Chapter 168: Before the Bells Ring

(Gretel's POV)

Preparations for the wedding had started around the estate in full swing. For the past two days, we had taken the details into consideration, just like Jazmine wanted.

The last minute preparations only added to my excitement. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed too. Jazmine and I had barely gotten any time to ourselves, but that felt fun. After all, the wedding was in just two days.

The house grew busier than before. Almost every hour, someone was arriving with something. Chefs with crisp white jackets had arrived and got themselves busy in the kitchen, preparing things like generals before a battle.

They were the finest—booked days in advance by Devion’s team for this weekend. Their names were something I didn’t recognize, because I wasn't very social, but Jazmine had squealed when she saw one of them and whispered that they were “culinary beasts.”

Then came the entertainment. A live piano band had rehearsals in the garden. Their soft melodies drifted through the open windows during the afternoon, giving things around us a romantic flair.

I paused a few times just to listen. A comedian also came in for a briefing; I wasn’t sure what part of the ceremony he’d be included in, but Jazmine assured me it was tradition to have light-hearted moments at events like this.

I smiled at that. It sounded like something she would insist on.

Expensive wine arrived too—crates of it, stacked and carefully labeled. I didn’t even want to know how much that cost. I watched from a distance as some of the workers carried them into the cellar.

Devion had said once, “Let them come in style.” And style it was, because almost every inch of the estate began to shimmer with elegance and richness.

The decorators and event planners were like an army. They moved quickly, measuring spaces, pointing at corners, whispering in urgent tones about flowers, lights, and aisle dimensions.

Jazmine ran around with them like she was born to command them. She had a clipboard and a phone and looked more serious than most of the time I’d seen her.

She only stopped to update me or shove a snack in my hand when I nearly forgot to eat.

Then came the part that made everything feel more real. Or my best part. The arrival of our special guests.

It was the evening, and the estate was glowing even more than before. Fairy lights had been hung in the gardens. The smell of baked goods mixed with fresh flowers.

The breeze was cool, but that beautiful cool and I heard the faint sound of laughter and the sound of arriving cars.

Guests started arriving.

I stood at the grand entrance with Jazmine when the first car pulled up. A sleek black SUV. Aron stepped out first.

He looked tall, polished, even more handsome somehow, and seemingly more smitten the moment he saw Jazmine. She practically ran into his arms.

“My Luna,” he murmured, lifting her off the ground. She laughed into his shoulder, and I couldn’t help smiling at the sight. She had literally been counting down the days till he arrived.

“She told me she’ll be scarce around when he arrives,” I muttered to myself.

Next came a car packed with excitement and music—our college friends. Mira, Bianca, and two others from our small circle. They spilled out of the vehicle almost all talking at once.

“Gretel!” Mira squealed, wrapping me in a tight hug.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” Bianca said, eyes wide as she took in the estate.

“I feel like we just blinked and you became a princess,” another friend joked.

We laughed together, warm and I felt nostalgic. The embrace of friendship after what felt like so long felt comforting.

But what came next even felt more exciting.

A white car, simple but familiar, rolled into the driveway. My breath hitched.

Mom.

Dad.

They were finally here. They made it. Their presence here means so much to me. And arriving early means we'll have more time to catch up before they depart. This felt beautiful.

I stood on the spot as the door opened.

My mother stepped out first, looking exquisite in her soft lavender dress, her hair pinned up in a beautiful hairdo.

She looked around the estate grounds, eyes widening, her lips parting in what looked like awe.

My father stepped out next, wearing a navy blazer and that familiar expression of quietness that I had grown to know of him.

“Mom,” I breathed, then took a step forward.

She turned and saw me, her eyes instantly filling with tears. She rushed toward me, arms open.

“Oh my baby,” she whispered, wrapping me tight. I held onto her like I was trying to anchor myself. My father joined us, patting my back before pulling me into his own hug.

“This place is beautiful, sweetheart,” he said with a nod of seeming approval, his voice low but full of pride. “Devion did well.”

We shared a moment that didn’t need many words, it seems. I had imagined the reunion so many times. What they'll think. What they'll say. But it felt better.

Inside, a long welcome dinner was already set. The chefs had done a good job.

The table was long and beautifully lit, food laid out in elegant dishes—stuffed chicken, buttery rolls, grilled vegetables, and desserts that looked like art.

We all took our seats. I was between Mira and Devion, who hadn’t let go of my hand since we sat down.

Jazmine sat next to Aron, who could barely take his eyes off her like he hadn't seen her in a long time, not just weeks.

Mom looked around the estate grounds through the window from where she sat and said, “This place… it’s like something from a storybook.”

Dad raised his wine glass slightly and said, “And the food is just exquisite.”

The table was filled with chatter. Laughter. Devion whispered little things into my ear that made me smile more than I should have.

Mira kept nudging me and raising her brows every time she caught us.

“Look at you,” she said. “Who would’ve thought Gretel Gregory would get married before all of us?”

“Shush,” I whispered, nudging her back.

“You two are next,” I teased, pointing at her and Bianca.

“Only if you set us up with hot werewolves,” Bianca said, winking.

The dinner lasted longer than expected. As if we didn’t want it to end. Stories were shared—some from college, some about our childhoods.

My mom told a few embarrassing tales that had everyone in stitches. Jazmine, however, barely spoke. She was almost entirely focused on Aron, and to be honest, it was adorable to watch.

She must've thought no one was looking, because most of the time, she reached for his hand or brushed his shoulder with hers. I just smiled.

Eventually, it was time to escort everyone to their rooms. The estate had been arranged so the guests had a wing or private area.

Bianca and Mira were assigned rooms beside Jazmine's so we could have our “girl time”. But it appeared they won't be seeing much of Jazmine around tonight.

After all the guests were settled, I walked back to our shared room. The hallway was quiet now, but the happiness still buzzed in my chest, it seems. I paused at my door and looked around.

This was really happening.

In two days, I'll stand in front of everyone and promise myself to Devion.

And tonight, after all this while, I didn't feel afraid. I feel ready.