Chapter 2

Four Years Ago.

Jessica’s mom, Olivia, stood behind her in the full length mirror, her face glowing with joy and pride for her daughter. Today was her wedding day.

“I’m so happy for you, dear.” Olivia said to her. “You look so beautiful that I’m sure your groom may not be able to recognize you.”

“Thank you so much, mom,” Jessica said, “and I’m really grateful for all your help. I wouldn’t have been able to handle all the stress of preparing for this wedding, alone. I’m so glad you’re here with me.”

“Come on, you’re my daughter. This is the least I could do for you.”

“Did dad call you?” Jessica asked.

“No, he didn’t. I told you that man couldn’t be trusted. He has never kept his word and I don’t think he is going to keep it now.”

“I thought that perhaps, just this once, he could fulfill his promise of coming to his own daughter’s wedding,” Jessica said quietly.

“Come on dear,” Olivia said, “this is supposed to be the happiest day of your life. Don’t let that spoil your perfect day. You’ve got a good man who loves you dearly and would stand beside you for the rest of your life.”

“I just wish that he, instead of uncle Tom, will be the one to walk me down the aisle.”

Alice drew her daughter close to her and placed Jessica’s head on her bosom.

“It’s alright. You’re not going to make the same mistake I did. Liam is a good man. His love will make you forget all the pain your dad has caused us.”

Jessica’s face brightened up.

“Alright, let’s get going,” Olivia continued, “let’s not keep your groom waiting.”

Jessica stood up straight from the stool she was sitting on. She admired herself in her flowing low-cut, v-neck wedding gown. The dress hugged her body, accentuating her shape and ample breasts.

“I bet that is the first thing that attracted Lance to you,” Alice said referring to Jessica’s breasts when she caught Jessica angling her body in a way that showed off her heavy bosom.

“Mom!” Jessica said, embarrassed at having been caught. 

“Well, that is one quality the women in our family have been blessed with. Have you seen your sister’s? She certainly got too much of the ‘boob gene’,” Alice said amidst laughter.

“She certainly did,” Jessica said while laughing hysterically.

“What are you two going on about?” Bella said entering the room. “We are going to be late.”

Bella was Jessica’s younger sister. She was her bridesmaid today. Dressed in a seamless purple gown with a matching fascinator, she looked charming. 

“Everyone else is ready and waiting,” Bella continued.

“We were just coming downstairs, dear,” Alice said.

They went downstairs and joined the few relatives present to board the cars to convey them to the wedding venue.

Meanwhile at the wedding venue, Mr. Robert Wilson was giving last minute fatherly advice to his son, Liam.

“Liam, you know ladies wear their heart on their sleeves,” Mr. Wilson  said, “so you’ve got to be mindful of the words you use with your wife.”

“They are always right, even when they are clearly wrong. Just say sorry. That is the key to a happy marriage,” Mr. Wilson continued.

Liam was hardly listening. His attention was drawn to a lady sitting on the front pew. 

Is that who I think it is, he thought to himself. 

It was Gwen, no doubt, his ex. 

What is she doing here? And who invited her?

Gwen caught him staring at her. She smiled at him and blew him a kiss. 

Liam quickly averted his eyes.

This girl is going to be trouble.

“Son, are you listening?” Mr. Wilson asked, bringing him back from his wandering thoughts. 

“Yes dad,” he said, “I hear you loud and clear.”

“Alright, the ceremony will start soon. I’m sure Jessica and her family are on their way,” his dad said. 

“Yes, they should be here soon. Dad, please give me a minute. I need to speak to Eric, my groomsman.”

He moved to where his best friend, Eric, busily chatting with some ladies, was. 

“I’ll be back, pretty ladies,” Eric said as Liam pulled him aside.

“We got a problem, bro,” Liam said.

“What is it?” Eric asked.

“Gwen is here,” Liam said.

“Gwen!” Eric exclaimed.

“Shush! Keep your voice down.”

“Where is she? What are you going to do? Has she tried talking to you?” Eric barraged him with questions. 

“You know the history between her and Jessica, your soon-to-be wife. Jessica will not be happy seeing her here,” Eric added.

“Don’t you think I know that? That is why I called you. What are we going to do?” Liam quizzed. 

“Well we can’t ask her to leave. She might cause a scene. You know how explosive and irrational she can be,” Eric said.

“That’s true. I’m going to pretend that I haven’t seen her. Yeah, that should work.”

“Yeah, don’t let her mess with your day,” Eric said.

“But she’s looking so hot, though,” Liam said.

“What the heck, man! This is supposed to be your wedding day,” Eric said, scolding him.

“I know. I know. Sorry.”

“You better get your head in the head in the right place.”

They walked back into the auditorium. Just then, it was announced that the bridal team had arrived. The ceremony was about to commence. 

“Great, they are here,” Eric said. “Let’s get ready.”

It was announced for everyone to stand as the bride walked down the aisle. Uncle Tom, affectionately called by everyone, walked Jessica down the aisle in the stead of her dad.

The vows were said and rings exchanged. 

To love and to cherish, until death do us part. Liam wondered if he’ll be able to keep this promise. 

“See, that was easy. Just smile and get through with it, man,” Eric whispered to Liam. 

Liam nodded.

Then came the time to take pictures.

“Come take a picture with your old man,” Mr. Wilson, Liam’s dad, said to Jessica.

“Alright, Mr. Wilson.”

Meanwhile, Liam kept looking around to see if he’ll see his ex Gwen. Someone suddenly tugged at his suit. He looked around. Talk of the devil. It was Gwen!

“Hello, sweetheart,” she said, “congratulations to you.”

“Thank you,” Liam said,  gazing into her clear blue eyes, his heart suddenly racing. 

Gwen still had that effect on him. Gwen knew it and continued pulling his strings.

Feeling his arms and biceps, Gwen said, “You look handsome in your suit.” 

What was wrong with this girl? Can’t she see Jessica close by? Liam thought. 

“Erm, you look beauti… nice as well,” he stammered.

“Can I have a picture with the handsome groom?”

“Sure,” Liam said, groaning inwardly. 

With her arms around his waist, Gwen posed for a few pics with Liam. Jessica saw this and walked towards them.

Surprisingly calm and with a composed face, Jessica said to Gwen, “I didn’t know you came for the wedding.”

“Oh, yeah. I came to congratulate you and wish you the best.”

“Well, thank you,” Jessica said.

“It’s time for the group picture, Liam. Are you coming?”

“Yes, sweetheart. I’ll be with you shortly,” Liam replied.

Jessica returned to the group.

Liam turned to face Gwen, “I don’t know why you came, but you shouldn’t be here!”

“What? I can’t come to my ex-boyfriend’s wedding?” Gwen countered.

Liam shook his head and turned to leave. Gwen grabbed his arm and swooped in for a hug. 

“See you around soon, teddy bear,” she whispered sensually in his ear, secretly squeezing his butt. 

The act, however, didn’t escape the watchful eyes of Bella, Jessica’s sister and bridesmaid. She caught the eyes of Liam, shook her head and walked towards her sister, Jessica.