Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts

"Alright, I gotta do whatever it takes to find a bridesmaid for myself."
There were four women under one roof. It was a recipe for chaos. Before they knew it, three of them had dozed off, leaving only Ines awake. She
looked around at her sleeping companions with a hint of exasperation before forcing her eyes shut.
Her phone rang, breaking the silence. When she saw it was Ethan, she couldn't help but smile and picked up the call. "Ethan," she whispered, "what
could possibly make you call at this hour?"
The man on the other end had a voice that was exceptionally alluring, especially in the dead of night. "I was worried you couldn't sleep, so I thought
I'd keep you company."
"Oh, you would have been better off not mentioning it. I'm the only one awake among those who were supposed to keep me company." Ines was
exasperated.
"Well, try closing your eyes now and I'll talk to you until you fall asleep."
Ines smiled and obediently closed her eyes.
"Izzy, your aunt and uncle are coming over early tomorrow. I've arranged for someone to pick them up. You'll have a professional makeup artist come
over, so make sure you get enough sleep tonight. And don't forget to eat something when you wake up. It's going to be a long day."

Joy just had a baby girl a few days ago, and Jeffery had to stay home to help out. So, it was up to Aunt Rita and Uncle Zander to come over.
"I got it. You've told me all this before."
"Remember, it's crucial to have breakfast tomorrow." He emphasized it again.
"Okay, I got it. By the way, Ethan, are you nervous?"
There was silence on the line for a while. Ines pouted slightly and asked in a delicate tone, "Honey, are you nervous or not?"
"I'm so nervous that I'm even sweating. It's my first time, after all."
"It's my first time too, and don't even think about a second one."
"One time is enough. If there's a second time, it'd still be with you. When we're old and gray, we can renew our vows and show off our enduring love
to the world."

Ines imaged that an elderly Ethan was in a trim suit. His handsome features were aged but still stunning. He was walking down the aisle with her on
their golden anniversary, which really warmed Ines' heart.
After indulging in a flight of fancy, Ines' cheeks flushed. "By then, I'll be an old woman. I'll look hideous in a wedding dress."
"When you're old, I'll be even older. We'd be a perfect match. A dashing old man and a beautiful old lady. Just don't reject me then."
"I'm only a few years younger than you. I can't be that much prettier."
"You're the most beautiful woman in my eyes." Little did Ines know, Ashley was silently laughing her head off. She never knew her serious brother

could be such a romantic. No wonder he managed to woo a wife and steal her away from Aaron twice. He truly had his ways. If possible, she wanted
to record their conversation and send it to Aaron. Maybe he could learn a thing or two about how to please her.
Ines fell asleep to the sound of Ethan's soothing voice. When she didn't respond for a while, Ethan ended the call.
The next day, Rita woke up Ines. Groggily, she glanced at the clock on the wall. It was only five in the morning. "Aunt Rita, it's still early," she
mumbled before closing her eyes again.
Rita couldn't help but feel pleased. They say a woman who is pampered becomes lazy. The old Ines wouldn't be like this. Even if she had to work till
midnight, she'd still get up early the next day. But now, she was a different woman. Even a bit spoiled.
It was indeed getting late and the makeup artist had arrived. Rita gently pinched Ines' nose until she finally woke up.
It took the makeup artist over two hours to finish Ines' bridal makeup. Once it was done, Ines felt a bit sore from sitting for so long. As she looked at
herself in the mirror, she barely recognized the woman staring back at her. Her skin was flawless, and her eyes were clearer than ever. Her lilac
wedding dress gave her an air of elegance and grace. She was breathtakingly beautiful.
Emma was smiling as she gazed at Ines. It took her a while to find her words, "You're stunning, sis."
"With this look, Izzy, no one would guess you're a woman approaching thirty and a mother of two."
"If you keep flattering her, she might get too big for her britches."
Ines was in the midst of getting her makeup done while her bridesmaids were also getting dressed. Together, they started preparing the bridal games.
The Galeana family's house had a front door, a living room door, and Ines' bedroom door. Ethan would have to pass three challenges to get to his
bride.
Rita gently rested her hand on Ines' shoulder. Her eyes welled up with a mix of emotions. "Izzy, I finally get to see you tie the knot."

Ines patted Rita's hand. "Auntie, don't be like this. It's a joyful day. If you start crying, I might join you."
The makeup artist looked startled. "Mrs. Meyer, please don't cry. If your makeup smears, we won't have time to redo it."