Chapter 51--Preparations

*Ryan*

I stroll down the wide hallway of the mansion, my steps echoing as I walk by. My side is flanked by a bubbly woman, Sarah. Her blonde hair jiggles as she walks by my side, her eyes brimming with excitement.

“I am so glad you could make it today, Sarah. I need this wedding organised as soon as possible.”

Sarah nods, as she grins from ear to ear. “I will make sure to plan this wedding according to your wishes, it is my job after all, Mr Holden.”

I nod and we make our way down the hallway.

As we walk, Sarah gestures excitedly towards the expansive ballroom on the left. “Ryan, this is where we can hold the ceremony. The high ceilings and stunning chandeliers will create a truly magical atmosphere. We can line the aisle with flowers and set up an exquisite arch at the end.”

I nod, envisioning my bride, Amber gracefully walking down the aisle towards me. “Yes, that sounds wonderful, Sarah. I want it to be a moment she’ll never forget. Make sure the color scheme complements her dress and the overall theme of the wedding.”

She grins and jots down notes on her clipboard. “Absolutely, Ryan. We’ll incorporate soft pastels and touches of gold to create an elegant and romantic ambiance. Now, moving onto the after-party...”

We continue down the hallway, passing by opulent paintings and gilded mirrors. Sarah takes me to a spacious room on the right, bathed in natural light. “Here, we can set up the after-party. With the large windows, guests will enjoy a breathtaking view of the garden while celebrating. I suggest a dance floor in the center, surrounded by cozy lounge areas and an open bar.”

I step into the room, imagining the joyful energy that will fill the space. “Not a bad choice, Sarah. Let’s make sure the lighting is just right, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. And of course, we’ll need plenty of space for our guests to let loose and celebrate.”

Sarah nods, making additional notes. “Of course, Ryan. We’ll bring in some professional lighting equipment and arrange the furniture to encourage mingling and dancing. It’ll be the party of the year!”

Sarah is brimming and full of energy, and it is very much apparent that she is enjoying the little tour of the mansion. I let out a sigh, turning my eyes away my Sarah, who was scribbling in her note pad.

I want this wedding to be big, something that Amber would not forget for the rest of her life. My eyes trail to the ballroom once more and I cannot help but envision the aisle, and Amber, in her stunning wedding dress, walking up to me.

At that moment, she will be mine forever.

I exhale, the thought floating away, and I pull out my phone, my eyes scanning the time on the screen. It is a little after 4pm, and I am barely done with the preparations for the wedding. I pinch the bridge of my nose as exhaustion sinks into my bones.

As I slip my phone back into my pocket, I hear a familiar voice calling out my name. “Ryan!”

I turn around, a smile spreading across my face as I see Amber, approaching us. Her eyes light up with excitement and curiosity. “What are you doing, Ryan? I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”

I take a step closer to her, taking in her radiant presence. I can’t help but think about how much of a lucky man I am. “I’ve been discussing the wedding plans with the event planner, Sarah. We’re going over the decorations and arrangements for the ceremony, after-party, and everything in between.”

Amber’s eyes widen with curiosity. “Oh, that sounds like something you can’t handle all by yourself. Can I join you? I want to be a part of planning our special day too.”

A surge of joy fills my heart as I gaze at her, a smile curling up my lips “Absolutely, you can.”

Amber’s face lights up with a mixture of excitement and relief. She takes my hand, intertwining her fingers with mine. “This is the most excited I’ve been in years,” she chuckles.

I raise an eyebrow, leaning into her as I whisper. “Really? I could’ve sworn you were excited on that night when we drove to the hote-“

“Ryan!” Amber whispers as she pulls back, her face filling with color.

I can’t stop myself from grinning as I keep my eyes fixed on her.

“Oh? Is this the bride to be?” Sarah pipes up.

I fix my gaze on her and watch as she extends her hand out for a shake. “My name is Sarah and I’ll be assisting in planning your wedding.”

“Amber,” she says as she shakes Sarah's hand.

“Okay! Now that the bride is here, we will have a much more easier time deciding the colours and other t-“

“Ryan.”

I snap my head back, and see my mother, walking up to us with a grim look on her face. I give Amber a quick glance before letting go of her hand, and approaching my mother before she can reach us.

She looks at me and her gaze flickers to amber, before returning back to me.

“Your father told me what happened at the office yesterday.”

I frown, folding my arms. “I don’t care about anything you, or father has to say,” I reply, my voice steady. “But I’ve made up my mind. Amber is the woman I love, and I’m going to marry her. The preparations are already underway.”

My mother’s face contorts with a mix of frustration and disappointment. “Ryan, you’re rushing into this. She’s not from our social circle, and her background is far from what we expected for you.”

I meet my mother’s gaze, standing my ground. “None of that matters to me, Mother. Amber brings joy and happiness into my life, and that’s what matters most. I’ve found my soulmate, and I won’t let societal expectations dictate who I should marry.”

My mother’s stern expression softens momentarily, her eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and resignation. “Ryan, I understand that you believe you’re in love, but sometimes it’s important to consider the long-term implications of your choices. I hope you know what you’re doing.”

I chuckle. “Of course I do, and you keep forgetting that when father married you, you were just like amber when father married you.”

My words seem to hit her like a slap in the face, as her eyes widen. She takes a step back as a streak of hurt courses through her brow.

“I guess you are right,” she says, shooting me a wry smile.

A pang shoots through my chest. “Mother, I-“

“No.” She holds up her hand. “You do not need to apologize, you said nothing wrong. Maybe I have been too closed-minded.”

She turns Sarah as a sigh escapes her lips. “I do think the terrace would be a nice location for the after party, I can show it to you right now.”

Sarah’s eyes light up as she nods. “That would be very helpful Mrs Holden.”

My eyes go wide as I gaze at my mother who says nothing to me and just shoots me a small smile. Sarah falls into step beside her, and they both begin to make their down the hallway.

Amber walks up to me and stands by my side a she links her arm with mine. “Did she finally accept our marriage?”

“I...think so?”