Chapter 302

Serena’s POV

I woke up with a delicious ache spreading through every muscle in my body. Sunlight streamed through the half-drawn curtains as I stretched carefully, wincing at the pleasant soreness.

"Morning, beautiful," Ryan murmured, his voice still rough with sleep. He propped himself up on one elbow, looking unfairly gorgeous with his tousled hair and sleepy eyes.

"Morning," I replied, unable to suppress my smile. "I think you broke me."

His lips curved into that smug smile I both loved and hated. "Complaints?"

"Not a single one." I leaned over to kiss him, but before things could escalate again, my phone started buzzing frantically on the nightstand.

Maya’s name flashed across the screen. I groaned but reached for it anyway.

"Your timing is terrible," I answered without preamble.

"SERENA!" Maya’s voice practically exploded through the speaker, so loud that Ryan raised an eyebrow beside me. "I need you NOW. Wedding dress shopping. This is NOT a drill!"

I sat up, clutching the sheet to my chest. "Today? But I thought—"

"I found this AMAZING boutique that specializes in custom bridal wear, but they had a cancellation so they can fit us in TODAY. Like, in two hours! You HAVE to come with me. I can’t make these decisions alone!"

Ryan was now trailing kisses along my shoulder, making it difficult to concentrate. I swatted at him half-heartedly.

"Of course I’ll come," I said, trying to sound normal while Ryan’s hand slid beneath the sheets. "Text me the address."

"And bring Ryan!" Maya added excitedly. "Ethan will be there too. I’ve been thinking... what if we had the wedding here in London? It would be so romantic, and since you guys are already here..."

I felt a sudden rush of emotion. "You want to have your wedding here? Because of us?"

"You’re my best friend, Serena. I want you there, fully present, not distracted by work or travel. Plus, London is gorgeous! So, what do you say? Will you help me find the perfect dress AND be my maid of honor for a London wedding?"

My eyes welled up unexpectedly. "Yes to everything. I’ll be there in two hours."

After hanging up, I turned to Ryan, who was watching me with curious eyes. "Maya wants to have her wedding in London. She wants me to be her maid of honor."

Ryan smiled, wiping away a tear I hadn’t realized had fallen. "That’s wonderful. She’s important to you."

"She’s the only real friend I had when everything fell apart," I admitted quietly. "When I left you, started over... she was there through all of it."

He pulled me close, kissing the top of my head. "Then I owe her a debt I can never repay. Now, much as I’d love to keep you in bed all day, it sounds like we have a bridal appointment to get to."

Two hours later, we walked into one of London’s most exclusive bridal boutiques, where Maya was already bouncing on her toes with excitement. The place was a vision of white and cream, with plush seating and champagne on ice.

"Finally!" Maya grabbed my hands. "They’ve pulled some dresses already, but I need your expert eye. You know I trust your design instincts more than anyone’s."

I squeezed her hands. "Let’s find you something spectacular."

While the men were ushered to a waiting area with drinks, Maya and I disappeared into a sea of tulle, lace, and silk. The boutique manager, a slender woman named Claudia, started bringing out options.

"This is a Vera Wang," she said, presenting the first gown.

Maya slipped it on and stepped onto the viewing platform. I circled her slowly, my designer’s eye automatically cataloging every detail.

"The neckline is competing with the beadwork," I said, pinching the fabric between my fingers. "And the silhouette doesn’t emphasize your waist enough."

Claudia blinked, clearly not used to such detailed critique.

"Try the next one," I suggested.

Four dresses later, Maya stood in an A-line gown with delicate lace sleeves. It was beautiful, but...

"The lace quality is mediocre," I commented, examining the pattern. "And these seams will photograph poorly in certain lights."

Claudia looked between us with a bemused expression. "Are you ladies in the industry?"

"We’re designers," Maya explained. "Not bridal specifically, but—"

"We know quality," I finished. "Sorry if we seem picky."

Claudia smiled. "No need to apologize. It’s refreshing working with clients who understand craftsmanship. Let me bring out our couture collection."

The seventh dress was the one. The moment Maya put it on, we both knew. It was a sleek, modern design with vintage-inspired details - architectural lines combined with ethereal movement.

"This is it," Maya whispered, turning slowly before the mirror. "I feel like myself, but... elevated."

"It’s perfect," I agreed, my throat tight with emotion. "Ethan won’t know what hit him."

After selecting Maya’s dress and scheduling fittings, Claudia turned to me. "And for the maid of honor?"

"Oh, I haven’t even thought about—"

"Actually," Maya interrupted, "I took the liberty of having them pull some options for you too."

Before I could protest, I was whisked away to another fitting room. Maya handed me a sleek, midnight blue gown that shimmered subtly in the light.

"Try this one first," she insisted.

The dress fit like it was made for me, hugging my curves before flowing gracefully to the floor. A tasteful slit revealed just enough leg to be interesting without crossing into inappropriate territory.

"Well?" I asked, stepping out to show Maya.

"Stunning," she breathed. "But try the emerald one too. I have a feeling..."

The emerald dress was even better - a rich, deep green that made my skin glow and my eyes pop. The neckline was daring but elegant, with delicate straps crossing over my exposed back.

"This is the one," Maya declared. "Ryan will swallow his tongue."

I laughed. "Is that the goal?"

"Always," she winked. "Now, let’s show the boys."

We changed back into the selected dresses and made our grand entrance to the waiting area where Ryan and Ethan sat nursing drinks. The moment we stepped into view, both men froze mid-conversation.

Ethan stood immediately, eyes fixed on Maya with such pure adoration it made my heart ache. "You’re breathtaking," he said simply.

But I was watching Ryan. His eyes darkened as they traveled slowly from my face down the length of my body, his expression shifting from surprise to something heated and possessive.

"Well?" I prompted, doing a small turn that made the fabric shimmer in the light. "Will I do as maid of honor?"

Ryan finally found his voice. "You’ll outshine everyone in the room," he said, his tone making it clear that wasn’t necessarily a compliment to the other guests.

"Except the bride," I corrected, gesturing to Maya.

"Of course," Ryan agreed smoothly, but his eyes never left me.

"So," Claudia said, breaking the moment, "shall we proceed with these selections?"

"Absolutely," Maya confirmed, still beaming. "They’re perfect."