Another's Happiness

"What if I mess up my vows, Evie?" Victoria's voice trembled slightly as she spoke, her hands betraying her nerves.

Evelyn, standing behind her friend, gazed at their reflection in the ornate mirror. She placed a reassuring hand on Victoria's shoulders. "You'll be amazing, Vicky. Just believe in yourself."

Victoria took a deep breath, her brown eyes fluttering shut. "It's really my wedding," she whispered, still in disbelief.

Evelyn chuckled softly. "I can hardly wrap my head around it either. I'm so happy for you."

"Do you have the ring?" Victoria inquired, and Evelyn nodded. "I will never let you down on your big day."

"I know," Victoria replied, releasing a shaky breath. "I'm just so anxious. What if I trip and embarrass myself? What if I mess up and Shaun thinks this marriage is a mistake?"

"Take a breath," Evelyn interrupted gently. "You're just overthinking, Vicky."

"Shaun adores you, and that guy looks at you like you're the brightest star in the sky," Victoria giggled at that.

"That's not true,".

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "Today is your special day, so I'll let that slide." They both laughed. "You'll be amazing, and I'll be right by your side, okay?"

Victoria nodded, a smile breaking through her nerves. "Thank you for being my best friend," she said, pulling her into a warm embrace.

"I wouldn't change you for the world" Evelyn whispered back, holding her tightly.

"You look stunning, dear," a voice chimed in, causing the two friends to part and see Victoria's mother standing at the door.

"Mother," the bride breathed, rushing to embrace her. Her mother lovingly stroked her cheek. "I'm so proud of you, my darling," she said, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I wish you all the happiness in the world."

"Mother..." Victoria's voice wavered, tears welling in her eyes. Her mother shook her head. "Don't mess up your makeup, baby."

A cough broke the tender moment as her uncle stepped forward. "They're waiting for the bride." Victoria turned to Evelyn with a grateful smile. "Thank you."

Evelyn shook her head. "No need for thanks."

The bride took her uncle's arm and stepped outside, her heart racing with excitement. Her mother reached out to Evelyn, saying, "Let's go, sweetheart." 

Evelyn beamed as she took her hand, and the woman returned the smile, saying, "You look absolutely stunning, Eve. Thank you for being here." 

"Thank you, Aunt," Evelyn replied warmly.

 The wedding venue was a stunning spectacle, adorned with elegant white and black roses, while round tables draped in matching colors filled the expansive hall.

Evelyn beamed as she watched the couple adorably stumble through their vows, their hands trembling slightly as they exchanged rings.

"You look stunning, Evelyn," Aiden's voice broke into her reverie, and she turned to him, her eyes sparkling as he settled into the seat beside her. "You clean up pretty well, Aiden."

He flashed a playful grin, his eyes glimmering with mischief. "Is that meant to be a compliment?"

She shrugged, adjusting her dress, and Aiden's gaze sharpened at her movement.

"I didn't realize you dressed like that," he commented, glancing at her dress. "Vicky picked it out for me," she replied.

For the occasion, her friend had chosen a light pink, knee-length dress that hugged her curves perfectly, with an off-shoulder neckline that showcased her delicate neck and collarbones. Her wavy brown hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her face was fresh, save for a touch of brown eyeshadow that accentuated her doe-like eyes and a glossy lipstick that added a hint of allure.

Evelyn pouted, "Do I look weird?"

Aiden hurriedly shook his head. "No... umm... You look..." he hesitated, his eyes flitting around nervously, "...beautiful."

She bit her lip and turned her gaze back to the couple, trying to conceal her flushed cheeks just as the officiant declared them married.

The guests erupted in applause as the couple shared a kiss, wrapping their arms around each other joyfully. Evelyn stole a glance at Aiden, who was intently watching them, and her heart tightened as she recognized the flicker of jealousy in his eyes.

"They look amazing," she murmured to him, catching Shaun's gaze and smiling back at him as he grinned playfully, his hand possessively resting on Victoria's waist while the guests congratulated them.

Aiden replied softly, "They do. I'm really happy for them," as if he needed to reassure himself of the truth.

They both rose to join the couple for photos, laughter and smiles echoing throughout the hall. Evelyn bit her lip, diverting her eyes as she noticed the way Shaun and Aiden stared at Victoria and she squeezed her eyes shut, wishing the envy in her heart would dissipate.

"Will you dance with me?" she jumped slightly as Aiden took her hand, guiding her toward the dance floor.

He tenderly rested his hands on her waist, and she wrapped her arms around his neck as they swayed gently to the rhythm of the music. 

Evelyn's heart raced as he pulled her closer, his grip firm yet reassuring, and she closed her eyes, surrendering to his lead. 

"This is nice" she murmured, catching the soft hum that escaped his lips. But when she opened her eyes, she noticed his attention had drifted elsewhere. Turning her head, her heart sank at the sight of Victoria, laughing as her husband pressed kisses along her neck, lost in their own world.

With a heavy heart, Evelyn pushed him away gently. "My feet feels sore. I think I need to sit down." She ignored the look of confusion on his face as she made her way to her seat, blinking back tears that threatened to spill.

For the remainder of the wedding, she forced a smile, acutely aware of the scrutinizing gazes that followed her every move. Any misstep could end up in the tabloids, leading to a flurry of gossip and speculation.

Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, she took a sip from her wine glass. "This is sweet," she murmured, feeling a wave of suffocation wash over her. She longed for her Old man, who was caught up in a meeting. Senior Lawson would have known just how to lift her spirits, and a fond smile crept onto her face at the thought of him.

Avoiding Aiden for the rest of the evening, she settled into a corner of the hall, silently wishing for the universe to bestow a bit of happiness upon her.

"Just a little happiness would be greatly appreciated," she whispered, her ears filled with the music, her gaze lingering on the couple with a deep sense of yearning.