It was a beautiful summer day in New York, perfect for a wedding. In a mansion on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, there was a hype of activities. Champagne was poured into glasses, the bride and bridesmaids were busy having their hair and makeup done. Relatives and close friends came and went to congratulate the bride. All this Alex watched in awe, wishing one day it would be her turn. The thought brought a nice feeling to her body, and her eyes searched for Jayden. She found him among his three cousins: two male and a young female. They were much younger than he was, and they seemed to worship him like he was some kind of god. He caught her watching him and gave her a smile. She blushed and grinned back.

"Alex." Gracie's voice snapped her mind back to the present. "You should be getting changed."

Alex turned to look at Gracie. "Oh, right," she said, nodding her head. "I suppose I should."

"Yes, yes. It's nearly time to go." Gracie nudged her toward the door.

Alex chuckled and said, "I won't take long, you know."

"Yes. But you still need to change. And don't you ruin your hair."

Alex absentmindedly touched her beautifully coiffured hair with a large pink oriental lily inserted on the left side near her ear. "I won't," she replied, heading to the door.

The house was filled with people Alex had never seen before. She was just stepping onto the grand stairs when a woman said, "You must be Alexandra from New Zealand."

Alex turned and smiled. "Yes, I am."

"Well, you're a pretty thing, aren't you? No wonder. Congratulations, by the way."

Alex blinked. She wondered if the woman was talking to the wrong person. Perhaps she thought Alexandra was Kelly. If the woman was a friend of the McCartney family, then she hadn't been well informed.

"Oh," Alex responded, wondering what she should say.

"Oops," the woman chuckled. "Wasn't supposed to say, but congratulations nonetheless."

Then she was gone. Alex raised her brows in confusion. She shook her head and hurried up the stairs. Halfway, she heard somebody say, "Hey, Alex, right? Congratulations!"

Alex just smiled. There we go. Another one. She'd have to tell Jayden his family's friends were congratulating the wrong person.

In the bedroom, she went into the walk-in wardrobe and took out her silk gown. She held the dress to her chest and couldn't believe her life could be so different in such a short space of time. She sighed, tears brewing in her eyes.

Don't cry, Alex, the voice in her head said. Or you'll stuff up the makeup Laura worked so hard on.

She giggled at the thought of going to the wedding with panda eyes as she began to take off her shirt. Then her jeans and bra followed. She slipped the soft material of the gown over her head and pulled it down, feeling the cool fabric against her skin. She adjusted the dress about her slim body and then reached over the back to do the zipper. She got halfway and stopped, finding it hard to pull it to the top.

"Can I help?"

Alex turned, her heart hammering in her chest. "Jayden!" she exclaimed. "How long have you been standing there?" There was a note of accusation in her voice.

"A while," he said easily, ambling to her, a devilish grin on his face.

Alex blushed intensely, wondering what he meant by that. A while could mean anything, and going by the smirk on his face, a while probably meant a good long time.

"Why didn't you tell me when you were here?" she asked, frowning at him.

"Quit frowning. You'll ruin the makeup." He chuckled. He found he couldn't take his eyes off her. She looked so beautiful with her hairdo, the oriental lily on her head, her face all made up to perfection, which enhanced her eyes and luscious lips, and her milky skin, soft and smooth.

"Okay. I'll stop frowning now. So why didn't you tell me when you came in?" she queried again, this time with a fake pleasant smile on her face.

"Because I was too busy looking at what I like," he said. "My eyes are dilated."

"Oh," was all Alex could get out. She bit her lip. So he liked looking at her? "Jayden!" she exclaimed.

"Yes, Alex," he responded. "Can I help you with that zipper?"

"No, thank you," she said curtly. "I can manage." She turned her back to him and began to try zipping again.

Jayden cocked his head to one side and watched, a grin on his face.

Alex gave up because her hands were getting sore. She glanced at him and said, "All right."

He smiled smugly and stepped to her. Alex became nervous all of a sudden. She started fidgeting and biting her lip. Jayden reached out for the zipper, his hands warm against her bare skin. He pulled up the pull, his knuckles brushing against her back, stroking her all the way up. Alex held her breath as sensual sensations rushed through her body.

Once he was done, Jayden leaned his head to her and whispered in her ear, "You look beautiful."

She smiled and whispered back, "Thanks."

