Page 21 of Sebastian.

Frowning, I cross my arms. “What do you mean?”

“Well, that Sebastian is finally figuring out that you’re the daughter of Margaret Van Dieren, is all. He might think he has the upper hand, but mark my words, I bet he’s scared shitless, too.”

An unexpected laugh escapes me, but before I can respond, the sounds of laughter and celebration from the wedding reception draw me away. Looking over, I see Andries and Roxanne heading towards the cake table, and the gathering of people around them. “Looks like it’s time for cake.”

Alex hums in agreement, and we walk back into the wedding tent before we can miss anything important. Once inside, Alex peels away, heading towards Petra, who is deeply engaged in conversation with Elise. It amuses me to see the two of them talking so effortlessly, but then it dawns on me that Elise is eighteen and Petra is twenty. She’s closer in age to her aunt than she is to Hannah. I can't help but chuckle to myself, thinking about how the age gap between Sebastian and I was scandalous when we first got together, but Alex marrying Petra made the difference between Seb and I pale in comparison. Now they hold the title of couple with the biggest age gap in our family. I shake my head, marveling at how time flies and relationships evolve.

But as I watch Alex tenderly kiss his wife, the melancholy I’ve been avoiding comes back full force. Seeing the two of them reminds me of the sweet moments Sebastian and I used to share. But now, our relationship is crumbling, and the future seems uncertain. I sigh inwardly, wondering if we can ever recapture the love and connection we once had. Can things ever really be the same?

The haziness in my mind from earlier is all but gone, and I miss it. Plucking a glass from one of the passing servers, I watch Elise make her way back to Dan, and the sparks flying between the two. Lost in my thoughts, I absently sip my champagne, trying to distract myself from the growing sadness and tension. The music picks up, and I see Roxanne and Andries embracing near the cake table, whispering secrets only meant for each other, the beading on Roxanne’s dress catching the light and sparkling. It's a beautiful sight, and I want to be happy for them. Iamhappy for them. Happy, but still wrapped up in my own issues, apparently. Why can’t I just let go for one evening and deal with this all starting tomorrow?

“Is everything alright, dear?”

The voice gives me a start, but when I turn to see my mother, I give her a half-hearted smile. “I'm fine, Mom.”

But she knows me too well. “You don't have to pretend with me, Julia. I can tell something is bothering you,” she says, her hand reaching for mine.

I take a moment to gather my thoughts before speaking. “More thoughts about my husband, of course. Knowing that he came all the way to the venue but didn't attend the wedding. It's...it's unforgivable,” I admit, my quiet voice tinged with bitterness.

She squeezes my hand gently. “You’re right, it is.”

“I just can't believe he would do this to us, to Andries,” I say, my voice breaking.

Mom gives me a knowing look. “Men like Sebastian don't always think about the consequences of their actions. But you're strong, Julia, and you have your family's love and support. He can’t take that from you, not ever.”

I sigh and lean against her shoulder, trying to find some semblance of peace amidst the turmoil. “I know. I just wish things could have been different.”

“Sometimes life takes unexpected turns, and sometimes life takes the trash out for us, even when we don’t want to admit that it’s trash in the first place.”

The corner of my lip pulls up.Trash, huh? My mother’s flair for the dramatic has only gotten more intense with age.

Hand in hand, my mother and I join the cheers that fill the air as Roxanne and Andries cut the cake together. Behind my bright smile, so wide that it makes my cheeks ache, memories float to the surface of my mind again and again. Memories of my own wedding day, memories of holding Andries for the first time…all of my most beautiful moments, and Sebastian was beside me for every single one. I wish Sebastian were here to share this important moment with me, to add it to the collection of things we’ve shared as husband and wife, but he's nowhere to be seen.

I join in the applause, congratulating the newlyweds. In the corner of my eye, I see Hannah and Johan standing together. Despite my previous talk with her, my stubborn teenage daughter seems to be unfazed. It frustrates me to no end. I can't understand why she's so insistent on spending time with her sister's ex-crush. It’s like she’s deliberately trying to push my buttons. Hell, maybe she is. Sweet and sour, that’s my Hannah.

I take another sip of champagne, trying to numb the swirling emotions inside me, before I go and sit by myself for a moment and watch the happy couples dance together. The strains of a romantic song fill the air, reminding me of the days when Sebastian and I used to dance like that, lost in each other’s arms. Just like the first night we met…the ballroom, the library, the feeling of fate when we swayed together.

I’m shaken from my reverie when Elise appears beside me, my mother and Dan next to her. “Mom, Oma is going to take a picture of us three. Get up.”

I sigh internally, but rise anyway, smoothing my dress. “Of course, love.”

Mom fumbles with Elise’s phone, waving the three of us together. “Gather up.”

Elise, Dan, and I huddle together, posing for the camera. I try to put on a smile, but Elise can see through me. She knows when something's bothering me, and I can tell she's concerned. Before Mom takes the picture, Elise leans over and kisses me on the cheek. I know my smile from the surprise bit of affection is genuine, and that it will make a lovely picture. My thoughtful Elise warms my heart.

“Are you okay?” she asks once the picture taking is done.

“I'm fine, sweetheart. Just thinking about how fast time flies, seeing you all grown up and Andries getting married. It's a mix of emotions, that's all.”

“Well, you raised me well, Mom. Can’t you see I’m perfect?” Elise jokes, before her tone becomes more serious. “I love you, and I'm so grateful for everything you've done for me.”

Tears well up in my eyes at her sweet gesture and words. She's such a caring and thoughtful young woman, and I'm immensely proud of her.

“I love you too, darling. You're my rock, and I'm blessed to have you in my life.”

“I'll always be here for you,” she promises.

Then, like every other talk I’ve had tonight, the conversation turns to Sebastian. Elise asks if he's reached out, and I have to be honest with her.

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