Jessica's Wedding Preparations
"It's only two days away, and almost everything is ready! The venue is set, and all the most important people in my life will be there." Jessica lay in her bed, giddy with excitement, her heart fluttering at the thought of her upcoming wedding.
"Jessica, come downstairs, please! The cake designer is here, and they need to know how tall you want your cake!" Annette, Jessica's older sister, called up to her.
"Coming, sis!" Jessica hurried down the stairs, nearly tripping in her eagerness.
As Jessica and her sister discussed the cake design, one of the designers glanced at their elaborate choice and remarked, "Wow, ma'am, your fiancé must be quite wealthy for you to pick such a luxurious cake!"
Jessica laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, no—he's just a simple, hardworking man. He came from a humble background, but he won my heart with his diligence and thoughtfulness. Even the little gifts he gave me—nothing expensive, but so meaningful—showed how much he cared. It was his actions that truly mattered." Her cheeks flushed as she spoke.
"He sounds like a lucky man," another designer chimed in.
"Did your fiancé have any rivals before you two got together?" they asked curiously.
Jessica sighed, recalling the past. "Oh, yes. There was this other guy—my uncle introduced us online. I knew his mother, but I'd never actually met him. We chatted for a while, and at first, I was drawn in. He was handsome, wealthy, and charming with his words… but something felt off. A month in, he was already talking about marriage! And given that he was from the city, with all the rumors about rich men playing games… well, let's just say he was a walking red flag." She grinned. "Thankfully, I chose the right man in the end."
After Jessica and the cake designers finalized the design, Annette turned to her sister with a knowing look.
"Did you really have to bring up Mrs. Rachel's son?" Annette scolded.
Jessica rolled her eyes. "Well, it's his loss. I never even knew the guy! And when he asked to visit, he said that if he came to our house, it meant we'd become a couple. As if I'd let him pressure me like that! I respect Mrs. Rachel for her kindness, but I have the right to choose the man I want to be with."
Annette sighed. "He just fell hard for you, you know. And the way you talk to men—it's no wonder they fall for you so easily."
"At least invite him to the wedding," she added.
Jessica groaned. "God, you know how persistent he is! Even after Josh and I got together, he kept trying to court me. No way am I inviting him—I want a clear mind on my wedding day."
Annette's expression softened. "Speaking of Mrs. Rachel… she sent two tickets to a private beach resort for you and Josh's honeymoon."
Jessica's eyes widened. "Let me see—wow! Mrs. Rachel is seriously too generous with us."
"Yeah," Annette agreed. "I think she sees herself in us—how she started with nothing, moved to the city, worked hard, and then built a beautiful life with a good man."
"True," Jessica said with a smile. "Even though Percy and I never happened, she's still so kind. She really is a wonderful woman."
Annette chuckled. "Well, Percy is a good guy. I've met him—he's just a bit timid." She waved a hand. "But enough about him. Let's focus on the catering plans."
Jessica exhaled. "Fine, fine. I'll send him an invitation. You know how close he is to his mom."
"That's the spirit!" Annette grinned. "Besides, maybe he's moved on. Has he even contacted you since you said yes to Josh?"
"No," Jessica admitted.
Just then, Alexa, Jessica's younger sister, burst in. "Yo! Josh is here!"
"Hey, babe!" Josh called out as he walked in.
"Oh, you're here!" Jessica replied, her face lighting up.
"Yeah, just dropping off the catering receipt. I already paid half—figured I should contribute something."
"Aww, that's so sweet!" Jessica pulled him into a hug and planted a kiss on his cheek.
Josh grinned. "Oh, by the way, the guys and I are having a night out—you know, one last celebration before the married life."
Jessica smirked. "I can't stop you, but at least be safe. And text me where you'll be, okay?"
"Sure thing, babe," Josh promised.
With that, Jessica and her sisters headed to the wedding venue to ensure everything was in place.
As they arrived, they spotted Jessica's mother deep in conversation with none other than Mrs. Rachel. The two women were laughing like old friends reunited after years apart.
Jessica's Mom (beaming): "Oh, Rachel! You came! I'm so glad to see you—it's been too long. And look at you, still wearing that same radiant smile. No wonder you never age!"