Jayden snuggled his nose in the nape of her neck and started to kiss her there. He moved his lips slowly to her chin and then to her lips. Alex tilted her head back to look up at him, her eyes large. "I can't kiss you," she said softly.

"Why not?"

"Because you'll ruin my makeup," she replied, a satisfied smile on her face.

Jayden's face became serious. "Well then," he began, "since you can't kiss me, I'll kiss you."

"Huh?" She gazed at him in confusion.

"Don't worry. I won't ruin your makeup," he said and moved his lips to her nape again. He kissed her there, softly and gently, setting Alex's body in a glow of fire.

"But Jayden."

"Shh..." He moved his lips to her back, and with his fingers, he peeled the strap down from one of her shoulders.

Alex's head was swimming. She thought if he didn't stop now, she'd fall to the floor because her knees were getting weaker. She wanted him to stop, but at the same time she didn't.

"There you two are," a female voice echoed from the door.

Jayden looked up to see Beth frowning at him, telling him there'd be plenty of time for that, but not now.

"It's time we leave for church."

"Yes, of course," Jayden said. Once Beth was gone, he turned to Alex, who was blushing profoundly. "Sorry, sweetheart." He gently replaced the strap back on her shoulder and led her to the door.

Their drive to St. Bart's Church was a short one. There they mingle with family and friends, and Jayden proudly introduced Alex as his girlfriend if anyone happened to ask. When the ceremony was about to begin, they took their seats in the front pew. Alex watched and saw that Sam was all smiley-faced. The piano started playing "Here Comes the Bride" and the bridesmaids entered slowly, one small step at a time. Stephanie, as the maid of honor, was last, and then behind her was the beautiful bride herself, Kelly. All eyes were on her.

Once Kelly reached the front stage, Sam took her hand, grinning from ear to ear.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the priest began, "we gather here to celebrate..."

Alex felt Jayden's hand over hers. She glanced up and saw him wink at her. Her heart missed a beat. Oh dear! As she turned back to watch Sam and Kelly, she couldn't stop grinning.

"Will you," the priest said, "Sam Hunter, have Kelly McCartney to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort and keep her, and, forsaking all others, remain true to her as long as you both shall live?"

Sam cleared his throat, and with a smile, he said, "I will."

The priest turned to Kelly, who was grinning behind her white veil. "Will you, Kelly McCartney, have Sam Hunter to be your husband? Will you love him, comfort and keep him, and, forsaking all others, remain true to him as long as you both shall live?"

Kelly nodded as she said, "I will."

The priest turned to Sam. "Will you please repeat after me..."

Once both Sam and Kelly had repeated after the priest, Sam put the ring on Kelly's finger, and Kelly did the same to him. Sam said, "With this ring I thee wed, and all my worldly goods I thee endow. In sickness and in health, in poverty or in wealth, 'til death do us part."

Gracie sniffed and padded her hanky about her cheeks. Beth was doing the same thing.

The priest said, "You are now husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride."

A loud cheer erupted then, and Sam lifted Kelly's veil and then kissed her. A loud applause followed, and then they signed their wedding certificates.

"That was a wonderful wedding ceremony, Jayden," Alex said.

"Yeah, it was." He agreed. "Time for some photos." He winked at her.

"Oh no. Must I be in them?"

"Yes." He stood. "Come on."

Alex groaned as he led her to the newlywed couple where they were surrounded by well-wishers, journalists, and paparazzi.

"I didn't know this would be so big," Alex said, glancing up at Jayden, trying to slow their pace. She dreaded the thought of facing those people and the continuous flashing of the cameras.

"Yes," Jayden replied.

Alex saw Kelly waved at her to come over.

"Let's have some family photos," one of the cameramen shouted into the buzzing crowd.

"Family photos," Jayden said. "Come on."

"But I'm not family," Alex whispered. "You go."

"No. You're coming," Jayden said.

"Alex, come on," Kelly shouted.

"Alex, come stand by me," Gracie called out, pulling her forward.

And so Alex found herself wedged between Jayden, who had his hand around her waist, and Gracie. She smiled and laughed as the cameramen made jokes and demanded they repeat what they said. She suddenly forgot about the people and the rapid, continuous flashing lights from the cameras.

