Delilah looked stunning in her wedding dress; she had picked out a A-line white satin dress which was simple yet elegant. It made me feel jealous she was able to get re-married with the love of her life. She deserved a guy like Esther after all she went through growing up.
Prior to lining up to walk outside, Rachel and Carlos had approached me and we began chatting for a bit. I was surprised when they greeted me with hugs and 'we've missed yous'. I didn't feel an ounce of tension. It was bittersweet to catch up and get to know they are doing well.
"Hey, it's time," Delilah tugged on my arms as the wedding song began to play.
"You sure you want to marry this guy?" I asked quietly, as we stepped out he door. She nearly stopped walking when I said that. Obviously I was playing but she couldn't hold her laughter.
"You are stupid," She muttered.
"I am just trying to stop you from making a mistake..." I joked.
"Esther has been one of the best things life has given me and there doesn't go a day where I fall deeper in love with him," Her voice cracked. I had looked up to see Sebastian staring at me with a twinkle in his eye.
I remember when I used to talk about Sebastian as if he was the only man for me. Life had me believing this as my forever-guy. Seeing him standing at the altar looking at me in awe as he used to when we were younger, it made me wonder if I still looked at him the same way. Did he see the twinkle in my eye? Or was he aware I wasn't giving him the same look. I looked away from him and looked into the crowd, giving them the same happy smile they were giving me.
When we made it to the altar Esther came forward and gave me a kiss on the cheek and a warm hug.
"Why am I getting emotional if you guys have been married already?" I whispered, feeling as my eyes began to water.
He chuckled quietly, "because you're happy for us," he responded.
I turned to look over at Delilah and smiled, "I am," I took a step back and grabbed Delilah's bouquet of flowers and went to stand in front of Sophia.
The priest began the ceremony and everyone listen attentively. I kept my gaze at the ground as I could feel Sebastian's eyes on me. I get it, being part of a wedding with a couple who loves each other is triggering. I can only imagine Sebastian and I redoing our vows and actually standing behind our word. It's be something special, although our wedding was as special as it could be, there was always something missing-a touch of his and I here and there.
We understand this is our lives now and there is a possibility of a change, but he needs to stop daydreaming of how things could be. It safe to say I am standing next to my sister wedding not wondering how I'd be feeling if it was me. A part of me wanted this to be over so Sebastian could stop staring at me. I looked up and I met his gaze once again. He looked away embarrassed. My eyes roamed to the front section of guest and Rachel had her eyes glued one me. A small smile was spread on her lips noticing what Sebastian and I were doing.
So much for trying to not stir the pot half-full. He was catching everyone's attention by his stare that some guest began muttering between themselves. When we locked eyes again, I narrowed my eyes, basically screaming with my look for him to stop. I watch him place his hands behind his back and pretend to pay attention to what the priest was saying.
The rest of the ceremony went smoother and it ended with a kiss and a cheer from everyone. I handed over the bouquet of flowers to Delilah and watched as Esther and her went down the aisle re-married. Sebastian and I meet in the middle and he extending out his arm and I looped mine around.
"We didn't agree to this," I muttered to him as we walk back down towards the palace.
"We never agree to anything but here we are-"
"...catching everyone's attention-"
"They were going to talk regardless," He responded.
I opened my mouth slightly getting ready to say something when the clicking of the camera stopped me. I looked up from the ground to see the photographer a few feet away from us. I smiled letting him take all the necessary pictures for the wedding.
"Has this always been annoying?" Sebastian whispered.
I turned my head to look at him, "yes," I giggled.
We inch closer to the palace and the photographer took a step back and began with the next couple behind us. As we entered the palace I released my grip around Sebastian and relaxed. I had noticed but I was sweating a little due from nervousness. It had been a very long time since Sebastian presence made me feel this way. I felt like a teenager all over again.
"You okay?" he asked, noticing my sudden change in mood.
I nodded. "Yeah, I think so," I was embarrassed to let him know I had gotten nervous by imply being round him.
"Adalyn," I heard someone call my name. Turning around, Mateo was standing near the entrance of the palace with a black tuxedo on.
"Hey, you made it!" I laughed nervously. He walked over to me and gave me a tight hug.
"Yeah, you really do seem surprised to see me," he muttered.
I didn't expect him to show up, although he did say he would try to. A part of me hoped Mateo ended up having something come up in the last minute and stayed back home. I was enjoying my time alone with Sebastian.
"I am shocked," I giggled. I turned to look over at Sebastian who threw me a side glance before walking back into the courtyard.
"He didn't seem happy to see me," Mateo caught on rather quickly to what had happened.
I doubt he cares whether or not he is here, he cares about seeing me around him. "No...he's being Sebastian," I assured him.
Esther walked in and a small smile formed on his lips when he saw Mateo. "I know you," Esther said a bit stunned. "You're Prince Mateo of Belshar,"
Mateo stayed quiet for a moment; he was as perplex as I was to know Mateo.
"You know him?" I asked, confused.
"Not personally, but I talked to your father a few times. He is a great contributor to the orphanages here in Barcelona,"
Mateo nodded. "My father tries to keep his name under the water though, Belshar has been a quiet country for many years not getting involved with higher Royals,"
Esther agreed, "You're on the same level as we are. You were born a Royal. We don't think of anyone any less due to the size of their country," Esther responded.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to sound disrespectful," Mateo said.
"I didn't think you were disrespectful," he laughed. "Your father makes it clear he wishes not to get involved with major rulers and I can't disagree with him. You tend to live at peace that way."
"Yeah. Congratulations!" Mateo smiled.
"Thank you. I am glad you could make it to celebrate with us. Adalyn talks a lot about you, so I am glad we finally get to meet you. I know for sure she picked a good-guy," he winked at me.
