Chapter 48: The Wedding

Xavier touched my cheek and heat rushed to them. “Maybe you’re not the only one who doesn’t know shit about their feelings.”

I breathed heavily as he retracted his hand and kept them in his pocket. “I will see you later.”

I couldn’t even say anything before I heard his footsteps retracting. He went out of my house. I stood still for a moment before coming back to reality. I walked towards Drew’s room and tried to keep my thoughts at bay. I knew that after so many incidents, if I started to think, my head would explode.

Drew was almost ready. Thankfully, he wasn’t concerned with whatever had happened earlier — it wasn’t that loud and maybe he just didn’t pay much attention. He was still a six-year-old anyway.

I managed to pack the rest of my stuff within thirty minutes. I didn’t have time to sit down and comprehend everything that had happened, but I realized that I had to leave immediately if I wanted to attend Jazelle’s wedding. I hadn’t exactly been in contact with her recently so I needed to go even if I wasn’t in the right headspace. Maybe this would give me a little space anyway.

I informed Max via a message so he didn’t get angry. I also added that I needed some time alone to figure things out, so it was best he didn’t come along, however he was free to come but just not with me.

I knew he was going to be there anyway, but I didn’t want him to come with me. He shouldn’t be my plus one.

I left my house in time to board the plane. I finally exhaled with relief when I sat down on my flight. It wasn’t the first time I was travelling, so it wasn’t such a bad thing for me.

_____________

I reached Cancun, Mexico just seven hours before the invitation time.

Drew was fast asleep in my arms. He looked so innocent. Every time I looked at him, I felt bad for being a terrible mother.

I sighed as I took a cab to a hotel for my stay.

…

The time passed soon as I put drew to bed and also tried to take a short nap. I wanted to make sure I looked fresh and good at the wedding, so I took my beauty sleep and woke up just four hours before the wedding.

As I got ready, my mind shifted to Xavier and Max. I wasn’t sure if any of them would attend the wedding but what if they both did?

I was sure that Jazelle and her to-be-husband had invited all the CEOs. Even if Mr. Cooper didn’t really like Xavier after the incident, he couldn’t have possibly taken back the invitation, right?

If both of them came, it would be so awkward.

I put my thoughts aside and finally left for the venue when I was done.

…

“Hey! I am so sorry I am a little late. How are you?” I said as I entered her room after passing through several people — influential ones, if I might add. The place was extremely elegant. It was like a dream wedding— but I had expected no less. After all, Mr. Cooper was a multi billionaire and surely would have arranged such a perfect wedding.

Jazelle got up with a huge smile on her face. She was looking radiant in the white big sweetheart dress. “I am good. I miss you, Scarlet!”

I chuckled as I gave her a small hug. “I am so sorry I haven’t kept in touch. I was just a little busy and time passed by so soon. I am so glad to be here though!”

She grinned and checked herself in the mirror again. “I can’t believe I am marrying him.”

“I know right! It is so amazing. I hope you have a great life, Jazz!”

“Is that my nickname?” She chuckled and looked at me. I chuckled with her, “I guess.”

A woman entered the room and asked Jazelle to be ready in a few minutes. I guess it was almost time— and thankfully, I hadn’t seen Max or Xavier.

We were all asked to collect in the church.

“All the best,” I whispered to Jazelle before making my way out.

As I stepped inside the closed space, I saw him standing at one of the sides. His eyes landed on me and he stared at me intensely for a moment before excusing himself. He was looking even more handsome in his tux and the perfect hairstyle.

He took intimidating steps toward me and finally stopped at an arm’s distance.

“Scarlet.”

I exhaled. “Xavier.” His scent was intoxicating to me.

“Is Max here?” he asked, his eyes wandering for a second before stopping at me again.

“I am not sure,” I sighed. “I didn’t ask him to come along with me but I am sure that Jazelle invited him. He is a friend of hers and also a guest nonetheless. So maybe he will come.”

He nodded. “Okay.”

“What’s wrong?”

“There is something I need to tell you about Max. I am not sure if I should, but you’re a smart woman. Do you think I should tell you?” He whispered slowly but enough to make it audible.

“Do you think I can live without knowing now?” I exhaled. “By your words, it doesn’t look like it’s a good thing.”

“You’re right, it is not. That’s why I want to know if you’re ready to know something about him that you didn’t expect to be true.”

“You’re scaring me,” I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

“You should be scared of this, woman. The truth is scary.”

“Xavier, just tell me now, okay?”

He exhaled. “Here? I don’t think this is the best idea.”

“Well, I mean no one is—”

“Scarlet and Xavier! What a surprise.”

I stepped back as I heard a voice and turned around to meet a pair of emotionless eyes.