Chapter 1. Don’t Let Your Happiness Slip Away!
“Sophie, you look absolutely stunning!” Eugenia exclaimed as her friend turned to face her. “And those eyes—they’re practically glowing. Say what you will, but true love doesn’t just give you wings; it lights a spark in your eyes. I want to be just as beautiful a bride someday.”
“What’s stopping you?” Sophie asked with a teasing smile. “You know how Alex feels about you. It’s written all over his face.”
“Ugh,” Eugenia rolled her eyes dramatically. “Don’t start with that again!”
“And why not? He’s an amazing guy who’s head over heels for you, and yet you keep brushing him off,” Sophie pointed out, her tone matter-of-fact.
“What are you two whispering about over here?” Salome asked as she breezed into the room.
“Oh, just about you!” Eugenia lied, eager to change the subject. “Some friend you are,” she added with a mock pout. “Ever since you got back from Paris, it’s been nearly impossible to pin you down.”
“Come on, Genie, don’t exaggerate. I always make time for you guys, and I’ve been posting all the photos for our event agency right on schedule. Speaking of which, we’ve got a new gig coming up. There’s a performance by a well-known artist soon. He wants to showcase some body-art models,” Salome shared excitedly.
“That’s great, but let’s talk shop after the wedding. Today, Sophie’s the star of the show. Just look at her—she’s a vision,” Eugenia said, beaming at her friend. “Your brother hit the jackpot, Salome! But I’m claiming a piece of that luck for myself. If I hadn’t dragged Sophie to that club back then, where would Etienne have ever found our little flower?”
The girls laughed and teased, doing their best to keep Sophie’s spirits high. The wedding ceremony was nothing short of magical. Eugenia had taken charge of organizing the celebration, and everywhere you looked, there was sincerity, tenderness, and love.
Eugenia and Salome served as bridesmaids, while Alex and Edward stood as groomsmen. All the pairs were dressed in elegant beige outfits that complemented the bride and groom’s attire and matched the floral decorations adorning the venue.
Sophie had also invited a few university friends: Svetlana, David, and Zlata.
“You look breathtaking,” Zlata said, admiring Sophie in her wedding gown.
“Etienne’s a lucky man! He’s snagged himself a beauty and a brain,” David added with a grin.
Of everyone at the celebration, Eugenia seemed the most on edge. When she slipped away to touch up her makeup, Zlata approached her. Eugenia had never quite warmed to Zlata, not since their first year at university. Perhaps she saw her as a rival. Attractive, intelligent, and driven—someone once described Zlata as gorgeous but with a sharp edge.
“What’s going on with you and Alex? Are you still going to keep him on a short leash?” Zlata asked out of the blue.
“What’s it to you?” Eugenia shot back.
“Just curious. He’s good-looking, smart, and has a bright future, but you don’t even seem to notice him. You treat him like a puppy begging for scraps of your attention. Be careful—someone else might just appreciate him more.”
“And I suppose you mean yourself?” Eugenia asked pointedly.
“Why not me?” Zlata replied with a smirk. “You don’t value him. He deserves better—someone who respects him, who sees his worth. All you do is toss him crumbs from your high table. Don’t let your happiness slip away!” Zlata pressed on.
“Fine, take him then. I don’t need him!” Eugenia snapped, her anger flaring for reasons she couldn’t quite grasp.
“Watch out, because I just might. Even now, you talk about him like he’s some object, not a charming, intelligent man. You’re a fool, Genie. A complete fool!” Zlata said before storming out of the restroom, leaving Eugenia alone with her swirling thoughts.
Zlata made a point of flaunting the bride’s bouquet she’d caught right in front of Eugenia. Not one to back down, Eugenia decided to retaliate. Alex was indeed attractive, smart, and full of potential. Besides, she’d just told Zlata he meant nothing to her.
“Alex, care to join me for a slow dance?” Zlata called out to him, deliberately loud enough for Eugenia to hear.
“Is this even a slow dance?” Edward asked, hoping to ask Eugenia himself.
“Well, it’s not a fast one, is it? Look around—the bride’s in white, the flowers are white, everything’s white, and I’m just as pure and innocent,” Zlata quipped, flashing a bright smile as she looped her arm through Alex’s.
“She’s playing with fire,” David muttered under his breath. Everyone at university knew Alex didn’t see Eugenia as just someone to protect—he saw her as the most precious, beautiful woman in the world.
Zlata was relentless, pulling Alex onto the dance floor. She moved like a serpent, pressing close, almost rubbing against him like a blister from a new shoe. But Alex remained composed. He didn’t reciprocate her advances and kept his distance as much as he could, occasionally glancing over at Eugenia, who stood fuming and visibly agitated. After the intense dance, Alex stepped outside for some fresh air. After all, biology is biology, and Zlata was an attractive, provocative woman whose bold moves screamed her intentions.
“Why’d you run off?” Zlata asked, sneaking up behind him.
“Just needed some air. Is that a problem?” Alex replied coolly.
“For you, handsome, anything goes,” Zlata teased, placing a hand on his shoulder and starting to unbutton his shirt. “Don’t worry, Genie won’t see.”
“Stop it!” Alex said sharply, grabbing her hand.