Esther never chose sides, but a part of me always he believed he was torn between Sebastian and I. He cared enough about the both of us to want each of us happy together, spereparatly, or with someone else. Esther knowing Mateo's father, he must've known Mateo is a great guy-perfect for broken Adalyn.
"I had came inside to let you know Delilah wants us to take pictures,"
"Okay, I'll be right out," I told him. "Are you goingto be okay by yourself for a bit?" I asked Mateo.
He nodded. "I think I'll be fine. Go on," he smiled.
"Okay," I said and went behind Ether to the garden.
As we approached the small group of bridesmaids and groomsmen, the girls all had a small smirk.
"So, Mateo showed up?" Helen raised a brow, hiding the amusement in her voice.
I turned around to see King Carlos talking to Mateo. I nodded, "yeah, I guess you guys get to meet him today,"
"You don't sound pleased to have him here," Candace commented.
"It's a bit awkward to have Mateo and Sebastian under the same roof," I said nervously. I didn't see Mateo or Sebastian causing a scene yet the nervousness in my stomach lingered. What if things get out of hand for some reason? Or Mateo gets upset if he sees Sebastian and I too close to each other?
I slowly turned around, laughing nervously. "Hey, when did you pop up?"
"Just now, I heard you say it was awkward," he raised a brow. "There isn't a reason for you to feel awkward. I know Mateo is your boyfriend,"
"Well...not exactly. We are still trying to figure out all our emotions and where we stand," I told him. My hands had become clammy and my heart was pounding rapidly against my chest. Having this conversation with Sebastian was making me nervous.
"You like him and he likes you. What is there to figure out?" He questioned.
I gave him a confused look, "You know what I have to figure out,"
"And I've told you not to hold back because of me. I have things to settle down before we can even get to the point of working something out,"
"So, you and I are uncertain?" My chest tighten.
"Haven't we always been?"
"Last night you made it feel like we were getting somewhere. As if there was a light of hope for you and I." My eyes began to water.
"Addy, there is always going to be hope for you and I. You understand I have a mess waiting for me in Madrid, I'm not ready for another explosion if you and I get together,"
"I..."
"Hey, we are ready to take the pictures," Sophia interrupted.
I sighed heavily, "coming,"
We spent an hour taking pictures and the entire time I couldn't help but to think what Sebastian said. Coming here was a mistake and spending the night with him was like reigniting the flame which was seconds from burning out. His brown eyes and sweet words had trapped me back into wanting to get back into the palace. I have a good thing happening for me and my life has been better. Filling my mind with illusions and sweet words is what got me hurt at the end.
Mateo leaned in to whisper in my ear, "hey, you been quiet since you got done doing the pictures everything okay?"
I nodded, "sorry, I'm tired," I lied.
We were all sitting in a round table waiting for Delilah and Esther to enter the ballroom for their first dance. Sebastian had decided to sit on the other side of the room with his parents. He had Camila in his arms playing with her.
"Maybe you should go lay down for a bit," he suggested.
I shook my head, "no, I'll be fine," I smiled.
"Are you sure this has nothing to do with Sebastian?" He asked curiously.
"No," i snapped at him.
"Okay, how long to do you plan on staying in Barcelona?"
"Another week, Delilah and Esther will be going in a their vacation in a week with Camila,"
"Oh okay. Do you want me to return to Los Ángeles and wait for you. Or do you have another place in mind to go to?" A bit of excitement lingered on his voice.
I couldn't help but to chuckle, "maybe going back to Los Ángeles is something we need. We haven't been back,"
"You're right. Then, we plan our next trip. Possibly Mexico, Canada, or Japan!" He smiled excitedly.
"Yeah, we will figure something out,"
Mateo sighed, "I'll be heading back tomorrow but I'll be waiting for you,"
I smiled, "okay,"
The night progressed like every other wedding, the first dance and everyone dancing right after them. Mateo and I danced for a bit, but I wasn't feeling it. Last night had taken a toll on me and I was ready to go to bed. Mateo noticed how dazed I was and offered us to sit back down, when Sebastian tapped my shoulder.
"Sorry, Esther wants the groomsmen and bridesmaids to dance this slow dance," he said embarrassed. "Only if it's okay with you, Mateo,"
Sebastian had asked permission from Mateo to dance with me; my heart began to best rapidly. Mateo took a step back and nodded. I tried to analyze his face to see if he was pissed off, however he carried a small smile and sat down at the table. When his eyes met mine he motioned for me to dance with Sebastian.
"Hey, this wasn't my idea," Sebastian muttured. I turned to look at him and sighed.
"I know," I wrapped my hands around his neck while he placed his hands on my hips. We had a space between as if we were high schoolers at a school dance; if we were too close the chaperone would come and scold us.
"Maybe this way of slow dancing is too intimate. We should do the other way,"
"Other way?"
He placed my left hand on his shoulder and he placed his on my left side. He clasped our right hands together and slowly proceeded to dance with the rhythm of the song.
"This way," he smiled.
I looked around the dance floor and everyone was dancing with their partner the intimate way. I can't do that because Mateo is here and I don't want him to feel awkward about this.
"About early..."
"...don't worry about it. You are right you don't have time for me. Plus I have Mateo," I responded.
"Adalyn, I want to be with you. Right now, isn't the time for us,"
"It never is, Sebastian. Maybe we truly weren't meant to be together and we are forcing each other,"
He squeezed my side, "maybe, but we were never good listeners," he chuckled.
I giggled, "sadly, but I understand. I'll be returning to Los Angeles and you'll go back to Madrid. Our new lives will resume and this weekend will be a small memory,"
He nodded, "then we better enjoy this dance,"