Chapter Twelve
2305 Words
Word for the day - 네
(Romanised as 'Ne') - Yes
#####
EMERALD’S POV
-----
“Emerald, come on.” It was Karen, in a pastel blue dress, who had knocked and entered my room. I wanted to give her a look but I was too dazed.
“Please zip the back. Miranda is out.” I told her and she smiled at me before coming ahead and zipping my back. I was a little stiff when she was this close to me but I didn't react much.
“It’s done. Be down soon. We have to leave for the venue.” She muttered and I nodded. As she left, Miranda came in, trudging with her mid-knee length pastel peach one piece and matching shoes.
“I’m sorry. I was packing up some stuff that would help you if you feel nauseous.” Miranda asserted and I hugged her. She was so worried about everything that she looked after everything on her own.
“I can’t without you,” I admitted to her and she hummed, patting my back.
“Now let’s go.” She urged and I nodded. I checked myself in the mirror again.
My pastel emerald green off-shouldered full-sleeved and flared dress was looking good. It rested perfectly on my mid-thigh. My white heels and purse looked great together. The necklace Kayla had given me looked better, too. My make-up was perfect, too with my styled curls that set perfectly.
“We’ll be back soon, Grammy. Try not to ruin things or scare your caretaker away.” I warned him before kissing him on his forehead. Eric was going to drop him off at the daycare centre so he could have his regular vaccine and also some care.
“He shall play well with his friends,” Miranda commented, petting him and I hummed.
“Let’s go,” I said and we both walked down.
-----
“Oh, look at my princess!” Dad muttered as I entered the decorated venue for the engagement. I smiled and hugged him.
“I didn’t see you the whole morning,” I whined and he hummed, patting my back. He had a nice tux one with a pastel blue bow that matched Karen’s dress.
“I had to come here and bad to check everything that’s why. Are you alright now? Recovered from yesterday?” Dad inquired and I felt myself choke at the question. I still nodded.
“I’m a lot better,” I answered and a waiter came to us, offering drinks. I was about to pick up the champagne but Miranda tugged me back. I gave Dad a meek smile because I’d never say no to drink.
“I’m still recovering so I shouldn’t…I guess.” I muttered and he nodded. He caressed my hair and I smiled at him.
“I’m glad you’re taking your health seriously. Now, you both stay and enjoy. I’ll attend the guests.” Dad asserted, kissing my forehead before going to other guests.
“You need to be careful.” Miranda scolded me and I nodded.
“I feel my arrogance slipping away since I have no retorts whatsoever,” I complained and she laughed.
“You think? It’s only temporary. It’s not going anywhere so stop worrying.” Miranda comforted me and I nodded. It was indeed a part of me and I wanted it back.
I looked around the venue and it was decorated in white and blue. It looked good and honestly, it didn’t matter to me that much. I was just here because Dad wouldn't let me skip it.
But since Kayla was finally leaving the house, I was going to happily attend her ceremonies and bid her goodbye soon.
Miranda and I then focused on eating the different snacks on the counter and I only picked up fruit juice to accompany me. I missed having the taste of wine but there has to make a few sacrifices for a few things... or more like little people.
“You know what, I heard your brother-in-law’s surname is Kingston,” Miranda informed me and I almost choked on my drink. I glared at her as he handed me tissues to wipe my mouth.
“I can scold you later but what did you say? Kingston?” I questioned, wanting to confirm what I was just hearing about it maybe I was just too ignorant to concentrate on it. She nodded.
“You didn’t even know that?” She asked and I rolled my eyes at her stupid question.
“Do you think I wanted to know who they were?” I asked and she shook her head, dramatically.
“Is it the same Kingston?” I questioned and she shrugged.
“It could be or not. Since I just heard I didn’t get a chance to do my research.” Miranda answered and I nodded.
“Do one thing, keep an ear out for Keane Kingston. If you hear that name…check him out. That’s the name of the new CEO.” I told her and she nodded but then narrowed her eyes at me.
“You ended up searching without me!” She screeched and I shushed her, scowling at her for gathering unwanted attention.
“I didn’t ask to you fall asleep with Grammy,” I commented and she hissed.
“Well, is he hot?” She asked excitedly and I just shrugged. Even I wanted to see his face but there was nothing about his face anywhere. I mean they did describe that he was handsome but without a picture what would I even say.
“There were no pictures,” I informed her and she hummed. I could sense the same curiosity that I had.
“Let’s keep an eye out for him,” Miranda suggested and I nodded, clinking our glasses together, dramatically.
-----
“Emerald, princess.” I heard Dad call me and I answered his call, by walking over to him. Miranda had excused herself to go to the powder room so I was glad Dad called for me.
“Yes, Daddy,” I said and he pointed at Alvin who was in a black tux with a pastel pink bow, that matched Kayla’s beautiful gown. I wouldn’t deny that it was a beautiful lace dress.
“Hello, there, Emerald.” Alvin greeted and I gave him a small smile because Dad was here. I couldn’t behave as I wanted.
“Glad to see you didn’t run away,” I commented and Dad glanced at me. I ended up giving him a meek smile because even though I tried I had to make some preposterous comments.
“I love Kayla way too much to do that.” Alvin still replied, unfazed by my comment.