Mrs. Rachel (chuckling): "Oh, come now, we're the same age, and we both know we're still young at heart! Besides, I couldn't miss Jessica's wedding. Your third daughter getting married… (sighs fondly) It reminds me so much of my own journey. Your girls have built such beautiful lives—just like we dreamed when we were their age."
Jessica's Mom (nostalgic): "I remember how you always talked about making it big in the city. And now look at you—running one of the region's top merchandising companies! Ramon truly gave you the life you deserved. Unlike me, stuck with a drunkard for years…" Her voice trailed off, a shadow crossing her face.
Mrs. Rachel (firm but kind): "Hey, none of that. Look at you now—your daughters have given you everything. The past is behind us. Let's focus on this bright future, yes?"
Just then, Jessica and Annette approached, grinning.
Jessica: "Mrs. Rachel! (laughing) What brings you here?"
Mrs. Rachel (gesturing around): "Just admiring the venue. It's absolutely stunning!"
There was a brief pause before Jessica awkwardly asked, "Is… Percy with you?"
Mrs. Rachel (waving a hand dismissively): "Oh, no—he's in Taiwan right now for some award ceremony. That boy never tells me the details! Always full of surprises."
Jessica hesitated, then gently took Mrs. Rachel's hands. "I really am sorry things didn't work out between Percy and me."
Mrs. Rachel (smiling warmly): "Oh, sweetheart, don't you worry about that. Percy's a grown man—he can handle himself. And you? You're about to start the most beautiful chapter of your life! No more looking back. Now, come—let's enjoy this gorgeous venue!"
Her words lifted the mood, and soon, the group was chatting and laughing as they toured the space, the earlier tension melting away.
Jessica, Annette, and their mother meticulously inspected every corner of the wedding venue—the floral arrangements, the seating layout, the archway where Jessica and Josh would exchange vows. The afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the space, making it look even more magical.
As they finished their walkthrough, Mrs. Rachel checked her watch and sighed. "Oh, girls, I must head out now—but if you need anything at all, don't hesitate to call me!" She gave them a warm smile before hurrying toward her car.
Jessica hesitated, then called out, "Mrs. Rachel, wait!" The older woman turned, eyebrows raised. Jessica bit her lip before asking, "Is Percy… going to be at my wedding?"
A knowing smile crossed Mrs. Rachel's face. "Oh, yes. In fact, he just texted me—he's already at the airport, waiting to be picked up." Seeing Jessica's nervous expression, she added gently, "Don't worry, dear. My son may have loved you once, but he's a good man. He won't cause any trouble. In fact, he told me something beautiful: 'Even though my feelings were real, seeing her happy with the man she chose is enough for me.'"
Jessica's shoulders relaxed. "That's… really kind of him."
Mrs. Rachel winked. "I raised him well, didn't I?" With a final wave, she slid into her car and drove off to fetch Percy.
Annette nudged Jessica. "See? No drama. Just closure."
Jessica exhaled. "I just never wanted to hurt him. He was always so sincere."
Their mother wrapped an arm around her. "That's why he's letting go gracefully. Now, let's focus on your happiness, darling."
As they walked back to the car, Annette teased, "Imagine if Percy shows up looking ridiculously handsome. Josh might get jealous!"
Jessica rolled her eyes. "Please. Josh knows he's the only one for me." But a tiny, traitorous part of her wondered how Percy would look after all this time.
Annette, ever perceptive, smirked. "Oh? That blush says otherwise."
"Shut up," Jessica laughed, swatting her sister's arm. "It's just… weird, you know? Seeing someone who once meant so much to me, at my wedding."
"Life's funny that way," their mother mused. "But every person we love leaves marks on our hearts. Even the ones who don't stay."
Jessica squeezed her mom's hand, grateful for the wisdom.
Later, as they reviewed the catering menu, Jessica's phone buzzed. A message from an unknown number lit up the screen:
"Congratulations, Jess. The venue looks perfect—just like you always dreamed. I'm happy for you. -P"
Her breath caught. Percy must have gotten her number from his mom. Before she could overthink, she typed back:
"Thank you. That means a lot. I hope we can still be friends. Enjoy the wedding."
A reply came instantly: "Always. See you tomorrow."
Annette peeked over her shoulder. "Well, well. The plot thickens."
Jessica shoved her phone away, but she was smiling. "It's just nice to know some stories don't end in bitterness."