bChapter /b447

“Come on, this is your only shot in this lifetime! You don’t want to look back when you’re old and realize you don’t even have a video to remember your wedding by, do you?”

“It’s not every day you get to dress up like this. Might as well make the most of it, right? Just look at you–young and gorgeous! Who wouldn’t be jealous?”

The two of them kept teasing Ste until she finally burst outughing.

“Here, have another bite. The kitchen’s making your favorite sweet dumplings–you’ll be full in no time.”

Queenie broke off another piece of cake for Ste and patted her on the head, doting on her like a little kid.

Ste squinted her eyes, cheeks puffed out with cake, looking just like a chubby little hamster.

Alessia could barely hold back herughter as she cupped Ste’s face and gave it a gentle shake.

Honestly, she couldn’t help but think her friends were the cutest people

she knew.

“By the way, how are your bridesmaid dresses? I haven’t even seen them yet! You’re all so busy, iyou /ihad to go try them on in shifts. Come on, show me already!”

Ste spoke through a mouthful of cake, words muffled, but she still waved her hands, shooing them toward the dressing room to try on their dresses.

“And where’s Penny? Why’s she still not here? Lessie, didn’t you juste from the studio?”

“She said-”

“Right here! What’s the rush?” Alessia had barely started when Penny

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pushed open the door and walked in.

“Here, wedding gift.” Penny’s face was as unreadable as ever, but she handed over the gift box without hesitation.

“Showing up and bringing gifts… well, aren’t you full of surprises.i” /iSte tried to fight the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth, but it was a losing battle.

“What is it?” she asked, trying to sound casual.

There was always this strange mix of closeness and awkwardness between the two of them.

“That rare game card you wanted,” Penny said simply. Technically, Penny had already done enough–she’d designed Ste’s wedding dress for free–but she’d still gone out of her way to find this gift, something Ste had only mentioned in passing.

Alessia and Queenie exchanged amused nces, then grabbed their dresses and headed off to change. With a practiced ease, they left the en suite bathroom for Penny, knowing she’d need a ce to get ready too.

Both Alessia and Queenie had rooms here at The Laines, even though they rarely stayed over. The housekeeper kept them spotless, just in

case.

Once everyone was changed, the four of them showered each other with yfulpliments. Alessia gave the makeup artist a meaningful look, and the woman caught on immediately.

“Miss Laine, you’ve got three best friends to get ready after you. Should we pick up the pace a bit?”

“Sure, just make them all look gorgeous, alright? I’m counting on them to help me steal the spotlight. The four of us are going to be the belles of the ball!” Ste dered grandly, nearly knocking over her empty soup bowl in the process.

With Ste–the star of the day–finally settled, everything moved along smoothly, everyone waiting for the perfect moment to arrive.

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10.29

Chapter

That night, The Laines was aze with light andughter, the whole house buzzing with excitement. Even the staff and onlookers couldn’t help but get swept up in the festive mood.

Meanwhile, over on the other side of the house, Justin was still fussing over his tie and hair in the mirror, visibly nervous.

Cole and the others lounged on the couch, eyes closed, trying to catch a moment of rest. Justin had looked exactly like this before his nap, and somehow, after waking up, nothing had changed.

“Dude, seriously? How long have you been at this? It’s been hours! You’re good to go!” one of his friends said, exasperated.

“Come on, it’s his first wedding. Makes sense to be a little on edge,”

another teased.

“You single guys just don’t get how nervous and excited I am right now,” Justin shot back, running his fingers through his hair yet again.

“Hey, speak for yourself—I’m not single!” Cole piped up, instantly

defensive.

His protest only earned him an avnche of good–natured ribbing from the rest of the group.

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