REVENGE'S UNEXPECTED LOVE

WHAT'S WITH THE MIXUPS

[15 HOURS EARLIER]

Ismarie's fingertips trace the elegant script of her vows, her heart fluttering with a mixture of excitement and nerves. The room, a sanctuary of luxury, envelops her in its opulent embrace. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft, ethereal glow, dancing playfully on the gossamer curtains that frame the windows. The scent of fresh flowers mingles with the subtle hint of vanilla from scented candles, creating an atmosphere of serene bliss.

As Ismarie immerses herself in her thoughts, Maya's soft humming drifts from the bathroom, a soothing melody that adds to the tranquil ambiance.

The marble-clad bathroom, a haven of indulgence, echoes with the sound of cascading water as Maya indulges in a moment of relaxation under the rejuvenating spray of the shower.

As the evening gently folds around them, Ismarie's heart feels lighter, the weight of uncertainty lifted as she completes her vows. Each word, carefully chosen and imbued with love, now rests on the pages before her, a testament to the depth of her commitment.

With a sense of quiet satisfaction, Ismarie sets down her pen, her gaze lingering on the elegant script that adorns the parchment. In the stillness of the room, she feels a sense of peace settle over her, knowing that she has poured her heart into every word, ready to share it with her beloved on their special day.

As she prepares to retire for the evening, a soft smile graces Ismarie's lips, her heart brimming with anticipation for the joyous moments that lie ahead.

Ismarie delicately cleans her ring, and the sparkling gem catches the light, reflecting the excitement that pulses through her veins. With each gentle stroke, memories of love and promises shared flood her mind, infusing the moment with a profound sense of anticipation.

After cleaning her ring, she takes a relaxing bath. The luxurious bubbles in the bath envelop her in a cocoon of warmth and tranquility, easing away any lingering tension. The room, suffused with the fragrance of lavender and jasmine, transforms into a sanctuary of relaxation, where Ismarie can indulge in a moment of blissful solitude before the revelry of her bachelorette party.

With a sense of foreboding, Ismarie's heart skips a beat as Maya's urgent voice pierces the tranquility of the room. Setting aside her relaxation, she turns to her best friend, a knot of apprehension forming in her stomach.

"What's wrong, May? What's happened?" Ismarie's voice trembles with worry as she meets Maya's gaze, searching for answers amidst the sudden turmoil.

Maya's expression is fraught with concern as she delivers the unsettling news. "There's been a mistake with the reservations for your bachelorette party. They've double-booked the venue, and now there's a mix-up with the timing."

Ismarie's mind races as she processes the information, her pulse quickening with each passing moment. Despite her efforts to maintain composure, the weight of uncertainty bears down on her, casting a shadow over the once-peaceful evening.

Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Ismarie looks at Maya with determination. "Okay, we'll figure this out. Let's get dressed and head over there. We'll make sure everything gets sorted out." Though her voice wavers slightly, her resolve remains unwavering as she prepares to face the unexpected challenge head-on.

As Ismarie and Maya step out of their hotel room, their hearts heavy with the weight of the unexpected challenge awaiting them, they are greeted by yet another obstacle. Before them stands a chaotic scene, unfolding like a scene from a drama.

Their path is blocked by a tangle of hotel staff, guests, and luggage carts, all caught in the throes of a heated argument. Voices rise in frustration, and tempers flare as accusations are hurled back and forth.

Maya's eyes widen in disbelief, her hand instinctively reaching out to grasp Ismarie's arm for support. "What in the world is happening?" she whispers, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Ismarie shakes her head, her mind racing as she surveys the scene before them. "I'm not sure, but it looks like there's some sort of misunderstanding or mix-up," she murmurs, her brow furrowed with concern.

As Ismarie and Maya patiently wait for the flurry of activity to subside, their anticipation heightens with each passing moment. Finally, as the crowd begins to disperse, they resume their journey, their steps tentative yet resolute.

However, their progress is halted once again as a familiar voice pierces the air, causing Ismarie's heart to skip a beat. With a sense of disbelief, she turns to see a figure from her past, someone she never expected to encounter in this moment of chaos.

