Chapter 303

Serena’s POV

I watched Maya twirl in front of the mirror one last time before we signed the final paperwork.

I adjusted her veil, fighting back tears. "You look breathtaking."

“So,” Claudia asked as she carefully folded Maya’s wedding gown into its box, “when’s the big day?”

“Next week,” Maya said lightly, as if she hadn’t just dropped a grenade into the room.

I nearly choked on my champagne. “I’m sorry—what? Next week? As in seven days from now?”

Maya grinned, completely unapologetic. “Why wait? We found the perfect venue and they had a cancellation. The stars aligned, Serena. Besides, you and Ryan are already in London, my parents can fly in, and—”

“And you’re insane,” I finished for her, though I was smiling.

This was Maya. Impulsive. Passionate. Once she decided something, the world simply had to keep up.

The next seven days disappeared in a blur.

Maya and I flew back to New York the morning after our shopping trip, leaving the men behind to deal with business. We had exactly five days to gather everything before heading back to London for the final preparations.

“Do you think I’m crazy?” Maya asked during the flight, twisting her engagement ring around her finger, the diamond catching the light. “Planning a wedding in a week?”

I squeezed her hand. “Completely. But if anyone can pull this off, it’s you.”

“And you,” she said softly. “I’d be lost without my maid of honor.”

I meant it when I smiled.

The wedding day dawned bright and clear—a small miracle for London. I helped Maya into her dress, my hands trembling slightly as I zipped her up.

“You’re beautiful,” I whispered, adjusting her veil.

Her eyes shone. “Do you think Ethan will like it?”

“He’ll love it,” I said. “Because it’s you.”

"Don’t you dare cry," Maya warned, her own eyes glistening. "If you start, I’ll start, and then my makeup will be ruined."

"No crying," I promised, dabbing carefully at my eye corners. "Just... I’m so happy for you."

"Your parents are already seated," I said, peeking through the doorway of our preparation room. The Carters had flown in from New York just yesterday, Mrs. Carter fussing over every detail despite the short notice. "Your dad looks like he might burst with pride."

Maya took a deep breath. "And Ryan?"

"Front row, looking devastatingly handsome and checking his watch every thirty seconds," I laughed. "Though whether he’s anxious for the ceremony to start or just impatient to get to the reception bar, I can’t tell."

"Liar. That man only has eyes for you." Maya squeezed my hand. "Thank you for being here. For everything."

The music began, my cue to head down the aisle first. I smoothed my emerald dress, took a breath, and stepped out.

Walking slowly down the flower-strewn path, I caught Ryan’s eye immediately. His gaze was intense, tracking my every movement, that now-familiar heat in his eyes making my skin tingle despite the hundred guests surrounding us. When I reached my position, I turned to watch Maya’s entrance.

The collective gasp when she appeared was everything a bride could hope for. Ethan’s face transformed with pure joy as she walked toward him, her father beaming beside her. I spotted Mrs. Carter already dabbing at her eyes with an embroidered handkerchief.

"Dearly beloved," the officiant began, his voice carrying clearly across the hushed garden.

The ceremony was personal and moving, with vows they’d written themselves. Maya’s voice shook slightly as she promised to "always be your biggest supporter, your harshest critic when you need one, and your safe harbor in every storm." Ethan pledged to "choose you, every day, in every way, for all our days."

I wasn’t the only one wiping away tears by the time they exchanged rings. Ryan caught my eye during the vows, his expression unreadable but intense. I wondered what he was thinking, if he was remembering our own wedding, so different from this joyful celebration.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the officiant declared. "You may kiss the bride!"

The guests erupted in cheers as Ethan swept Maya into a passionate kiss. Rice and rose petals showered down as they ran back down the aisle, laughing and ducking under the colorful storm.

The reception that followed was magical—tables adorned with wildflowers and candles, champagne flowing freely, and a band playing everything from classic standards to current hits. Maya’s father gave a touching speech that had everyone reaching for their napkins again, and Ethan’s best man had us all howling with laughter at stories from their college days.

"Dance with me?" Ryan appeared at my side, hand extended, as the band shifted to a slow, romantic melody.

I slipped my hand into his. "Always."

He pulled me close, one hand at the small of my back, our bodies moving in perfect sync.

"You’re a vision in that dress," he murmured against my ear. "I’ve been wanting to get you alone all day."

I laughed softly. "Behave yourself. This is Maya’s day."

"And yet I can’t stop looking at you." His fingers traced the exposed skin of my back. "Reminds me of our wedding day."

I tensed slightly. Our wedding had been a lavish but cold affair, arranged more than chosen. "This is nothing like our wedding."

"No," he agreed, surprising me. "This is what ours should have been. Full of love, joy, friends. I’m sorry it wasn’t."

The unexpected apology caught me off guard. Before I could respond, the music changed and Maya pulled me away for an impromptu dance circle with her college friends.

The celebration continued well into the evening. I was returning from helping Maya with a bustle issue on her dress when I noticed something odd—a server I didn’t recognize arguing with a security guard near a side entrance. Something about his stiff posture set off warning bells.

I scanned the room, spotting Ryan deep in conversation with some business associates. Ethan was cutting the cake with Maya, both laughing as they fed each other tiny bites.

That’s when I saw him. Edward Quinn slipping through a service door, his expression disturbingly focused. Before I could even process why he’d be here, I saw the unmistakable outline of a gun partially concealed beneath his jacket.

My blood ran cold. He was moving with purpose toward the small stage where Maya and Ethan were now preparing for their first dance as husband and wife.

"Ryan!" I tried to call out, but my voice was drowned by the music and chatter.

Edward’s face contorted with rage as he watched Maya kiss Ethan. His hand moved to his jacket, pulling out the gun.

There was no time to think. I kicked off my heels and ran, pushing through dancing guests, my emerald dress flowing behind me like a stream of water.

"Maya! Ethan!" I screamed as I reached the stage, just as Edward raised his arm.

Without hesitation, I lunged forward, shoving them both sideways. In that split second, I saw Ryan’s head whip around, his expression shifting from confusion to horror as he spotted Edward.

The gun went off with a deafening crack that seemed to freeze time itself. Screams erupted as guests scattered. I felt a strange, burning sensation, then nothing at all as the world tilted sideways.

The last thing I saw was Ryan running toward me, his mouth forming my name, his eyes wild with fear.

Then everything went black.