The Final Countdown
Jessica lay sprawled across her bed, staring at the ceiling with a dreamy smile. The soft morning light filtered through her lace curtains, casting delicate patterns on the walls. Two days. Just two more days until I become Mrs. Jessica Carter. The thought sent a thrill through her. Everything was falling into place—the venue was booked, the guest list finalized, and the most important people in her life would be there to witness her union with Josh.
She stretched, her fingers brushing against the wedding planner on her nightstand. The pages were filled with checkmarks, sticky notes, and last-minute reminders. She had spent months meticulously planning every detail, from the floral arrangements to the seating chart. Now, with the big day so close, she could hardly contain her excitement.
A sharp knock at her door startled her.
"Jessica, come downstairs, please! The cake designer is here, and they need to know how tall you want your cake!" Annette's voice carried through the wood, impatient but fond.
Jessica scrambled up, nearly tripping over the hem of her silk robe. "Coming, sis!"
The Cake Consultation
Downstairs, the dining table was covered in sketches of tiered cakes, swatches of frosting colors, and samples of fondant decorations. Two cake designers—a middle-aged woman with sharp glasses and a younger assistant—stood waiting, their expressions professional but warm.
Annette, ever the organized one, had already laid out Jessica's preferred design: a five-tiered vanilla and red velvet cake, adorned with edible gold leaf and fresh flowers.
"Wow," the lead designer remarked, eyeing the elaborate sketch. "This is quite the masterpiece. Your fiancé must be quite wealthy for you to pick something this luxurious!"
Jessica laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, no—Josh isn't some millionaire. He's just a simple, hardworking man. Came from a humble background, actually." She sighed dreamily. "But he won me over with his thoughtfulness. Even the little gifts he gave me—nothing expensive, but so meaningful. A handwritten note, my favorite coffee delivered to my office when I was stressed…" Her cheeks warmed at the memories. "It was always his actions that mattered most."
The assistant designer sighed wistfully. "He sounds like a keeper."
The lead designer smirked. "I'm guessing he didn't have much competition?"
Jessica hesitated, then chuckled. "Well… there was one other guy."
Annette groaned. "Here we go."
The Almost-Groom: Percy's Story
Jessica ignored her sister's eyeroll and continued. "My uncle introduced us online. Percy—Mrs. Rachel's son. I knew his mother, but I'd never actually met him before. We started chatting, and at first, I was intrigued. He was handsome, wealthy, charming—the whole package." She twirled a strand of hair around her finger. "But after a month, he was already talking about marriage. And given that he was from the city, with all the rumors about rich men playing games…" She shrugged. "Let's just say he was a walking red flag."
Annette folded her arms. "Did you have to bring up Mrs. Rachel's son?"
Jessica rolled her eyes. "It's the truth! He was pushy. He literally said that if he came to visit me, it meant we were officially a couple. As if."
Annette sighed. "He just fell hard for you. And you do have a way with words—no wonder men get attached so easily."
Jessica scoffed. "That's not my fault! Besides, I made my choice. Josh is the one I want."
Annette gave her a pointed look. "At least invite Percy to the wedding."
Jessica groaned. "God, no. You know how persistent he was. Even after Josh and I got together, he kept trying to win me back. I don't need that energy on my wedding day."
Annette's expression softened. "Speaking of Mrs. Rachel… she sent two tickets to a private beach resort for your honeymoon."
Jessica's eyes widened. "What? Let me see!" She snatched the envelope from Annette's hands and gasped at the luxurious gold-embossed tickets. "Oh my God. She's too generous."
Annette nodded. "I think she sees herself in us—how she started with nothing, moved to the city, worked hard, and built a beautiful life with a good man."
Jessica bit her lip. "Yeah… Even though things didn't work out with Percy, she's still so kind to me."
Annette smirked. "Percy is a good guy, you know. Just… a little intense."
Jessica exhaled. "Fine. I'll send him an invitation. But only because he's close to his mom."
Annette grinned. "That's the spirit!"
Josh's Surprise Visit
Before Jessica could argue further, the front door burst open, and Alexa, her youngest sister, bounded in. "Yo! Josh is here!"
Jessica's heart leapt as Josh strolled in, his familiar crooked grin in place. He held up a receipt. "Hey, babe. Just dropped off the catering payment—figured I should contribute something to this shindig."
Jessica rushed over and pulled him into a hug, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Aww, that's so sweet!"
Josh chuckled. "Oh, and by the way—the guys and I are having a 'last night of freedom' thing tonight. Just drinks, nothing crazy."
Jessica smirked. "I can't stop you, but please be safe. And text me where you'll be."
Josh saluted. "Yes, ma'am."
With that, he kissed her forehead and headed out, leaving Jessica and her sisters to finish the wedding preparations.
The Venue Inspection
Later that afternoon, Jessica, Annette, and their mother arrived at the wedding venue—a stunning garden estate with sprawling lawns and a grand white pavilion. As they stepped inside, Jessica's breath caught. The space was already half-decorated, with twinkling fairy lights and floral arches lining the aisle.
Near the entrance, Jessica spotted her mother deep in conversation with none other than Mrs. Rachel. The two women were laughing like old friends reunited after years apart.
"Rachel! You came!" Jessica's mother beamed, pulling the elegant woman into a hug.
Mrs. Rachel chuckled. "Oh, come now—did you really think I'd miss Jessica's wedding? Your third daughter getting married…" She sighed 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 mother smiled, though a shadow flickered in her eyes. "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." She hesitated. "Unlike me, stuck with a drunkard for years…"
Mrs. Rachel squeezed her hand firmly. "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.
"Mrs. Rachel!" Jessica grinned. "What brings you here?"
Mrs. Rachel gestured around. "Just admiring the venue. It's absolutely stunning!"
There was a brief pause before Jessica awkwardly asked, "Is… Percy with you?"
Mrs. Rachel waved 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 smiled 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."
Her words lifted the mood, and soon, the group was chatting and laughing as they toured the space, the earlier tension melting away.
The Unexpected Text
As they finished inspecting the venue, Mrs. Rachel checked her watch. "Oh, girls, I must head out now—but if you need anything at all, don't hesitate to call me!"
Jessica hesitated, then called out, "Mrs. Rachel, wait!"
The older woman turned, eyebrows raised.
Jessica bit her lip. "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." She paused, then repeated Percy's words: "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 left.
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 did wonder how Percy would look after all this time.
Annette smirked. "Oh? That blush says otherwise."
"Shut up," Jessica laughed, swatting her arm.
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 it, 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."
With that, she turned back to her wedding plans, her heart full. The past was settled. The future—her future with Josh—was just beginning.