Ismarie's parents, Marie and Larry, make their way through the lobby, their tension is palpable. Despite their divorce, they still bicker about everything, from trivial matters to significant decisions.

Marie sighs exasperatedly as Larry fumbles with the light switch. "Larry, it's not that complicated. Just press the switch up, like this," she says, demonstrating with impatience.

Larry rolls his eyes, and his frustration is evident. "I know how to turn on a light, Marie. You don't have to treat me like a child."

Their exchange serves as a reminder to Ismarie of the challenges her parents face in navigating their strained relationship. She hopes that the weekend getaway will offer them a chance to set aside their differences, if only for a brief respite from their constant bickering.

Ismarie's heart sinks as she observes her divorced parents, their familiar bickering filling the air with tension. With a heavy sigh, she approaches them, steeling herself for the inevitable confrontation.

"Mom, Dad," Ismarie begins, her voice tinged with exasperation, "how did you both end up in the same hotel room? I specifically requested different floors for each of you."

Her parents exchanged a sheepish glance, their expressions betraying a hint of guilt. "Well, you see, dear," her mother begins, her tone apologetic, "there was a mix-up with our reservations, and somehow we ended up with adjacent rooms."

Ismarie's frustration mounts as she struggles to comprehend the situation. "Adjacent rooms? But I made it clear that I wanted to avoid any potential conflicts between you two," she retorts, her voice tinged with disappointment.

Her father offers a feeble attempt at explanation, his tone contrite. "We didn't realize until we arrived, Ismarie. We're sorry for any inconvenience."

"What's with the mix-up?" Ismarie's voice echoes in her mind, a refrain of frustration and disbelief. She can't help but wonder if this is just the beginning of a series of unfortunate events, each one threatening to derail the carefully laid plans for her special day.

With a resigned sigh, Ismarie realizes that there's little she can do to change the situation now. Pushing aside her frustration, she resolves to make the best of it, determined not to let her parents' presence overshadow the joyous occasion that lies ahead.

Ismarie, her voice tinged with a hint of resignation, addresses her parents with a request that she knows is futile, yet one she feels compelled to make nonetheless.

"Mom, Dad," she begins, her tone gentle yet firm, "I know this situation is less than ideal, but for tonight, could we please refrain from engaging in any further arguments? Let's try to maintain a sense of peace and harmony, at least until after tomorrow."

Larry and Marie exchange a knowing glance, a silent acknowledgment of the impossibility of Ismarie's request. Despite their best intentions, old habits die hard, and the wounds of the past are not easily forgotten.

Nevertheless, they nod in agreement, a silent promise to honor Ismarie's wish to the best of their ability, knowing that even the smallest gesture of cooperation can make a difference in easing the tension that hangs heavy in the air.

Ismarie turns to her stepmother and half-sister, her voice tinged with concern as she inquires about the whereabouts of her Aunt Harriet and Liezel, her stepsister.

"Dad, where is Aunt Harriet? And Liezel?" Ismarie's question hangs in the air.

Her father's expression softens as he responds, her tone warm and reassuring. "Harriet had a last-minute business trip, dear. She sends her apologies and wishes you all the best. And Liezel is on her way; she got delayed, but she should be here soon."

Ismarie nods, a sense of relief washing over her at the news.

"Max visited the house at noon. He was looking for you"

Larry's unexpected addition draws Ismarie's attention, her brows furrowing in confusion at the mention of Max and her sister.

"Max visited at noon?" Ismarie echoes, her mind racing to piece together the puzzle. "But why would he come looking for me?"

Larry offers a sympathetic smile, his voice gentle as he explains. "Ismarie, Max wanted to surprise you. He came to ask for your sister's help in picking out a ring for you."

Ismarie's heart skips a beat at the revelation, a rush of emotions flooding her senses. Though she's touched by Max's gesture, she can't shake the pang of regret at having missed the opportunity to share in the moment with him.

With a sense of resolve, Ismarie straightens her posture, determination shining in her eyes. "Thank you for letting me know, Dad. I'll be sure to catch up with Max and Liezel as soon as I can."

As she processes the news, Ismarie can't help but feel a glimmer of excitement at the thought of the surprises that await her, eager to embrace the moments of joy and connection that lie ahead.