BELLA POV
I never imagined I'd be standing in the grand ballroom of one of the most exclusive event centers in the city, wearing a designer gown that probably cost more than my first car, sipping champagne that tasted like it had been aged in heaven. But here I was—Bella, the clumsy girl who once spilled soda on her prom date—now the bride-to-be at a rehearsal dinner that looked like it had been curated by royalty.
And the strangest part? I wasn't just attending. I was the center of it. I had knew that when I agreed to marry him my life will change but this was a whole lot more than I thought, but I was fine with it as long as I had Ace with me.
Ace's event center was legendary. People whispered about it like it was a myth—an architectural marvel tucked into the heart of the city, with glass walls that shimmered like water and chandeliers that looked like frozen fireworks. Tonight, it was transformed into a dreamscape: cascading floral arrangements in soft blush and ivory, velvet drapes, gold-trimmed dinnerware, and a string quartet playing something so elegant I felt like I should curtsy every time I moved. All I knew was that Ace mum and mine did an amazing job in the planning and decoration.
I walked in with Riley and Stella, my two best friends, both dressed to kill, and by the looks of both their partners. I'm sure, I'm not the only one to think so too.Riley wore a sleek navy jumpsuit with her badge tucked away for the night, and Stella floated in a champagne gown that made her look like she belonged on the cover of Vogue.
"Bella," Stella whispered, eyes wide as she took in the room. "This is insane."
"I feel like I should be apologizing to the furniture for breathing near it," Riley added, sipping her drink.
I laughed, but inside, I was still trying to process it all. This wasn't just a dinner. It was a statement. Ace's world was polished, powerful, and precise. And somehow, I was part of it now.
I had left both Stella and Riley with their partners, so that I could give them some alone time cause I had been with them for the whole day and now I needed them to just have a great time with their partners while I go find mine.
Mike, Ace's best friend, was already working the room like a seasoned host. He wore a tailored suit and had that effortless charm that made everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room.
"Bella!" he called out, pulling me into a warm hug. "You look stunning. Ace is gonna lose his mind."
"Thanks, Mike," I said, smiling. "This place is… wow."
He grinned. "Ace mum doesn't do anything halfway. You should've seen his birthday party last year—he flew in a jazz band from New Orleans and had fireworks synced to the saxophone solos."
I blinked. "Of course he did."
Dave and John, Ace's close friends, joined us at the bar. Dave was the loud one, always cracking jokes, while John was more reserved a little, but sharp as a tack.
"So," Dave said, raising his glass, "how does it feel to be marrying the city's most eligible bachelor?"
I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Honestly? A little surreal."
John nodded. "You ground him. That's rare."
I glanced across the room and saw Ace deep in conversation with the event coordinator, gesturing toward the lighting. Even in a crowd, he stood out—confident, composed, and completely in control.
And yet, when his eyes met mine, he smiled like I was the only thing that mattered.
Dinner was served on long, candlelit tables with crystal centerpieces and menus printed on embossed parchment. The food was a symphony—lobster ravioli, truffle risotto, filet mignon so tender it practically apologized for existing.
Ace finally joined me, sliding into the seat beside mine. "You okay?" he asked softly.
I nodded. "Just… overwhelmed. In a good way."
He leaned in. "You look like you belong here."
I wanted to say, Do I? But instead, I smiled. "Thanks."
Mike stood up for the first toast. "To Ace and Bella," he began, raising his glass. "Two people who somehow found each other in the chaos of life. Ace, you've built empires. Bella, you've built joy. Together, you're unstoppable."
Everyone clapped, and I felt my cheeks flush. Stella and Riley toasted next, each sharing stories that made me laugh and tear up at the same time.
"Bella once tried to make pancakes and ended up with a fire alarm serenade," Riley said, grinning. "Ace, you're in for a wild ride."
Stella added, "But she's loyal, fierce, and full of heart. You're lucky. And so is she."
After dinner, the music shifted. The quartet gave way to a jazz band, and the dance floor came alive. I danced with Riley, who spun me like a pro, and Stella, who insisted we do a slow-motion runway walk across the floor.
Ace eventually pulled me into a slow dance. His hand on my waist, his eyes locked on mine.
"This is real," he whispered.
I nodded. "I know."
And I did. Somewhere between the laughter, the luxury, and the lingering glances, I realized this wasn't just an agreement anymore. It was becoming something else. Something deeper.
As the evening wound down, guests began to leave, hugging us and offering well-wishes. The staff handed out custom gift boxes—monogrammed chocolates, silk eye masks, and handwritten notes from Ace thanking everyone for coming.
I stood near the entrance, watching the lights dim and the room empty. Ace came up beside me, slipping his hand into mine.
"You okay?" he asked again.
I looked around, then at him. "I'm not sure how I got here. But I'm glad I did."
He smiled. "How was tonight my love."
I nodded. " tonight was… perfect."
We walked out together, the city lights reflecting off the glass walls behind us. And for the first time, I didn't feel like I was just playing a part.
I felt like I was stepping into something real.
---THE NEXT DAY ---
I Had woken up early thanks to my friends jumping up to wake me, it was time for the final preparation for the wedding, I didn't really do much cause my mum and Ace mum had it covered, and I even had my dress ready like a week ago, but I still had to be present for the final decision-making I guess.
We went down to get breakfast first, I was expecting to see Ace and the boys but none were around not even my dad and his dad, just the ladies o well the must be doing some men things I guess.