CHAPTER NINE

PARIS, WEDDING DAY (1)

For the remaining hours of that day, Mariam felt a profound loneliness. Despite their different origins, she had come to accept Leah as her sister.

The house felt emptier without her presence, and everyone began to miss her more than they expected.

Leah's decision to leave was sudden and, for some, incomprehensible. They wished she had stayed longer, healed from her traumas, and remained happy in their company. Now, with her gone, their concerns grew with each passing day, wondering how she was faring.

Meanwhile, Leah had already boarded her flight and arrived in Paris, France, after approximately twelve hours.

"Thank God for a safe flight. There was no turbulence or delays," Leah murmured, heaving a sigh of relief as she stepped into the bustling airport.

She took in her new surroundings, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Having never left her hometown in her twenty-five years, everything felt fresh and unfamiliar.

She couldn't wait to see what this new phase had in store for her. All she had to do was watch, experience, feel, and explore.

Two days prior, when she shared her plans with everyone, Mariam had helped her connect with a male friend in Paris who could assist her upon arrival and possibly provide temporary accommodation.

As she dragged her belongings towards the exit, she reached out to Smith, who answered on the second ring.

"Hello, Smith," she said, a bit skeptical about whether he would remember her. "Do you remember me? I'm Leah, Mariam's friend. I was supposed to call you once I arrived in Paris."

"Oh yes, Leah. Give me a few minutes. I'm driving to the airport to pick you up," Smith replied.

"Okay, I'll be waiting. Let me know when you get here," Leah responded.

Fifteen minutes later, Smith arrived at the airport.

Smith was a quiet and humble gentleman, always ready to help his friends. Unfortunately, many didn't reciprocate his kindness, which saddened him. A man in his early thirties with well-groomed brown hair, blooming brown eyes, tall and slightly hairy, he had a manly deep voice and a charming smile, but a bit shy.

His charms nearly captivated Leah, but she reminded herself she wasn't ready for any romantic entanglements after her recent experiences.

Smith found her beautiful but didn't want to complicate things, especially since he already had a girlfriend, Abby.

"Let me help with your bags," Smith offered politely.

"Thank you," Leah replied.

Smith carried her bags to the car and opened the door for her. "A perfect gentleman," she murmured under her breath.

Smith got in afterward and started the drive, occasionally glancing at her from the corner of his eye. He wanted to start a conversation but was unsure how to begin.

Finally, he gathered the courage to speak."Leah, right?" he asked.

"Yes, Leah," she confirmed.

"I must say, you look splendid and gorgeous," he complimented.

"Thank you," Leah replied, smiling politely.

"You're welcome. Honestly, I didn't expect you to be this gorgeous, but I know Mariam doesn't keep any unattractive friends," Smith said with a laugh.

"Yeah," Leah responded with a fake smile.

"How was your flight? No issues, right?"

"None at all. It was smooth and safe. I managed to get a lot of sleep," Leah said.

"Good. Do you think you'll still sleep tonight after all that rest?" he asked, smiling.

"I always sleep at night, even if I've slept all day. Sleep is never stingy with me," Leah replied.

"I'm jealous. How do you manage to sleep so much?" Smith asked.

"Maybe it's just nature," Leah said.

"I can barely get three or four hours of sleep. I try to stay awake all day so I can sleep at night, but it's like I'm turning into an owl," Smith complained.

"You must have a lot on your mind. Too much sleep can feel like a waste, but rest is important. If you don't take care of yourself, all that hard-earned money won't matter," Leah advised.

"A little sleep, a little slumber," Smith quoted, shaking his head with a chuckle.

"I guess I can't convince you otherwise," Leah said, laughing.

"What would you like for dinner, gorgeous?" Smith asked.

"Crepes and juice will do," Leah replied.

"Alright, let's get that before heading home. The house is a bit empty, and we might need to do some shopping tomorrow," Smith said.

"That sounds fine," Leah agreed.

After a quiet drive, they picked up some food for dinner and breakfast and then headed home.

Smith showed Leah to the guest room, which had been freshly cleaned in anticipation of her arrival.

Leah had a bath, ate, and settled in for the night, updating Mariam on her safe arrival and settling in.

*********************

Meanwhile, in the house of Alex Allison and Emily. Every hook and crannies were buzzing with their wedding preparations and in anticipation of the grand celebration.

Emily, the bride to be was the centre of it all, savoring every moment of her victory over Leah. Emily's smile widened.

" Leah thought she could take everything from me, but look who's standing here now, about to marry the man of her dreams".

Emily went upstairs, her wedding dress hung prominently as she walked into the room, made of lace and satin.

"The most perfect cloth she has ever worn".

While adjusting the veil, her mother walked in..

"Emily, you're going to look like a fairy tale in this dress, she said as she admired the gown.

"Thank you mother, I've dreamed of this day for so long. Everything has to be perfect".

" It will be, I will make sure of that"... her mother assured. " you deserve it all".

Emily's expression darkened momentarily

"Leah tried to ruin everything, but she underestimated me. She thought she can keep Alex from me, but he was mine all along".

"I hope she doesn't show her face around here anymore".... her mother chimed in.

"I hope so too, or she will get crushed this time"...

" Let me go to the kitchen and look around, this wedding has to be flawless"... her mother said.