Page 68 of A Million Shades Of Love and Betrayal

As if on cue, the doorbell rang. My mom wiped her hands on a dish towel and went to answer it. A moment later, she returned with our chef, Marisol, in tow. Marisol was a petite woman with a warm smile and a nurturing aura.

"Good morning," she smiled, her eyes landing on me. "Yasmin, it's so good to see you."

"It's good to be seen," I laughed. "Are you coming to the wedding?"

She nodded, wrapping her apron around her waist so she could take over and finish breakfast for the guys. "I wouldn't miss it."

"Good morning, everyone!" Rafael's mom walked in. "Are we ready?"

"Just about," my mom replied. "Grab some breakfast, and then we can head out."

After a quick but hearty breakfast, we piled into the car and left for the wedding venue. The drive was filled with chatter about wedding details, the latest family gossip, and occasional bursts of laughter.

The venue was a beautiful, sprawling estate with manicured gardens, elegant architecture, and a stunning ocean view. As we pulled up, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation. This place was perfect, and the pictures didn't do it justice.

We were greeted by the wedding planner, Helen, a poised woman with a clipboard and a keen eye for detail. "Good morning, ladies!" she said brightly. "Shall we begin the tour?"

We followed her through the gardens, where the ceremony would take place. The rows of white chairs, the floral archway, and the picturesque setting were just as I had imagined.

"This is where you'll make your grand entrance, Yasmin," Helen explained, gesturing to the path leading to the altar. "And this is where Rafael will be waiting for you."

I could almost see it in my mind—the guests standing, the music playing, and Rafael's loving gaze as I walked towards him. My heart swelled with joy.

"It's perfect," I whispered, mostly to myself.

Next, we moved inside to the reception hall. The room was adorned with chandeliers, elegant drapery, and large windows that let in plenty of natural light.

"Your guests will be seated here," Helen continued, pointing out the arrangement of tables. "And this is where you'll have your first dance."

Amirah nudged me playfully. "I can't wait to see you and Rafael dance," she teased. "You guys have been practicing, right?"

I laughed. "Of course not. We’re planning on swaying until everyone decides to join us."

After going over a few more details with Helen, we thanked her and made our way back to the car. The excitement of the venue tour had given me an extra boost of energy. Next stop: the bridal store.

The bridal store was a cozy boutique with racks of beautiful gowns and a comfortable sitting area for friends and family. As soon as we walked in, the store manager, a cheerful woman named Anne, greeted us.

"Yasmin! It's so good to see you in the flesh," she said while she hugged me. "Are you ready to try on your dress?"

"I can't wait," I replied, feeling excited.

Anne led us to a private fitting room where my dress was waiting. It was a stunning gown—classic yet modern, with intricate lace details and a flowing skirt. I had fallen in love with it the moment I saw it.

"Let's get you into this beauty," Anne said, helping me into the dress. As she zipped me up, I took a deep breath and looked at myself in the mirror.

It was perfect. The dress fit like a glove, and I felt like a bride—elegant, radiant, and ready to walk down the aisle.

"Yasmin, you look stunning," my mom said, her eyes welling up with tears. "Breathtaking even."

Carina nodded in agreement. "Rafael is going to be speechless when he sees you."

Amirah, ever the dramatic one, was already dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. "You're the most beautiful bride I've ever seen, Yaz."

I turned to look at myself from different angles, taking in every detail of the dress. It was everything I had dreamed of and more.

"I love it," I said, smiling at my reflection. "It's perfect."

Anne clapped her hands together. "I'm so glad to hear that. Now, let's make sure everything is perfect for the big day."

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