Chapter One Hundred And Twenty

Chapter 120

The Valerian estate was a flurry of motion two mornings before the wedding. The air hummed with anticipation, though a palpable tension hung over everyone. Staff moved with urgency, decorators fine-tuned every detail, and the sound of distant drills hinted at Marcus’s insistence on reinforcing security measures.

Jemima sat in her private sitting room, her emerald rehearsal dress from the day before hanging nearby. She clutched a steaming cup of coffee, staring out the large bay window. Below, the gardens were alive with activity, but Jemima's focus was elsewhere. Her phone rested on the armrest, her thumb hovering over the screen. She debated calling Mancini’s number, even though she knew it was a terrible idea.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Ava stepped in, carrying a small box tied with a silver ribbon.

“You look like you haven’t slept,” Ava said, placing the box on the table.

“Well it’s because I actually haven’t,” Jemima admitted, her tone sharp as she set the cup down. “Mancini’s call… it’s been looping in my head. He’s out there, Ava. Watching us, waiting for the right moment to strike.”

Jemima was cranky and she knew it but Ava did not deserve that.

She sighed warily, “I’m sorry I snapped Ava. I’m just cranky and nervous.”

Ava crossed the room and perched on the armrest of Jemima’s chair. “I understand what you’re going through my darling little sister but don’t you see, that’s exactly what he wants. He’s trying to get into your head. Don’t let him. We’ve got Marcus, Jay, and every guard within a hundred miles on alert. This is your day, Jem. He’s not taking that from you.”

Jemima managed a small smile. “I wish I had your confidence.”

Ava smirked, reaching for the box. “That’s what sisters are for. Now, open this. Consider it a distraction.”

Jemima untied the ribbon, lifting the lid to reveal a delicate bracelet adorned with emerald stones and tiny diamonds.

“It’s beautiful,” Jemima whispered, running her fingers over the cool metal.

“It’s a little something to remind you of what matters,” Ava said softly. “Family. Love. The things Mancini can’t touch, no matter how hard he tries.”

Jemima slipped the bracelet onto her wrist and pulled Ava into a hug.

“Oh Ava, what would I do without you?” Jemima asked but it was a rhetorical question and she didn’t expect Ava to answer.

“Well, I guess we’ll never find out,” Ava soothed as she patted her back.

“Ava?” Jemima called out to her as she pulled away from the embrace before sitting back down with Ava joining her.

“Yes, Jem?”

“I know this might be out of place but I need to know, am I wrong for missing Vanessa? I mean for what’s it worth, she is… was my best friend. We’ve spent all our lives together. She was supposed to be my maid of honor at my wedding and I at hers. Is it wrong for me to still miss her and wish she was here with me? To know her side of the story? Is it wrong that I still feel her presence? Is it wrong that I feel guilty and I might never know if Jon truly killed her or if she vanished?” Jemima inquired, the flurry of questions pouring out of her like a bag punctured and letting out all its content.

Ava sighed deeply and took Jemima’s hands in hers. Not knowing how to respond. She knew just how deep their friendship ran and she didn’t want to say anything.

“It’s not wrong to feel all those things Jem. Your feelings are valid,” was the only thing Ava said as she drew closer to Jemima and placed her arm around her sister’s neck.

They stayed in that position for a while, each of them engrossed in their thoughts.

Later that morning, the Valerian siblings and Jay gathered in the study. The blueprint of the estate was once again spread across the desk, now littered with updated annotations and notes.

“We’ve added extra guards along the eastern perimeter,” Marcus began, pointing to the map. “It’s the most secluded area, and I don’t want to take any chances.”

Jay nodded. “I’ve also got my men stationed at key points. They’re blending in with the staff to avoid drawing attention.”

“What about Mancini’s men from last night?” Jemima asked.

“We’ve confirmed they’re still in the area,” Marcus said grimly. “They’re keeping their distance, but it’s clear they’re monitoring us.”

Jemima clenched her fists. “He’s playing games. Waiting for us to slip up.”

“That’s why we won’t,” Marcus said firmly. “Every guest is being vetted, and we’re running background checks on every vendor and staff member.”

“Speaking of guests, has Alan and Dimitri been sent an invitation?” Jemima asked, looking up at Ava who slightly nodded.

“Did they respond?”

Jay glanced at Jemima. He knew she was scared and needed more familiar faces around especially since Vanessa was not going to be there. “Not yet but we will get through this. Mancini might think he’s untouchable, but he’s underestimated us before. He won’t get away with it this time.”

