Chapter 51

…Emile POV…

I was excited to attend this grand wedding ceremony with my mother. It was going to be a fun-filled day, surrounded by friends and family. It was probably going be lift my spirits, that's what my mom says.

We arrived at the venue, which was a magnificent mansion with its grand entrance, towering columns, and well-manicured gardens. I couldn't wait to mingle with everyone and have a good time.

I walked with my mom towards the wedding reception, taking in the sights and sounds of the beautiful setting. Guests were milling about, chatting and laughing, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers.

As we approached the reception area, my mom's friends greeted us warmly. They hugged my mom and then turned to me, eager to meet the young woman who had accompanied her.

"This is my daughter, Emile," my mom said, introducing me to her friends. "She's here with me today to enjoy the wedding festivities."

Her friends smiled at me, their eyes warm and welcoming. They were all dressed in their finest, their attire a mix of elegant dresses and sharp suits. I felt a little underdressed in comparison, but my mom reassured me with a gentle squeeze of my hand.

"Emile, these are my closest friends," she said, gesturing towards the group. "We've known each other for years and we always have a great time together."

I smiled, feeling a little nervous but also excited to meet new people.

We were ushered to a table, where we took our seats and perused the menu. The table was decorated with beautiful flowers and sparkling glasses, and I couldn't help but feel a little awed by the opulence of the occasion.

As we sipped on our drinks and chatted with my mom's friends, I couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed by the grandeur of the setting. But I was also filled with a sense of happiness, knowing that I was surrounded by the love and warmth of my family and friends.

I gazed around the room, taking in the happy faces and the beautiful decorations.

I greeted friends who were also attending the ceremony.

We chatted and caught up on each other's lives. Everything was going smoothly until I saw Carter walk in.

He was once in love with me before Dickinson came into the picture and gave him a run. I tried to dodge him, but he walked quickly towards me, holding a cup of wine.

"Emile, it's been too long," he said with a smile, trying to make small talk.

"Yes, it has," I replied, trying to keep my cool.

"How have you been?" he asked, still holding the cup of wine.

"I've been good, thank you," I said, trying to sound as polite as possible.

"You look beautiful," he said, looking directly into my eyes.

Who do you know here he asked looking around.

Oh my mom brought me, she knows the bride, the bride is my mom's friend's daughter.

"Oh, that's nice", he smiled as he looked at me.

You look beautiful, he said as his eyes ran all over my dress.

"Thanks" , I smiled embarrassingly.

I felt uncomfortable and tried to think of a way to escape the situation. But before I could, my mother walked over to us.

"Emile, I see you're catching up with an old friend," she said, giving Carter a warm smile.

"Yes, Mom," This is Carter," I introduced them, hoping she would take over the conversation.

And she did. My mother chatted with Carter, giving me a chance to slip away. I walked over to the bar and ordered a drink, hoping to calm my nerves. As I sipped my drink, I couldn't help but think about the past and how things could have been different.

But I knew I had moved on and there was no looking back. I enjoyed the rest of the evening, dancing and laughing with my friends.

As I stood by the bar, sipping my drink, I saw my friend walking towards me. She was dressed in a beautiful red dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. Her hair was styled in loose waves that cascaded down her back, and her high heels added an extra touch of glamor. I couldn't help but admire how stunning she looked.

"Hey girl!" she said, giving me a hug. "You look gorgeous!"

"Thanks, so do you!" I replied, admiring her dress.

We chatted for a few moments, catching up on life and all the exciting things that have been happening. And then, she asked about Carter. I couldn't help but giggle at the mention of his name.

"So, what's the deal with Carter?" she asked with a mischievous smile.

"Oh, there's no deal," I said, shrugging my shoulders. "We're just old friends."

"Well, I think he's cute," she said, winking at me. "I might just have to make a move on him."

I laughed and teased her back. "Go for it, girl. He's all yours."

She walked towards Carter, fluttering her dress and tossing her hair. I watched as she approached him, admiring her confidence and her playful spirit. I felt a mix of emotions, watching as she engaged in conversation with Carter. I was happy for her, and a little mused at the same time.

I remembered the days when Carter and I were together, and now here was my friend, flirting with him. It was a strange feeling, but I knew that it was time to move on. I was happy with my life, and I didn't need a man to complete me.

As I watched them, I couldn't help but smile. My friend was having a good time, and I was happy for her. I knew that she was a confident and independent woman, and I was proud of her.

I was sitting at the table, scrolling through my phone, when my mom walked over with a tray of delicious-looking cupcakes.

"Hey sweetie, I brought you some cupcakes," she said, setting the tray down in front of me. "Thanks, Mom," I said, taking one of the cupcakes. She hurled herself into a chair next to.me as she began a conversation.

The cakes are so… sweet…" she said as "she looked at them with twinkling eyes after eating one.

"Mom?' I laughed.

A young girl with chestnut hair putting on a uniform came close to our table she held a tray and placed plates of food on the table. My stomach responded by making grumbling noises I smiled atvthe lady as I dived into my plate.

"Emile you eat quickly" , it was my mom's turn to laugh. I smiled at her and looked around shyly to see if anyone was looking over.

'Phew, no one was'. I said as I began to eat more slowly.

We continued to chat and giggle about all things girly, from our latest crush to our favorite TV shows. I loved spending time with my mom and chatting about everything and anything.

As we ate our cupcakes, we talked about the latest fashion trends and which outfits we wanted to try. We both agreed that the off-shoulder trend was the cutest and decided to go shopping together to find the perfect off-shoulder dress.

"Oh, and have you heard about the new beauty trend?" my mom asked.

"No, what is it?" I asked, curious.

"It's this new skincare routine that's all the rage," she said, excitedly. "You put on this mask and it makes your skin look amazing. I heard it's all the rage in Hollywood."

"Really?" I asked, intrigued. "I'll have to try that."

We continued to chat and giggle about all things beauty, from the latest makeup trends to the best skincare products. I loved how my mom always kept up with the latest trends and was always willing to try new things."So, how's Dickinson?" my mom asked, taking a sip of her tea.

I smiled shyly, "We're doing well, thanks for asking."

"That's great to hear," she said, with a smile. "So, are you two getting along?"

"Yeah, we're getting along really well," I replied, feeling a blush rising to my cheeks.

My mom raised an eyebrow, "Really? That's good to hear. What are your plans for today?"

"Actually, we're meeting up later today," I said, trying to sound casual.

"Oh wow," my mom said, with a teasing tone. "This is getting serious."

I rolled my eyes playfully, "Mom, come on. We're just getting along getting acquainted?" she asked, winking at me.

I couldn't help but laugh, "Mom, stop it. You're embarrassing me."

"I'm just joking," she said, with a smile. "But in all seriousness, I'm happy for you. Dickinson seems like a great guy."

"He is," I said, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "I really enjoy spending time with him."

"Good," she said, taking another sip of her tea. "Just make sure to take things slow and enjoy the journey. Relationships are a lot of work, but they can also be a lot of fun."

I nodded, "I know, Mom. I just want to take things one day at a time and see where they go."

"That's a great attitude," she said, with a smile. "Just have fun and enjoy the journey. "You are happy you are getting a grandchild?" I asked laughing.

"Oh yes", she said her lips curled spread into a warm smile.