This was not happening. A strangled huff left my throat as I clutched Daniel's arm tightly. I felt him jump slightly but I couldn't take my eyes off of the one person my vision had zeroed in on.

Hair as black as a raven's feathers, eyes as rich as hazel wood, and the warmest dimpled smile stared back at me. Those toned abs rested comfortably in a tight polo shirt with trousers, making my throat go dry.

I let Daniel go and shuffled back as the person walked closer until my back hit the revolving entrance doors.

"Hey, Liv."

Oh god, no, not that voice. Not that sound like silk against marble. Not that tone that made me go weak in the knees. No, this wasn't happening.

"Mads. . ." My voice faltered, calling out to Madison for help. I had no idea why I was asking for her when she was probably the last person who would stand up for me.

"No. Stay where you are. Both of you," Madison barked. Christmas really came early for me.

The person right in front of me and a pretty woman right next to him stopped abruptly. In my horror and shock, I had failed to note her.

She was a luscious brunette with the greenest of eyes. She had a slight tilt to her haughty chin, like she grew up as a princess. Her lavender dress wrapped beautifully around her body, complimenting the beautiful green of her eyes.

Her illusion is shattered when she speaks. "What's this about, Madison? You're going to make me wait, yes?" The brunette spoke softly but there was a deadly undertone that was perfectly guised.

I saw Madison gripping her fists before a troubled smile made its way on her face. "Of course not, Liliana. There's just not enough rooms booked. I'd hate to have you live in a room less than your standards."

Madison turned to Joshua, who was all but glaring at both of the newcomers. "Josh, book rooms for them at the Royal Hall. We'll get them on the day of the wedding."

Joshua nodded stoically, his aversion to the people present was clear as day. I knew why he couldn't stand the sight of the guy I was terrified of but what was the issue with the girl? It was then that I finally snuck a glance at Daniel.

He was clenching his jaw, his hands white fists next to his rigid frame. All I could think of when I looked at him was a statue, cursed to a standstill. But then he took two steps back and walked right back inside. Daniel didn't stop to talk to anyone, he simply left.

The brunette — Liliana, Madison had called her — was unfazed. Instead, she raised her hand and laughed. The person next to her joined in after a few awkward moments. "That's very kind of you, Madison, but Noah and I will be staying in already occupied rooms."

And there it was. There was the name I had run away from as fast as possible. The name that had called me and my family "a bunch of weirdos". I had no idea how the hell he had managed to show his face and smile at me, after everything that had happened.

Something else hit my senses next. "Already occupied rooms?" My voice came out as a squeak and I instantly regretted speaking up.

Liliana's striking gaze landed on me next, as if registering me for the first time. "Oh, yes. I'm assuming you are the famous Olivia I've heard so much about from Noah on the flight here?"

She reached out to shake my hand and I obliged grudgingly. Noah tried to capture my attention but I willed myself to look away.

"Evelyn was kind enough to invite us over and make arrangements for our stay. Apparently, you and Daniel needed plus ones," she laughed. "He was always clueless, Daniel, I mean."

Madison and Joshua's shoulders sagged collectively. It would have almost been comical had it not been for the situation we were in. However, Liliana had still not answered my questions.

I chuckled awkwardly before saying, "Well, yeah, so hopeless. But. . . um. . . occupied rooms?"

Noah cut in next, a trespass Liliana did not seem happy about but she allowed it anyway. "Yes, Olivia. Occupied rooms," he said suggestively. I prayed it was not what I was thinking but like always, my hopes had to be trampled upon.

"We're your plus ones. We'll be staying with you. Obviously," Noah finished, an infuriatingly light smile playing on his lips.

"So that means. . ." I trailed off, close to tears. I knew Evelyn was one of the worst human beings to ever live but this was taking it too far.

"Olivia, we have another shot at us. Don't tell me you don't want this." Noah held up his hands placatingly, like I would go feral on him. "I was a fool once, Liv, I'm not going to make the same mistake again."

A dry laugh left me in shock. "Mistake? Is that all the excuse you have? You really think this sudden appearance forgives the moment you called my family weird?"

Noah sighed, as if he had expected my jabs. Liliana was once again disinterested, taking the time to scroll through her phone. She glanced up at the silence and tucked her phone in her purse.

"Look, Evelyn invited us. We're here. If you have a problem, you can take it up with her."

The most infuriating part was when Noah nodded. I couldn't believe my eyes. He had changed so much since the last time I had seen him. And I wasn't sure it was for the good.

"Liliana's right, Liv, it was. . ."

"Shut up, both of you. Back in university, you were one of the biggest assholes I had laid my eyes on, Noah. And Liliana, you can respectfully get the fuck out of here, before I throw you out. You've hurt Daniel enough."

Joshua's voice rang true and clear, as he took a threatening step towards the newcomers. My emotions caught in my throat, unable to process that Joshua was standing up for me.

He remembered.

Noah shook his head, sadly. I wanted to slap his melancholy off of his stupid face but it was all I could do to restrain myself. I clutched my fists when he said, "It'll be best if we just listen to Evelyn, Josh. You know that."

In a move completely foreign to my understanding, Madison backtracked to stand next to me. Madison's tone was strong as steel when she said, "Absolutely not. If you think we've forgotten about you, Noah, you are terribly mistaken."

She glared at Liliana next, taking me by surprise. "And you," she spat. "You are a liar, a cheater, and a backstabbing bitch. If any of you think about destroying my wedding, I believe you don't need a reminder about how horrible I can be."

Madison grabbed Joshua, whose ears were flushed red with anger, and then closed her fingers around my wrist. She pulled us towards the entrance, stopping only once.

"It's best if you walk away of your own accord," she said, her voice low with promised threat.

Liliana's lilting giggle followed us as we left them behind. "I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon, Mads."

I saw Madison clench her jaw in anger. She did not stop till we were in a secluded corner of the lobby. Plopping down on one of the lounge chairs, she buried her head in her hands.

"I knew she would do this. I knew it. When will I learn?" Madison's muffled voice broke as she kicked at the table in front of her.

I shifted uncomfortably on my feet, watching Joshua bend down to rub her back. I was torn between punching Noah in the head and rushing to find Daniel.

He'd been gone way too long.

As if reading my thoughts, Joshua whispered, "Find him. He'll need someone."

I nodded instantly, glad to have something to do. I had just turned to walk away, when all of a sudden, a hand snaked around my wrist. Madison's red-rimmed blue eyes shone back at me and my heart felt close to breaking.

It didn't matter where we stood then, Madison was once one of my closest friends. I kneeled in front of her, gripping her hand tightly. Slowly patting her fingers, I said, "I don't blame you, Mads. This wasn't your fault."

Whatever I had expected her to do, laughing humourlessly wasn't in my top five. "Oh, but it is. I'm so sorry, Liv. I was only trying to protect you and my wedding. She ended up making a mess, just like she said she would."

It was true. Evelyn was one ruthless matriarch and there was no force strong enough to stop her. But what mattered was I had never lost a friend. Madison had tried keeping me away from this monster but it was time I fought her on my own.

"Well, it's her mess. I'll make her clean it, okay?" I smiled softly at her. "After all, what is a Maid of Honour for?"

At that, some of the light returned to her face and Madison rested her head on Joshua's shoulder who gave me an encouraging nod. I let Madison's hand fall from mine and got up to leave. With a small wave, I walked towards the elevators.

I knew where Daniel was.