By mid-afternoon, the preparations were in full swing. Jemima wandered into the gardens, seeking a moment of solitude. The scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers filled the air, and the sound of birds chirping provided a brief respite from her worries.

She found herself near the ceremony site, where the chairs were now arranged as she had instructed. The archway stood tall, draped in greenery, and dotted with white roses.

“It’s beautiful,” Jay’s voice came from behind her.

Jemima turned to see him walking toward her, his hands in his pockets.

“I thought you’d be with Marcus,” she said.

“I needed a break,” Jay admitted, stopping beside her. “And I figured you might need one too.”

Jemima nodded, her gaze returning to the archway. “It’s hard to believe that in two days, we’ll be standing there. Married.”

Jay reached for her hand, lacing his fingers with hers. “I’ve been looking forward to this day since the moment I met you.”

Jemima smiled, leaning her head against his shoulder. For a moment, the weight of their situation seemed to fade.

But the peace was short-lived.

As they walked back toward the house, Marcus appeared, his expression grim.

“We’ve got a problem,” he said.

Jemima’s stomach sank. “What now?”

“One of our guards found this near the eastern gate,” Marcus said, holding up a small, black envelope.

Jemima took the envelope, her hands trembling slightly as she opened it. Inside was a single piece of paper with a chilling message:

‘You can’t protect everyone. See you tomorrow.’

Jemima’s breath caught. She handed the note to Jay, who read it with a dark expression.

“He’s taunting us,” Jay said, his voice low and dangerous.

Marcus nodded. “It’s a warning. He’s trying to scare us into making a mistake.”

Jemima straightened her shoulders, forcing herself to stay calm. “Then we don’t give him the satisfaction. We stay vigilant and follow the plan.”

That evening, as the household settled into a tense quiet, Ava knocked on Jemima’s door, a laptop in hand.

“I found something,” Ava said, closing the door behind her.

Jemima sat up straighter. “What is it?”

Ava opened the laptop, showing Jemima a series of emails. “I’ve been going through the guest list, and I found a name that didn’t check out. It’s one of Mancini’s aliases.”

Jemima’s heart raced. “He’s planning to attend the wedding?”

“It’s possible,” Ava said. “But I don’t think he’d risk exposing himself. My guess is he’s sending someone in his place.”

“Can we identify them?”

“I’m working on it,” Ava said. “But it’s tricky. Whoever this is, they’re good at covering their tracks.”

Jemima nodded, her mind racing. “We need to tighten security even more. No one gets in without clearance.”

The night before the wedding, as the clock struck midnight, Jemima stood on the balcony of her room, looking out over the estate. The fairy lights twinkled in the distance, and the cool night air was a welcome relief.

Jay joined her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

“Tomorrow’s the big day,” he said softly.

Jemima leaned back against him. “It feels surreal.”

Jay pressed a kiss to her temple. “No matter what happens, we’ll face it together.”

Jemima nodded, closing her eyes. For the first time in days, she allowed herself to feel a glimmer of hope.

The morning of the wedding, The sun rose over the Valerian estate, casting a golden glow over the gardens. The decorators worked tirelessly, putting the final touches on the ceremony site. Guests began to arrive, their laughter and chatter filling the air.

Jemima stood in her room, hoping to see if Alan or Dimitri would show up while Ava and the hairdresser fussed over her. Her wedding dress—a masterpiece of silk and lace—hung on a mannequin nearby.

“You’re going to be the most beautiful bride,” Ava said, her voice full of pride.

Jemima smiled, but her mind was elsewhere. Mancini’s threat loomed over her like a dark cloud, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to happen.

“Stop worrying,” Ava said, reading her expression. “Everything is under control.”

Jemima nodded, though she wasn’t convinced.

As the guests took their seats, Jemima stood at the edge of the garden, her arm linked with Marcus’s. The music began to play, and she took a deep breath.

“This is it,” Marcus said, giving her a reassuring smile.

Jemima nodded, stepping forward. The aisle stretched before her, lined with petals and illuminated by soft sunlight. At the end stood Jay, his gaze locked on hers.

As she walked, her heart swelled with love and determination. This was her moment, and no one—not even Mancini—would take it from her.

But as she reached the halfway point, a sudden commotion near the entrance drew everyone’s attention. Jemima froze, her pulse racing as Marcus stepped in front of her protectively.

Jay’s eyes narrowed, and he stepped forward, his hand subtly moving toward the concealed weapon at his side.

The guests murmured, tension rippling through the crowd.

And then, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows, his lips curling into a sinister smile.

Mancini.