Beauty of wilted leaf

chapter 4

As Freya gazed upon the grand and dreamy wedding stage adorned with cloudy decorations, a heavenly ambiance enveloped the scene. The lights on the props added a magical touch, creating a picturesque setting. Despite her past regrets, Freya's heart swelled with genuine happiness for her friend Laura. A gentle smile adorned her face as she thought about Laura's seemingly wiser choices.

Turning to Adoria, she expressed her sincere desire, "Adoria, I want to attend your marriage too. Make it as soon as possible." The words carried a hint of hope and a longing for a future celebration filled with joy and love.

Entering the bride's room located behind the wedding stage, Adoria took the lead as the groom and bride's family prepared for rituals. Fatigued yet radiating happiness, their faces told a story of the bustling wedding preparations. Adoria initiated the door opening, while Freya stood behind, a trace of nervousness mingling with her curiosity as they stepped into the intimate space where the final preparations were unfolding.

“ Adoria, don't tell me you failed to bring that b***h today!” Bride Laura's voice, a mix of anger and gentle love, echoed through the room as Adoria and Freya entered. The mention of a past friend brought forth a rush of nostalgic memories for Freya. It had been eight years since she left the university and her friends, yet Laura's words carried the weight of unresolved history. The mixture of emotions flooded Freya's mind, a reminder of the enduring bond and patience her friends had shown over the years.

Laura, adorned in her white dress and veil, caught a glimpse of a familiar face behind Adoria. The unexpected presence made her day, evoking a happiness that surpassed even her own wedding. Tears welled up in her eyes as she exclaimed, "You damn Freya, I hate you," the words laced with both joy and jest. Adoria laughed, understanding the underlying affection, and playfully dragged Freya further inside the room, marking the beginning of a momentous celebration.

Freya's smile masked the emotions brewing within; her eyes, tinged with redness, hinted at the tears she held back. Determined not to mar the beauty of her friend's day, she hugged Laura with care. "You look beautiful in this dress, Laura," Freya complimented, presenting a small gift box. However, Laura, with a playful slap on Freya's hand, exclaimed, "All I need is your presence, not your silly gift." The exchange, a blend of sincerity and teasing, added a touch of warmth to the celebration.

After the heartfelt moments in the bride's room, Adoria and Freya returned to their seats, now proudly occupying the first row. Despite getting scolded and playfully nagged by the bride, Freya couldn't help but smile at the thought of Laura's demand for good wedding pictures. The shift from the last row to the front symbolised not just a change in seating but a newfound camaraderie and shared joy within the celebration and the fear for Laura's voice.

As Laura, dressed in a radiant white gown and veil, exchanged vows with David, the love between them became the focal point of the ceremony. The gentle hues of the lights on the props added a magical touch, casting a warm glow over the entire celebration.

Rituals and traditions were carried out with grace, and the couple's families, despite the fatigue, radiated happiness. Laura's strong and joyful voice echoed during the vows, creating an emotional atmosphere that left a lasting impression on the attendees.

In the end, as Laura and David sealed their union with a kiss, the entire hall erupted in applause, marking the beginning of their journey together. The wedding was a harmonious blend of love, laughter, and shared moments, leaving everyone with cherished memories of a beautiful celebration.

Amidst the joyous celebration, as the newlyweds, Laura and David, went to cut their wedding cake, everyone gathered around, eagerly anticipating the sweet moment. However, unnoticed by all, including Adoria, engrossed in the festivities, Freya was conspicuously absent.Her absence, a silent void amidst the revelry, went unnoticed in the whirlwind of joy and party.

"It's been awhile, Freya," the familiar voice echoed, sending tremors through her being. The voice, an unwelcome echo from the past, held the power to immobilise her with a single breath. As the realisation set in, Freya stood there like a stone, grappling with the resurgence of memories tied to the man she had once loved naively and subsequently been heartbreakingly dumped by.

The approaching footsteps of a man wearing shoes sent shivers down Freya's spine. Her pale face betrayed nervousness and anxiety, as she struggled to maintain a facade of normalcy. Attempting to act as if everything was fine proved challenging, and her legs, weakened by the flood of emotions, threatened to betray her attempts at composure.

"Why are you here?" Freya asked, her voice lacking the usual bravado yet managing to maintain a semblance of composure. Despite not wanting to see his face, she stood there without turning back. The man, with a prideful and teasing approach, looked down on her, creating an uneasy dynamic that hung in the air between them. The encounter carried the weight of unresolved history and unspoken emotions."Don't you miss me? I am so sorry to leave you like that, Freya," he told her with a grin on his face. Freya, still refusing to look at him directly, could discern the expression on his face solely from his tone. The apologetic yet self-satisfied words carried a weight that stirred a mixture of emotions within her, reopening a chapter she thought she had closed.

"Obnoxious" Freya mumbled under her breath. His loud laughter rang through the air, casting an uncomfortable light on the scene. The irony of her being painted as the one suffering and bearing the blame, despite his lack of truthfulness in the relationship, made Freya appear vulnerable. Once a prideful figure at Dynamite University, she now stood there, grappling with the shadows of her past.