“Stop, or what?” she taunted. “Afraid you won’t be able to resist? Relax, she won’t find out. You follow her around like a lost puppy. She doesn’t even glance your way. To her, you’re invisible, a nobody,” Zlata struck a nerve, reaching for his trousers. “Hasn’t she turned you into a eunuch yet?”
“Zlata, enough! I’m not interested in what you’re saying.”
“But I can make you interested. Do you think I’m worse than her? What do you even see in her? She’s blind to the incredible man standing right beside her,” Zlata whispered seductively.
“No, you’re not worse. You’re just different. You and Genie are worlds apart. She would never stoop to throwing herself at a man. She knows her worth. Genie is a true queen!” Alex declared, turning on his heel and walking away, leaving Zlata standing alone.
His words stung Zlata, but Eugenia didn’t hear them. She had locked herself in the restroom, sobbing. Alex—her Alex—was out there with another woman, and that other woman was whispering passionate words to him, fragments of which reached Eugenia’s ears. Just an hour ago, in this very restroom, she’d told Zlata she didn’t need him. So why did it hurt so much now? Why these tears?
Eugenia pulled herself together with the last of her strength. She couldn’t ruin her best friend’s special day. She touched up her makeup, reapplied her lip gloss, gave herself a critical once-over in the mirror, and stepped out. Among all the men at the party, she spotted two potential dance partners: Edward and David. Edward was out of the question—Salome would have her head if she even tried. David, then. Attractive and smart, but not on Alex’s level, she thought as her eyes found her protector. He was chatting with Etienne. Zlata was nowhere in sight.
“They’re probably sneaking around. Bet they’ve already planned their evening—and more,” Eugenia muttered to herself, spiraling.
“David, why are you standing around looking bored?” she asked, trying to strike up a conversation with her old classmate.
“No time to be bored,” he replied with a shrug.
“How about a drink?” Eugenia suggested, glancing over at Alex. David noticed where her gaze landed.
“Genie, you’re my friend, and I enjoy talking with you. I respect Alex, too. I don’t know what’s going on between you two, but don’t do something you’ll regret later. You’re gorgeous and smart, so don’t act out. You know Zlata—she’s a hunter. Now it’s your turn to be her prey, just to get under your skin. That’s just who she is. I’m sure she’s messing with Alex just to rile you up. What is it you two can’t sort out?” David asked candidly.
“Oh, what do you know? Zlata and I are fine. She can talk to or spend time with whoever she wants. Alex is a free bird,” Eugenia said, her voice cold and steady.
“Sure, free,” David scoffed. “Whatever you say. But please, keep me out of these games. Sophie’s your friend—don’t turn today into a spectacle. Cool off. You’re not yourself,” he advised.
“Genie, where’ve you been? Come on, let’s cut the cake!” Sophie called out, pulling her friend along.
“Sophie, I love you so much! If I were a guy, there’s no way I’d let you marry Etienne. I’d keep you all to myself, lock you away in my den, and never let anyone see you,” Eugenia confessed, hugging her friend tightly.
“You’re so possessive! Good thing you’re not a guy, and I’ve got the best friend ever!” Sophie said, planting a kiss on Eugenia’s cheek.
“What did you expect? I’m not all sweet and fluffy…”
“Nope, you’re my favorite prickly hedgehog,” Sophie finished with a laugh.
“Hey, you’ve forgotten about me again. I might just get offended,” Salome said, pretending to pout as she joined the girls.
“That’s on you. You stayed in Paris too long and missed everything,” Eugenia shot back.
“Girls, dig into the cake before the guys eat it all. They’re not as into sweets as we are,” Sophie said warmly, handing out plates of dessert. “By the way, we’ve got an event next week. The artist wants to do a performance with his body-art models. He’s hired us to organize and manage the whole thing,” Sophie added, not forgetting work even on her wedding day. The three friends were passionate about their business, and everything they touched turned to gold. “Zlata mentioned…”
“Ugh, Zlata again! She’s everywhere!” Eugenia rolled her eyes.
“Is she going to be one of the models?” Salome asked.
“Yes,” Sophie confirmed.
“Of course she is. Always in the spotlight. Why wouldn’t she show off her bare backside and… other assets?” Eugenia said sarcastically.
“Genie, her body, her choice. If she wants to model, let her. What’s it to us? It’s not like they’re painting on you. She’s beautiful and has a great figure,” Sophie replied, unintentionally stoking Eugenia’s irritation.
“Hey, girls, let’s not talk about work right now,” Salome interjected, sensing Eugenia’s growing frustration.
“Yeah, no one worth mentioning,” Eugenia muttered. “And you, my dear friend, get three days off. But after that, back to work before Etienne sweeps you off your feet for good.”
“Genie, are you jealous?” Salome teased.
“I don’t want to share Sophie with anyone… but I guess I’ll have to,” Eugenia said with a sigh. “I’ll demand compensation, though.”
“Another portrait of yourself?” Sophie guessed.
“Nope, I want to be the godmother,” Eugenia declared.
“Me too!” Salome chimed in.
“Hey, get in line! I called dibs first,” Eugenia said, sticking out her tongue.
“Fine, but note somewhere that I’m next in line,” Salome insisted.
“You two are such children, honestly,” Sophie said, laughing as she wrapped her arms around her best friends.