A soothing voice of Shania Twain, singing about 'From this moment' is on the air. The garden is decorated in a traditional romantic theme, a number of string golden lights embellished on the trees around. Candles, flowers, glasses, bottles of champagne, silverware and plates are placed on the round tables.

Everything looks exquisite.

Me, Liam, and our friends are seated at the same table, chatting and laughing while enjoying my favorite part of any party—the food. The smell of people's perfumes is replaced by the delicious aroma of lobster and mashed potato, chicken and beef barbeque, salad and other varieties in the menu.

"I think I've put too much on my plate. Care for some chicken breast, Lightness?" Malik teases Roshni as he sits down next to her, carrying a plate full of food.

They've been on and off the whole evening. I'm no longer surprised, however. They're like Tom and Jerry—very adorable.

"I won't mind," she replies. "I'm not one of those salad-eating chicks, you know."

Everyone bursts into laughter, including Amelia who's seated between me and Roshni. Excluding ourselves from the food story, my redhead neighbor and I indulge in our own conversation as a way to catch up with the time we've been apart.

Oh, I miss L.A. My little home, Venice, will forever keep a part of me.

"Why was your phone off?" I ask Amelia, while chewing the tender steak accompanied with a red wine.

Hmm, I was starving and I didn't even notice until now.

"Oh, dear," Amelia utters, sighing. After drinking some water, she continues. "I'm not sure if it's your luck, or not, but unfortunately my cell phone began acting up since the last time we spoke when you were in Las Vegas. And my little niece finished it off when she dropped it in the pool."

"That explains. How is your family, though? The troublemaker niece of yours—Rebecca, right?" I start laughing at the memory of that young girl and her bubbly personality.

I once had the pleasure of spending an entire day with her sister's family. They're as nice as she is.

"They are all fine. She actually asks for you many times; thanks to that doll you bought her. And it's apparently named Kira."

I cackle. Liam steals a glance at me. A small smile appears at the corners of his mouth before he returns his attention back to Jonathan. I'm flushed, deep crimson, with too many reasons responsible for it.

"Well, the universe wanted me to be here by any means." Amelia cracks a lobster on her plate, the same choice of food as Sam's. "My sister got a call yesterday, and surprisingly someone wanted to talk to me. He introduced himself as Kira's fiancé . . . and apparently, you're the only Kira I know." She smiles up at me.

Liam Darcy! I sip my red wine that tastes sweet and a little spicy, a big grin on my face.

"So, he personally called you?" Indeed, he's surpassed my expectations.

"Yeah. And I didn't know the wedding would be so soon, honestly. I wasn't even prepared when he gave me the news." Saying this, Amelia takes a sip of her champagne. "But I managed to be here and I'm so happy. Unfortunately I have to go back to L.A tomorrow." Her face fluctuates into faint sadness.

"It's alright, Amelia. What's important is that you're here. Thank you so much," I tell her.

"No. You should thank your husband," Amelia remarks. "He insisted that I should be here even for a day. He got me a two-way ticket—first class—can you imagine? I travelled like a VIP for the first time in my life?" She chuckles and I mirror her gesture instantly.

My evening proceeds wonderfully as I exchange more stories with her.

Finally the moment for the newlyweds, Liam and I, to open the dance floor arrives. Ed Sheeran's guitar begins playing as my husband takes my hand smoothly to rise me from the seat.

"May I have this dance, Mrs. Darcy?" Liam stretches his hand, smiling with pure gallant.

Oh God, I'm shy all of a sudden. But recalling that 'Perfect' is our song—the same one we danced for the first time at the wedding of Mayor's daughter—I get easily emboldened by the memory.

"Yes, please." I stand up nonchalantly, and the soft applause reigns momentarily.

Smiling, we stare at each other in the eyes, full of unspoken words. It feels romantic: candles and string lights resemble the stars twinkling in the sky above, and the moon shines bright. Soft wind breezes from the trees and slow music starts to race my beating heart.

Ah, it feels so right.

"You're indeed looking perfect tonight, Mrs. Darcy," Liam whispers, his cheek against mine as we move slowly in accordance to the tune.

I'm simply following his lead, for I'm still a terrible dancer.

"Thank you," I breathe, responding to his compliment. "And my husband looks the best."

My husband. Jesus, this is new to me, and I can't say I'm not scared that it's nothing but a dream.

