Page 14 of Sebastian.

Roxanne's voice is steady but filled with emotion as she begins, “Andries, from the moment we met, you captivated my heart and soul. I told myself a million times not to love you, but it was too late. From that very first meeting, a part of me has always known that you were it for me. With you, I've found a love that knows no boundaries, a love that has brought light and meaning to every moment we share. We have faced so much, and met it all head on, coming through stronger than ever. Today, I stand here with you, ready to embrace a future filled with endless possibilities, knowing that our love will be the foundation that guides us through life’s journey. I promise to cherish you, to support you in all your dreams, and to stand by your side through every triumph and trial that comes our way.”

Andries’s eyes glisten with tears of happiness as he responds, “Roxanne, you are my light in the darkness, my anchor in the storm, and eternal muse. You've shown me the true meaning of love, and I am forever grateful for the gift of your presence in my life. Today, I vow to love you unconditionally, to honor and respect you, and support you while you spread your wings. I promise to be your partner in all things, to hold your hand through the highs and lows, and to be the unwavering support you deserve.”

With heartfelt promises exchanged, the couple then slip rings on each other's fingers, sealing their commitment in a tangible symbol of their adoration.

When they lean in to share their first kiss as a married couple, the garden comes alive with applause and cheers. The ceremony has touched the hearts of everyone present, and the joyous atmosphere envelops everyone like a tidal wave.

Among the clapping crowd, I catch my mother’s knowing smile, as if she had predicted this very moment. I roll my eyes, but I hate that she gets to feel like she’s been right all along right now. Of course I’m grateful for the support she has always offered, but it doesn’t make all of this nonsense with Sebastian sting any less.

Deep down, I know that Mom has warned me about Sebastian over and over, and that I’ve been a fool to hope, up until the last second of the ceremony, that he’d show up. At least she isn’t saying ‘I told you so’ out loud, which lets me retain at least an inkling of my pride.

5

Julia

There’sa flurry of activity after the ceremony concludes, and the bride and groom disappear while the reception begins. The staff quickly move around, holding trays of canapés and flutes of champagne and offering them to guests as they leave their seats to go and mingle. Meanwhile, the live orchestra switches from the slow melodies that played everyone down the aisle and starts the second part of the wedding with more upbeat songs.

The sprawling garden is dotted with over a dozen circular tables that are adorned with intricate floral arrangements, creating an enchanting backdrop for the ceremony. Under a magnificent white tent adorned with billowing drapery and twinkling lights, the ambiance is nothing short of magical. Delicate white petals and vines cascade gently from above, transforming the outdoor event into something reminiscent of a fairytale setting. Once again I’m impressed by what my mother has been able to pull together. I hope Andries recognizes just how blessed he is that his Oma is a master at staging incredible events.

Mother’s picturesque garden that surrounds the tent is lush and in full bloom. Vibrant flowers of various hues burst forth from meticulously manicured beds, and towering trees offer a natural canopy, casting dappled sunlight upon the joyous gathering. The gentle breeze carries the scent of blossoms, weaving together with the scent of food that is beginning to be served.

Everything is perfect, and going off without a hitch. And yet, a tinge of sorrow tugs at my heart as I glance around the gathering, searching once again for Sebastian's familiar face. It’s almost an instinct at this point…every few minutes I can’t stop myself from looking for him.

I'm acutely aware of the void left by his absence. To put it simply, I long for him to be here, to witness our son's special day, to share in this celebration with me and our family. Sebastian has proven to be more stubborn than I could have ever imagined and I find myself standing at a crossroads, unsure of how to mend what's broken.

While guests mingle, laughing and chatting, their words seem distant and muffled, as if my mind is trapped in a haze of conflict. I finish the drink in my hand, not even tasting it as it burns in my stomach, and place the glass on the tray of a passing server. I made it through the ceremony and I walked my son down the aisle, so my duties for the day are done. Maybe that’s why I feel so incomplete and empty. Without a task, I’m just a wife without a husband. The mother of the groom without the father beside her.

Amidst the sea of faces, I catch sight of Alex, holding two glasses of champagne. Wordlessly, he hands me one champagne flute when he reaches me, and raises his glass in a toast.

“Congratulations, Jules,” Alex says, his voice warm and reassuring. “Today is a day to celebrate. So stop frowning and drink.”

“What in the world could you possibly be congratulating me for?” I ask right back.

“Well, to have walked your son down the aisle while your husband is off brooding somewhere must have taken a lot of strength of will,” Alex replies, his tone laced with sympathy. “I'm sorry for his behavior. I really thought he’d have joined us for the ceremony.”

I take a deep breath, trying to push back the tears that threaten to spill. “That's alright,” I say, trying to sound nonchalant while I shrug one shoulder. “I can't force him to do what he doesn't want to. Plus, Andries is totally okay with him not attending, I guess. And today his is the only opinion that matters.”

“It’s crazy that he came all the way here and didn’t attend.” Alex looks at me intently, sensing the pain beneath my composed facade. “Have you seen him around, or did he leave the property entirely?”

“I don't know where he is,” I admit, my voice trembling. “And no matter where he went, it doesn’t change the fact that his behavior is totally unforgivable.”

Alex places a comforting hand on my shoulder, offering me a reassuring squeeze. “Don't say that. I'm sure things will turn out okay.”

I want to believe his words, but the hurt runs deep, and I can't help but replay the hurtful conversation with Sebastian in my mind. The way he dismissed my plea for him to join us, his damned pride taking first place above all else—it all feels like a betrayal.

“I tried so hard to keep our family together,” I confide in Alex, my voice barely above a whisper. “I thought we could put our differences aside for this day, but he just won't let go of his anger about Roxanne…and other things.”

My brother looks at me with understanding in his eyes. “I know it's not easy, but remember, you have so many people here who love and support you.”

I raise my glass, attempting to muster a smile, but I still feel so heavy inside. “Thank you, Alex. It means a lot to have you here.”

His eyes meet mine and I sense the unspoken understanding between us. He knows the pain I'm feeling, the ache of a fractured family. Hell, some of the things that he’s been through in his own marriage make my problems with Sebastian pale in comparison. Knowing that he survived all of the trauma on his own reminds me of the strength that resides within myself, the resilience I've honed as a mother.

“You've done a wonderful job raising Andries and Elise, as well as the younglings,” he continues, his words a balm to my wounded soul. “Look around, Julia. This entire wedding is an example of that. All of these people love and care about Andries enough to come to his wedding.”

My throat goes tight, and I take a deep breath to steady myself. My children, my pride and joy, are living proof to the love Sebastian and I once shared. Their happiness is my driving force, the reason I'll keep moving forward despite the pain in my heart. I know my brother means well, but damn…everything comes back around to Sebastian, and his absence.

“Things will turn out okay, Jules,” Alex repeats, trying to reassure me.

---