Chapter 1230 Wedding Date
Kaylee, busy with her tasks, barely glanced up and offered a distracted agreement. "Yes, yes, of course Mr. Randy Langley treats Miss Reed the best."
Only then did Stella beam with satisfaction as she led Randy away.
"Randy, will you be performing piano at Hannah and Charles's wedding?"
"There will be piano music, but not by me."
Stella frowned. "Why not?"
"It's their day—they're the stars. I'm just the best man. If I performed, I'd be stealing their thunder. Besides, I'll have my hands full with other duties."
"Oh!" Stella nodded in understanding, then continued, "When are you getting fitted for your groomsman suit? I need to try on my bridesmaid dress too."
Randy guided her to the sofa, his voice gentle. "Now that the venue's sorted, I'm free whenever you'd like."
Stella's eyes lit up. "Tomorrow then! If we don't find anything perfect, we can try multiple places."
Randy never refused her requests. "I'll have Alan arrange everything."
"Perfect!"
Stella sank back into the sofa with pure contentment, spreading her arms wide and stretching her legs out straight. With her eyes closed and a blissful sigh, she was the picture of complete relaxation.
"I've missed you so much these past few days. I was terrified you were still angry with me."
Randy's eyes flickered as he asked with calculated casualness, "Do I really mean that much to you?"
Stella's response was immediate and unwavering. "Of course you do!"
Randy's smile began to form, only to falter at her next words.
"You're my cousin—of course I care about you!"
Randy fell silent.
On the other side of the sofa, Charles and Hannah were lost in their own intimate world. Charles had lifted Hannah's legs onto his lap, his long fingers working in practiced, rhythmic motions as he massaged them.
"How are you feeling today?"
Hannah lay back with her eyes closed, clearly enjoying the attention. "Exhausted. I had no idea weddings involved so much work—it feels endless!"
Charles's voice was soothing. "Just a little longer. Once the ceremony's over, we'll take that world tour we talked about."
Hannah shook her head firmly. "Not with this growing belly! I don't want to travel far. Let's wait until after the baby arrives."
Charles smiled and nodded. "Whatever you want, darling."
Listening to their conversation, Stella suddenly sat up with excitement. "Hannah, I'm going dress shopping with Randy tomorrow—come with us! With so many people handling wedding details, they won't miss you for one day."
Hannah's eyes sparkled at the prospect of escape, and she nodded eagerly. "Yes! I've been dying to get out. I've been cooped up in this house since I got back—I'm going stir-crazy!"
Charles gave her leg a gentle pat. "Don't say things like that—it's bad luck."
Stella rolled her eyes. "Since when are you superstitious, Charles?"
"I'm being cautious! It's my child, not yours—of course you don't understand."
Stella gave him an exaggerated eye roll and decided not to engage further.
Charles looked concerned. "Actually, I should come with you. I don't like the idea of Hannah going out without me."
Stella waved dismissively. "Fine by me! An extra opinion never hurts."
And so it was settled. Randy sent Alan a message to arrange the dress fittings.
When Maximilian, Carol, and Kaleb arrived at Sunshine Manor, Kaylee had just finished preparing dinner. After the extended family shared their meal and spent time catching up, Maximilian, Carol, Kaleb, and Stella returned to their hotel.
Following a rejuvenating night's sleep, Stella rose early and headed to Sunshine Manor to collect Hannah, Charles, and Randy. The four of them were chauffeured to the bridal boutique, with Charles taking the passenger seat while Randy sat in back with Hannah and Stella.
The atmosphere was light and cheerful until Hannah suddenly asked, "Stella, how are things with Emeric? You haven't updated me on your progress lately."
The question plunged the confined space into an ominous silence. Charles glanced at Randy through the rearview mirror, while Randy's expression remained impassive, his downcast eyes concealing his emotions.
Stella, who had completely forgotten about Emeric since arriving in Sunset Bay, was jolted back to reality. She immediately leaned close to Hannah's ear, whispering so only they could hear, "I have a boyfriend now."
Hannah's eyes widened in disbelief. "You actually won him over?"
Stella nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! Mission accomplished!"
Hannah couldn't suppress a delighted squeal. "Stella, you're amazing!" Then, remembering something important, she leaned closer and whispered urgently, "I just want to say—make sure you always put yourself first, okay? Don't feel like you have to do anything unless you're really in love and totally ready. Honestly, I'm glad I kept things super innocent with Austin. We never even kissed, and I don't regret it at all. Maybe I'm just being a bit protective, but can you promise me you'll take things slow? Don't rush into sleeping with him!"
Such frank talk didn't embarrass Stella in the least. Instead, she began tickling Hannah playfully. "What are you saying! Do you think I'm that easy? Marriage has certainly made you bold with your advice!"
Hannah laughed and squirmed away. "I'm just looking out for you!"
Their laughter filled the car, gradually dispelling the earlier tension. Randy remained silent throughout the exchange. Though the girls had whispered, he caught enough fragments to piece together the general content.
It seemed things had progressed significantly between them. Good. This was good. Stella was getting what she wanted.
Soon they arrived at the bridal boutique. Hannah first showed Stella her wedding gown—a masterpiece created by the world's most renowned bridal designer at Charles's request.
The dress was palatial in its grandeur, crafted from the finest silk and delicate lace. The neckline was adorned with pearls and scattered diamonds, while the skirt featured exquisite embroidered patterns that elevated the gown to extraordinary heights.
Even hanging in the wardrobe, it was breathtakingly beautiful.
Stella stared in wonder. "It's absolutely stunning. I can only imagine how gorgeous you'll look wearing it."
Hannah smiled. "Why shouldn't you have something just as beautiful? You could commission this same designer—he creates unique gowns based on each bride's individual style."
Stella clasped her hands together dreamily. "God, now I'm dying to get married!"
Hannah draped an arm around her shoulders. "Don't rush into anything! Never marry just for the sake of being married. Find someone who loves you as much as you love them, or you'll regret it forever."
Stella placed a hand over her heart solemnly. "Don't worry—that was just momentary wedding fever! I won't settle for just anyone. The man I marry will have to love me completely, just like Charles loves you."
She had witnessed their entire love story unfold and knew the depth of Charles's devotion to Hannah. That was what she envied most about her friend's relationship—and what she hoped to find for herself one day.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