"We're married, Liam, right? It's not a dream, huh?" Like a fool, I lift my eyes at him, and his smile is both sexy and mocking.

"Even if I do this?" says Liam, laying a wet kiss on my lips. I shut my eyes to relish the feeling that's . . . so palpable and true. "It's not a dream, Kira. And I'll be glad to prove it to you very soon after this party."

Oh, he's being very playful right now.

"Prove it?" I chuckle, imagining the naughty stuff awaiting my way.

Other couples join us on the dance floor, and the 'Thinking out loud' follows, retaining the same romantic mood as everyone holds the one next to them. Roshni and Malik get their own first dance, as well, and I smile indulgently at Malik's excited face.

I watch them discreetly, hoping to finally see that sparkle between them. Drinking in the song lyrics, I lay my head against Liam's chest, the sound of his heartbeat ever pleasing.

And darling I will be loving you 'til we're 70

And baby my heart could still fall as hard at 23

And I'm thinking 'bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways

Maybe just the touch of a hand . . .

"I love you," Liam whispers. Automatically my smiling eyes stare up at him. "I said I love you. And I want you all to myself right now." He's incessant, eyes dark with both love and . . . lust?

I blush.

"I love you, too," I reply and when our lips meet I feel like running away with him. "And I want you, too. But patience, my love. We can't leave our guests hanging, can we?" I chuckle.

The cake is so big that it can feed everyone here without deficit. It's frosty white, tower-like figure, gorgeously decorated in red and silver ornaments. We cut it and share with our loved ones—laughter and giggles adding much to the amusement.

Chinese takeout, pizza slices, doughnuts, cookies and milk, are served to anyone who wishes to eat or take them away. We eat, we dance, until I can no longer move my hips. Laughing, I return to my seat, leaving Roshni and Sam trying to dance salsa.

Before I take my seat I see Julian and Peter, and my destination changes. I walk toward them. Talking casually, Peter is sipping a beer nonchalantly, eyes on the dancing people. As for Julian, he draws my smile right away, for he's having the largest piece of cake on his plate, eating it with delight.

"Hey, there." I beam, taking a seat with a tired sigh. They both straighten up when they comprehend my presence. "Why don't I see any of you dancing?" I tease, stifling a laugh.

"Pff! It's funny watching," says Julian. I laugh as Peter nudges him, reprimanding. "I'm serious, though." He scoffs.

Peter gazes at me with an apologetic smile. "Please, don't mind him, Miss—" He pauses, seemingly unsure of something.

I giggle, fully aware that he's struggling to decide which title to give me this time. "I wonder what name you'll give me now. I told you to call me Kira, but it seems like Ms. Kira is all you can say." I cross my arms on the chest, watching him with interest.

"Well . . . " Peter utters, his voice more relaxed than usual. His dark eyes are somehow lazy—a little alcohol seems to be fixing his utterly serious natural demeanor. "Ma'am?"

"Ma'am? Ew! That makes me feel fifty, Peter?" I rebuke.

They laugh loudly, but the sounds fade as quickly as they come due to the music.

"How about . . . Mrs. Kira?" Peter asks, a small smile on his face.

"No, they all sound strange. But anyways, let's go with Mrs. Kira. I think it's much better," I say and it sounds like a plan. "Where is Betty? I only saw her once today." I throw my gaze around, in search for her.

"Maybe she went to sleep. She's scared of people," Julian says, shrugging diffidently.

"Or maybe not?" I see Betty approaching our table. She's wearing a cute pink dress and white flats, her hair into a messy but well styled bun. "Hi, Betty. You look so pretty."

Betty takes a seat next to Peter while smiling timidly. She makes a certain signal as if she's responding to my compliment.

"She says you look prettier," Peter translates it.

"Oh, thank you." I flush, and immediately I feel the presence of my husband as the scent of his cologne engulfs my nostrils. "Hey." I glance up at him.

"Hey." Liam grins. While pulling a seat, he asks, "Aren't you cold?"

It is chilly.

Waiting no more, Liam takes off his jacket and smoothly places it around my shoulders.

"Thanks, baby," I whisper, and my sex goddess awakes at last.

Exchanging glances with Liam, I feel that throb between my legs. I miss him.

His body, too? My subconscious reminds me slyly.

