Chapter 1 The Procession

17 years old

I gaze at the stunning New York City lights outside the automobile window. My lips form a smile. I haven't visited this metropolis that never sleeps in a very long time.

I look at my attire for the gathering tonight and sigh. I'm pleased with the tosca dress I'm wearing, which has a fitted waist, leg slits, and a halter neck that crosses over in the front. I've swept my long, wavy, golden hair to one side. This ought to be suitable enough to go to one of the most important events of the year.

I look at Sienna, my cousin, who is seated beside me in the automobile. Her maroon one-shoulder dress makes her appear stunning.

Max, her older brother, is sitting next to the window of the other car, typing on his phone. In his navy suit, he appears well-groomed as well.

Uncle Vaughn and Aunt Melanie are seated in the front seats. Mom is currently traveling with Dad on a business vacation abroad. It's better to send me here to spend the summer vacation with his sister than to have me pout by myself in our Texas house. I've told him I'm too excited to spend the summer in New York.

This is where I intend to meet my pals in addition to spending time with my cherished cousins, aunt, and uncle. I will have the most amazing summer vacation ever.

Max cheerfully says, "Luna can't wait to see us," informing us that his fiancée is already anticipating our arrival.

Correct. Fiance.

Who would become engaged immediately after enrolling in college? Max and Luna are there.

Everyone is aware of their intense love, and I can understand his obsession with her. One of the loveliest persons I've ever met is Luna Blake.

Therefore, nobody opposed when Max revealed that he had proposed to Luna, but he made it clear that they would only be married after graduating from college.

Luna's parents, Lucas and Cassandra Blake, have become close to Uncle Vaughn and Aunt Melanie. Everyone is aware that Lucas and Cassandra Blake are the most adored celebrity couple in the world, as well as a famous billionaire and a rockstar. To this day, the Blakes continue to attract the attention of reporters and paparazzi.

They wouldn't enjoy tonight's event without Max's family because they have become close with them. Since it was first announced, the aforementioned event has been drawing media interest. And that's the wedding of their son.

The marriage of Ethan Blake.

Ethan Blake will marry his future wife tonight at the age of 26. And for that reason, we're all in this car on our way to New York's most amazing wedding venue.

We exit the vehicle as soon as we arrive at the premises. Uncle Vaughn lets the valet handle it. As I look at the great entrance, my heart is racing. There are many famous people there. I recognize too many well-known faces: actors and actresses, supermodels, musicians, politicians, businesspeople, and socialites.

Oh no. The event tonight will undoubtedly go down in history. The largest wedding in New York this year is that of Ethan Blake.

Sienna whispers in my ear, "Oh my God, remind me to behave," as we ascend the main lobby's steps. "There are so many people here I want to take pictures with."

I laugh, and my breath catches in my throat as we enter the reception's main venue, a big, opulent ballroom packed with even more immaculately dressed folks. I saw media personnel recording the ceremony and reporters interviewing a few visitors. Even though it won't be televised live, this wedding will undoubtedly be shown on television.

Max approaches Luna, who is waiting in a row near the altar. She is stunning in a silver long-sleeved dress with her hair in a sophisticated twisted bun. She gives us a wave and gives Max a brief peck on the lips as we get close to her.

Max looks at her affectionately. "You look beautiful." He is unable to conceal his admiration. "And joyful, and anxious.

"Of course, I am." Luna smiles and sighs. "It's my brother's wedding."

She then throws Sienna into her embrace, and they both squeal with delight as they separate. Without a doubt, she has become close to her prospective sister-in-law. These days, they are practically best friends.

"Nyla." At last, Luna turns to face me, her eyes glimmering with joy. "Thank you for coming here." She smiles warmly as we give each other an embrace. It's wonderful to see you once more. You were missed.

"I missed you, too." I grin back at her, appreciating the opportunity to join them in celebrating this significant occasion.

"Come sit here." She motions for us to take a seat next to her.

Max sits next to her. He's followed by Sienna and me. I can't resist sweeping my gaze around the area. This is the largest hall I've ever been in.

I see Aunt Melanie and Uncle Vaughn welcoming Luna's parents. Uncle Vaughn converses with Lucas as Cassandra Blake hugs Aunt Melanie. Cassandra and Lucas both appear overburdened. Naturally, parents must be feeling upset because their son is getting married.

I hold my breath till my eyes eventually flicker to the groom. I never doubt Ethan Blake's good looks, but he looks much better now that he's wearing a tux and has his brown hair combed in the traditional slicked back.

He is speaking with one of the most popular celebrities in the world, Cal Jackson, who is also his mother's close friend in the music business. Cal, his spouse, and his kids are present. I saw the well-known twin brothers and Jasmine Jackson accompanying them.

"I can't believe that it's finally happening." I'm startled out of my reverie by Luna's speech, which makes me turn my focus away from the groom. "Isn't it unbelievable? He has been in love with this woman for a long time, and they are finally getting married. After five years of dating, they are finally getting married," she tells Max in a dreamy tone.

I'm paying close attention as she shares details about her brother's romantic life.

"I knew that they wanted to do it earlier, but they had to wait until Olivia finished her master's degree in London," Luna explains. But to them, two years of long-distance was nothing. It strengthened their bond even more. Everything moved so quickly after she returned, and I'm amazed that we're here at this point." Luna looks quite joyful as she wipes away her tears. "I'm sorry, I just..." Max holds her hand in his as she inhales deeply. "I don't know why I'm getting so emotional." She laughs a little. "I suppose I'm simply overjoyed for him. My brother's first love is getting married. His actual love.

Olivia Stone is a woman I've heard about. During our drive here, Max gave us a briefing about her. She is the daughter of Alexander Stone, a prosperous businessman. She would be ideal for someone like Ethan. Olivia and Ethan met in college, and they have done a wonderful job of keeping their relationship out of the spotlight and as quiet as possible. People haven't stopped talking about them since the amazing news of their marriage made the headlines.

Max murmurs to Luna, "You'll be a bride soon too," and plants a kiss on her knuckle near the engagement ring he gave her. She smiles at him while her eyes continue to sparkle with joyous tears.

I turn back to look at Ethan, who does appear happy tonight. When he speaks to his guests, a smile never leaves his face. As he hears their jokes, his eyes sparkle with joy, and he bursts out laughing. As soon as the visitors excuse themselves, Ethan inhales deeply and exhales deeply, perhaps to slow his pounding heart.

He is undoubtedly attempting to contain his excitement. He seemed to be completely enamored. Ethan Blake's passion for Olivia Stone is evident even to me, who does not know of them.

My lips form a smile. I'm pleased for them. Olivia is fortunate to have a partner who truly loves her.

"Did you just hear that? My attention is diverted by Sienna's echo, "My stomach just growled." She nibbles on her lower lip. "I'm fucking hungry."

What she just stated makes me giggle. We spend the next few moments chatting and taking selfies, together with Luna and Max.

When I say, "I need to go to the restroom," Sienna raises her eyebrows.

The majority of the guests had already taken their places, as I could see when she looked about. "What are you doing? Soon, the ceremony will begin.

I laugh. If I had to hold my bladder for another minute, I would rather miss the procession. "I'll be back soon."