“Good to know she won’t be coming to ask Dad for more love.” I retorted, blinking innocently.
"Not today!" Kayla whined.
“Emerald,” Dad warned and I chucked in annoyance.
“I’ll be nicer,” I promised and he nodded.
“Where is your family?” I asked and he pointed at a crowd at the back. When I glanced there, I saw two very familiar faces.
One was the guy whom I had defeated in the street race and who Miranda had slept with.
The other was one of my classmates from NYU. Though she was in my class only for a semester, we had clicked well. Later, she switched her major to design so even Miranda knew her. But she was one semester back so we couldn’t catch up a lot.
Aria and an old man walked towards us and her eyes fell on me. They shined in recognition just like mine had earlier. She ran to me and pulled me into a tight hug.
“Aria!” I greeted and she squealed. Sure, she was a lot baby-ish but she was cute. We had clicked over my love over K-pop songs.
“Emerald! What a surprise!” She exclaimed and I hummed, pulling away. She gave me a big ear to ear smile, just like the one I had but a smaller version.
“It’s my... sister’s wedding,” I told her and she giggled.
“My brother.” She told me and I nodded.
“I didn’t know this would be a reunion for us.” She commented and I nodded.
“Me neither.” I agreed.
“Wow, that came off as a surprise for us, too,” Alvin commented and they all chuckled.
“I was with her for one semester when I had taken architecture but then I switched to design.” She explained and I nodded.
“Here, our Grandpa Antoine and that was Miles, my elder brother’s best friend.” Alvin introduced and I smiled.
“Quite young you look, Grandpa,” I declared and Grandpa chuckled.
“A sweet talker.” He commented with a smile.
“I only remember her as an expensive appointment,” Alvin commented and I gave him a sweet smile.
“That is because you lack the charms Grandpa possess.” I retorted and I crowd fell in laughter.
“Don’t talk such things about my husband.” Kayle defended.
“Still a week left,” I commented and she scoffed but smiled at the end.
“Be nice, Em. We’ll be back.” Dad warned me before taking Grandpa and walking away. It was only the youngsters left now.
“So, where is the bri…oh, Emerald?” It was Miles who had joined the crowd. He was surprised to see me here. I was too, earlier.
“Yes, it’s me, Miles. Want to… race again?” I challenged him and he cleared his throat.
“Where is… Miranda?” He ignored my question and asked about my best friend and I chuckled.
Miranda had told me how he wanted to date her after spending a night with her. But knowing Miranda, she never dates. She had tons of guys but wouldn't date anyone of them.
“Can’t wait?” I teased him and he glared at me but something clicked in his eyes.
“Yes, can’t wait.” He replied with a smug face but I couldn’t understand why.
“Em, you know…” It was Miranda who started to say but then noticed the tall guy who was standing in front of me.
“Miles,” She whispered and I saw a flicker in her eyes, just the one I hadn’t seen in a very long time. She was interested in Miles. Her face gave it away but only to me.
“Miranda,” Miles called out again and he was mesmerised by her, anyone can see.
“I need a moment,” Miranda muttered and exited the scene in a flash of speed. No doubt, Miles ran behind her, hot on her heels.
“Seems like we’re to marry one more couple in the family,” Kayla commented and I looked in the direction they both had gone. Needless to say, the fire was lit on both sides but Miranda won’t give in this easily. If I find some sincerity in Miles, I might as well help him in the mission.
“Oh, he’s here,” Alvin commented, pulling my attention from my thoughts to him.
“Who?” I asked and glanced at Miranda who seemed to be walking or avoiding Miles.
“My elder brother Ai…” He started to say but I ignored him and ran past something white and towards Miranda. I stopped her and Miles was right next to her.
“Miles, not now. If anything, we can discuss later.” I told him and hoped he would understand and he nodded.
“I apologize for burdening you.” He muttered and left us. I turned to Miranda and she looked flustered and pale.
“M, it’s okay. He seemed genuine.” I said to her and she shook her head.
“You know how things have been for me.” She defended her actions and I nodded, hugging her.
“I know and I only want what’s best for you,” I told her and she nodded with a hum.
“Let me just have some fresh air for a while. I’ll be back.” She promised and I nodded.
“Come soon before the ceremony. It’s not long.” I told her and she hummed before walking away. I let out a deep sigh. I absentmindedly walked towards Alvin and Kayla. There was a man in a white suit, whose back was to me.
I didn’t want to go but there was no one next to me. And if I would stand alone, unknown people would come and greet me also Dad would want me to socialise. So, looking at my options, joining them felt better.
“Come here. This is my elder brother I wanted you to meet.” Alvin called out and I walked to them. I turned to see the white-suited guy and my eyes widened.
“This is…” Alvin started.
“Aiden,” I called out.
“Emerald,” He called back and I gulped gazing at his handsome face where his hair was set at the back making his eyes shine out.
Aiden was there in a white suit accompanied by a pastel emerald bow, matching my dress. It seemed like we came as a couple but only we knew what a coincidence it was.
Either way, I had no idea this was how we would meet the next time.
“You both… know each other?” Kayla asked and we both nodded.
“네, Briefly,” I answered and he gave me a challenging look.
- Writer
