Braelyn’s POV

After the quiet funeral, life fell back into rhythm. Lucien and I were still taking things slowly. He really helped me out of my darkest times, and it truly puzzled me how he was able to balance our relationship and work.

He was still swamped with the restructuring, but it didn’t stop him. Every morning, he made breakfast for me before leaving because I said I loved his cooking.

And no matter how long he stayed out because of meetings, he never came back drunk, and I was there waiting for him every day.

During weekends, we spent it barely keeping our hands off each other, and Lucien was a 190 cm tall puppy that loved clinging to me.

I was genuinely happy, and at times I felt guilty for how happy I was. Life with him was steady.

Lucien also started giving me cooking lessons. Although my creations were edible, I would always prepare meals for him.

After a long period of harmony, a bit of chaos returned to my life. Genny had invited us for dinner at her place. Joey was present, although there was something off about them.

Alora wasn’t at home. She was with Joey’s grandmother, who loved having her over for the weekend.

The meal was splendid. Genny outdid herself once again, while small conversations went on around the table. Lucien and Joey were laughing about something.

Genny leaned into Joey’s ear to whisper. His eyes sparkled, and he gave her a subtle nod. Genny smiled, then lifted her glass. "We have an announcement to make," she said, and I noticed her taking Joey’s hand.

I went silent, and a knowing smile curled on Lucien’s lips. I gave him a glance, probing if he had an idea what was going on, but he just shrugged. My eyes narrowed.

"So..." she drawled, clearly nervous. "I am pregnant." I immediately choked on my food, not expecting that.

Lucien instinctively rubbed my back and offered a glass of water. I was still recovering from the shock of her sudden pregnancy because I clearly didn’t remember her seeing anyone. "And we are getting married," she added, pulling out a silver chain hidden in her cleavage. There was an engagement ring dangling from it.

"When, how, what is happening?" I blurted out, glancing between Joey and Genny. "I thought you didn’t like each other. Is he the father? Are you getting married because of the pregnancy? Have you thought this through?" I fired out several questions all at once, and Genny burst out laughing.

"I told you she would react this way," she chimed to Joey, as if a scale fell from my eyes. How did I not realise they were together?

"It just happened, Lynn, and we have been together for almost half a year now. We didn’t mention it because you were going through a lot," Genny explained, and her gaze softened.

"I didn’t want you worrying about me."

Joey chimed in, that effortlessly sunny smile on his lips. "We are not getting married because of the pregnancy. If that was the case, I would have married her as soon as I learnt Alora was mine."

I shot Genny a glare. "When did you turn from enemies to lovers?" I demanded, although a smile was on my lips, seeing how happy Genny was.

"Well, it just happened. I can’t really say," she replied before going silent, as if thinking about her next words. "We called you over not just for the announcement, but Joey and I would love our best friends to be our best man and chief bridesmaid." I laughed softly at how nervous she was, like I would ever say no to that.

"Will you be free next Saturday?" My jaw dropped. I glanced at Lucien, he had that grin on his face.

"Yeah, although it feels rushed, but hell yes," I said in a single breath. Genny got super excited, then clapped her hands.

"Perfect, because we already ordered your outfits. I knew there was no way you would say no," she chimed.

Lucien raised his glass. "Even if you decide to get married tonight, we will be there." Laughter filled the room.

In the blink of an eye, the wedding day arrived. It was held on an island. It was a very beautiful wedding, the exotic resort was perfect to avoid the snow.

The event was beautiful. Joey didn’t take his eyes off Genny the entire time she walked down the aisle. I saw true love in his eyes and hoped they were genuinely happy. Alora, of course, was the flower girl. She grinned the entire time. From rumours I heard, Alora was convinced by her granny to play cupid for her parents.

Genny’s eyes watered when Joey said "I do." Rings were exchanged, and the deal was sealed with a kiss.

It was dark by the time the reception started. The decorations were breathtaking. The wedding had a fairytale vibe in blue and gold.

The flower toss was organised, and just when I was about to join the other ladies, Lucien appeared at my side and grabbed my hand. "Lucien," I blurted. He was wearing a navy blue suit that suited him perfectly, while I was dressed in a salmon-coloured dress Genny commissioned.

"Can I borrow you for a moment?" he asked. I blinked in surprise.

"Genny is about to toss her bridal bouquet, and I am the chief bridesmaid," I muttered, wondering what was going on.

"You don’t need that bouquet, and I am sure Genny wouldn’t mind," he replied, already pulling me through the crowd and out of the venue through a side entrance.

We stepped into the night. Goosebumps appeared on my skin from the temperature difference. Lucien noticed I was cold and draped his jacket over me.

We continued walking along the empty resort road. "Where are we going? No need to be so mysterious," I asked. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"You will find out soon," he replied. I stopped walking, and he turned around. I crossed my arms and gave him a look.

"You better talk. My legs ache from trekking in these heels," I said bitterly. Lucien arched a brow at me but soon understood. Honestly, I wasn’t being difficult, but my legs were killing me.

He squatted before me. "Get on," he simply said. He was going to give me a piggyback ride. I was dumbfounded.

"Aren’t you getting on?" he asked. I snapped out of the shock and climbed onto his back. He stood up, then continued.

"You are determined to keep this a secret," I said, curious about what he was up to.

"It won’t be a surprise if I tell you. Don’t worry, you will love it," he assured me, and honestly, I couldn’t wait.