him off with a crisp slap, his face snapped to the side, quiet murmurs rose.

I fixed my gaze on Sara who shrank backwards instantly.

She still knew to be scared, Good.

I closed the gap between us, holding a glass of wine I picked up in one hand, and fisting her hair in the other, no one moved, probably still shocked.

She stumbled backwards, her eyes darting around, “V, it's not what you think,” she trembled, still moving away.

“Really?” My lips stretched slowly, “you didn't get me this job, knowing fully well that I was about to plan your wedding to the same man I've been with for five years now?”

Suddenly Mum's warning echoed loudly, "Human male are not to be trusted V, and this particular one smells nasty."