"Aw, my family is here!" Eleanor announces the second she arrives at the table, holding a glass of sparkling wine. She looks overjoyed, a bit tipsy but sane. "Come on, everyone! Let's have a toast!"

"Yes, please." I take a champagne flute from the passing waiter, and everyone gathers their drink.

"Where Malik is? Don't tell me he's still charming Roshni?" Eleanor muses while looking around.

We burst out laughing, and I realize everyone can see what I'm seeing regarding this royal couple.

"Cheers!" We clink our glances, big smiles on our faces.

Moments later I find Amelia talking to one of the guests, a middle-aged man. I smile indulgently and wait until they're done. She flushes upon my sight.

"Found someone of interest?" I pry.

"What can I say? The stars are shining bright today, but the alignment is more in your favor, darling," Amelia replies with mild diplomacy.

I chuckle lightly. "If you say so. He looks good, though."

"Does he? I guess so. Chances are very slim that I'll see him again. It was a pleasure having his number, though," says Amelia, her grin full of mischief.

Now I laugh heartily. "You got his number?"

"He gave it willingly," she replies and there's no way I can stop laughing if she keeps this up.

She laughs along and says, "This is the best wedding I've ever attended. And I'm glad you are happy, my dear."

"Thanks, Amelia. Thank you so much." No word can describe my gratitude towards everyone present here.

"Don't ever mention. I just—" Amelia halts in a start when somebody bumps onto her back.

It's Malik, a phone in his hand as if he's just finished a call.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," he mutters.

"It's okay." Amelia smiles at him. "You're Liam's brother, right?" she asks him.

I grin at the way Malik beams. He loves the sound of that, I can easily tell.

"Bullseye!" he answers fast, with joy in his voice. Shoving his phone into the pocket of his pants, he asks, "Is it true that you're a fortune teller?"

I raise an eyebrow, waiting for Amelia's response.

"Me? No, I'm not." Amelia laughs delightedly. "I only love saying what I think or feel about anything I see. And people automatically think I'm a fortune teller—how lovely." She's so calm, eyes shining.

"Really?" Malik stares at me for confirmation.

I only shrug.

"Believe me." Amelia grins. "Besides, you don't even believe in fortune telling, do you?"

"Um . . . not really. I believe we all make our own fates."

I'm enjoying their conversation, and it's as if I'm invisible here.

"Then why do you seem to have plenty of questions to ask me right now?" Amelia asks ingenuously, her smile challenging.

"Huh?" Malik looks taken aback, his eyes squinted.

You're in for a ride, Shahzad! I smile.

"Gotcha!" Amelia laughs heartily. Malik blinks twice, stunned. "You're so noble, and it's very evident. I don't even need the cards to know."

"Noble?" Malik looks confused. "What do you—"

"Relax. I'm not referring to that kind of nobility. I'm talking about your soul," Amelia says quietly, and I pretend I'm busy with my thoughts. My eyes wander around, but my ears stay tentative. "You bring happiness to wherever you go, even though you have so little for yourself." Her voice is currently serious, urging my eyes to look at her.

"That's quite perceptive of you, don't you think?" Malik lets out a nervous laughter.

But I agree with Amelia—Malik is truly a noble soul. I'm just intrigued by the fact that it's their first time meeting today, but she speaks as though she's known him forever.

"You think?" Amelia keeps smiling, both staring at the table where Eleanor is laughing heartily, surrounded with her family. "Family is where your heart is. Truthfully, blood relations can carry no meaning at times, and we may end up finding a peaceful shelter from those coming from different trees."

"What do you mean?" Malik is as intrigued as I am.

"Sometimes what's real is what you can't see." She's now staring at the table where Roshni is seated alone with her drink, tapping on her cellphone absentmindedly. "Maybe it's about time you tell that little boy in you to stop searching for it. Maybe it's time to free yourself and be happy."

"Search for what?" Malik utters, bemused.

My eyes widen, confused. I want to leave them alone, but I need to bid them goodnight before I go.

"I don't know. But I'm sure you know," Amelia says casually, smiling. "Oh, they're making an announcement. I think we're about to end the party. It was sweet, right?"

"Oh . . . yes. It was indeed." Malik nods, and I think he's unsure of what to think or feel.

Shall we skip the honeymoon? Don't forget to vote.