The Wedding

Blair was introduced to the Cartiers while preparing for her wedding. Calvin's mom Joanne was a wonderful lady in her sixties. She had big green eyes, tanned skin and greying hair. Very sweet and well spoken.

Rachel, Emma and Maya, wives of the three sons of family, Denver, Elvis and James respectively. Jackie, his fierce and outspoken sister, whom Blair found to be a little intimidating at first and her wife Venessa, the last daughter in law of the family and a well known movie producer.

She got a chance to meet Albert when he visited her uncle in the hospital. He was tall with an intimidating aura and deep voice but his kind smile and gentle eyes made her like him.

She also met James once when he came to pick up Maya in between their dress selection because they had to go somewhere. First thing she noticed about him was that how good looking he was with his curly dark hair, hazel eyes and well defined jaw line.

"Hello, future sister in law." He had greeted, waving at her, giving her a charming grin.

"I like her." He whispered to his wife after Blair replied to his greeting with the same level of enthusiasm, waving her hands and smiling. She had a feeling they would get along well.

Being a lawyer, she was used to going out and meeting various kinds of people so it was easy for her to get along with everyone.

The only people that she had left to meet were Denver, Elvis and last but not least, her soon to be husband.

Soon, two weeks had passed and finally there she was, standing in a beautiful white gown, unable to believe that the gorgeous woman in front of her in the mirror was none other than herself.

Her gown was off shouldered with long lacy sleeves, a jewel studded waistline and long, flowy, silky material. Her makeup was kept natural at her request. It really highlighted her naturally pretty features. Her long wavy hair was tied in an elegant princess bun with bangs shadowing her forehead and a few strands coming down to her bare shoulders.

She never felt more beautiful in her life, ever. Suddenly her mind went to Raiden, what would he think, seeing her like that? He would also think she's beautiful, right?

"My God Bree! You are like the most amazing, mesmerizing beautiful, gorgeous, breathtaking and prettiest bride ever!" Jessica gushed. She was her maid of honor and also the credited person behind her simple yet pretty and elegant hairstyle.

"On top of it, you are wearing a dress designed by the Rachel Dominique-Cartier. Her designs are sold out even before they enter the market! Can you ask her to design one for me too?"

The dress was a gift from Rachel who designed it herself. She had been working on an ultimate wedding dress for several months and thought it would be a perfect gift for Blair. And she absolutely loved it. The dress would have been worth thousands of dollars, maybe even millions, seeing the precisely done jewel work.

"Sure, I will design one for you too."  Rachel came inside wearing her lilac knee length dress. She was followed by Joanne and other Cartier ladies.

"Oh shi- wow!" Emma exclaimed as soon as she entered the room. Unlike her husband, who was shy and reserved, she was outgoing, friendly and talkative. It made Blair wonder how did two different people like them ended up getting married. Maybe 'opposite attracts' worked well in their case.

Joanne came closer and gently cupped her face. The motherly love in her eyes almost made Blair cry. It had been so long since she experienced that type of warmth.

"My Calvin is really lucky to have you." She said, pecking both of her cheeks. Her words hit Blair like a truck. Reality striked her. It was Calvin Cartier whom she was marrying, not the person she loved.

She suddenly wanted to cry. She had accepted everything with a smile on her face but deep inside her heart, she knew it was not what she wanted. She wanted to cry because she was about to tie herself to a stranger.

Jessica seemed to notice her discomfort and jumped in to her rescue. "Ofcourse Mrs. Cartier, my beautiful bestfriend here is a walking and breathing bag of luck." She said pulling her cheek and winking. Blair smiled a genuine smile and silently thanked Jessica.

Since the ceremony was about to start, people began to pile out of the room. Now it was only her and Rachel left. Rachel placed a hand on her shoulder and said, "Blair, you need to relax a bit, your face is all tensed.

"I'm sorry I just I....." She tried but no words came out.

"I know, this feeling, how you must be feeling right now." Rachel sat in front of her. "I too, once stood in your place. I was also very scared and nervous. It's okay to feel that." She held her hand gently.

"Calvin is an amazing person, don't trust what the media says about him. Everything will work out, okay? You don't have to worry about anything. You are not alone."

Rachel's words made her feel better, put her heart at ease. The way she said everything, made Blair want to believe her. She felt thankful for having someone like Rachel on her side on this big day

She moved forward and hugged her. 

"Thank you, your words are what I needed to hear."

"I'll leave now. Don't think too much, hmm?"

Blair nodded and gently squeezed her hand before letting it go. Shortly after, she felt a knock on her door. It was her uncle.

" Let's go dear, the ceremony has started."

Miguel felt guilty that he had to push her to something like this. He had apologized to her multiple times for not being able to do his duties well but Blair assured him that she was happy and willing to do it. Though she acted all happy, he knew better. He was aware that she had already given her heart to someone else. 'It must hurt her so much' he thought.

Walking down the aisle, her eyes met with Raiden. He looked so handsome with his formal attire. If only he were the person she was going to say 'I do' to. For a moment she thought she saw sadness and regret in his eyes.

Shaking off her thoughts, she broke the eye contact and looked in the front, meeting the intense gaze of her to be husband as if he caught her staring at another man at their wedding.

Moments later, the crowd was cheering as they shared their first kiss as a married couple. From that moment on, she knew her life was going to change. For better or for worst? Who knows.