Once the family and friend photos were done, and the well wishes died down, everyone started leaving the church. Jayden was just leading Alex toward the door when a middle-aged journalist and her cameraman appeared before them.

"Hello, Mr. McCartney," she said pleasantly. "My name is Janet Tallmark. I'm a journalist from Your Wedding Magazine."

"Yes?" Jayden said.

"As you know, your sister's wedding will be a feature article in our magazine. As part of it, I would like to ask you a few questions, if that's all right with you and your girlfriend," Janet said, smiling at Alex.

Jayden glanced at Alex, who smiled up at him. He said, "Of course."

"Thank you. Much appreciated," Janet said as she took out her recording device. She cleared her throat and began. "So you are one of the top ten youngest billionaires here in the States. How do you feel about that?"

"Nothing out of the ordinary," Jayden replied, shrugging his shoulders.

She asked him more questions about his business. The picture that the journalist got on him was of a hard-working, down-to-earth man who enjoyed life to the fullest, which was exactly what Jayden was. Then Janet started asking him about his personal life.

"How did you two meet?" she asked, glancing from Jayden to Alex.

"In New Zealand," Jayden said. "I kind of bumped into her."

Alex nodded in agreement.

"And things got flying from there." He continued.

"When is the date for the wedding?"

"Excuse me?" Alex asked, her brows rising, confused.

"No, we're not that far yet," Jayden commented. "It's going to be some time away."

"You two look great together," Janet said. "Would you mind if we take some photos of the two of you?"

Alex shook her head. At the same time, Jayden said, "Go for it."

Jayden pulled Alex closer to him and wrapped his arm around her waist. They smiled as the camera flashed continuously.

Janet said, "Thank you both for the interview. It's been a pleasure."

* * * * *

Alex glanced up at the chandeliers and the ornate ceiling above her as she sipped her red wine. The wedding reception, being held in one of the main halls at the McCartney's Hotel, of which Jayden proudly told her he owned half the shares, was truly beautiful and elegant. She couldn't believe she was there, attending one of the biggest weddings in New York, sitting in a five-star hotel, and enjoying a high-class meal. She was stoked and thoroughly enjoying herself.

She glanced at the man beside her, the man who made it all possible for her.

Jayden leaned to her and whispered, "Aren't you going to go up?"

Alex was confused. "Why?"

"Don't you want the bouquet?"

"Is Kelly going to throw it now?"

Jayden nodded. "Go on."

"I don't think—"

She was interrupted by Stephanie, who was pulling her by the arm to her feet and then dragging her toward the area near the stage. "This is exciting."

"Yeah," Alex responded, trying to keep up with Stephanie's fast pace.

They begged their way through the girls and stopped right in the middle of the crowd. The girls shoved and pushed in excitement, shouting, "Give it to me! Give it to me!"

Kelly, who was on the stage, laughed and then turned around so her back was to them. The men cheered and urged Kelly to get it going.

Kelly said, "All right. Here we go." She threw the bouquet up high. The girls screamed and shoved, their hands in the air as they tried to catch the beautiful bunch of flowers. Alex got shoved back in the process. She was laughing and thought she'd better get out of the way before she got stampeded by excited young women competing for a bouquet. Before she knew what was happening, however, the flower bouquet flew straight at her and landed in her arms.

Stephanie shrieked, "Alex got it! Alex got it!"

Another cheer went up. Alex rushed back to her seat, her heart pumping loud and fast.

"Well done," Jayden chuckled, clapping loudly. "So who's the lucky guy? When's the wedding?"

Alex slapped his arm in annoyance. He only laughed back in response. Then the music started, and Sam and Kelly walked to the center of the dance floor. It was the song "Oh, My Love." All eyes were on the newlyweds, who were slowly dancing and swirling around the floor. Suddenly, Tom and Gracie joined in and then Sam's parents.

Jayden moved to Alex, who was enjoying the show. He said, "Come on."

He took her hand, pulled her to her feet, and led her to the dance floor.

"Jayden," she hissed. "It's only for couples."

"We are one, aren't we?"

"Well, I suppose."

On the dance floor, he wrapped his arms around her waist and told her to put her arms around his neck. She obeyed and bit her lip nervously. Then he led her along with the slow music. Alex started to relax as she closed her eyes and listened to the beat and lyric of the song.

"Why are you closing your eyes?"

"Because I can understand it better that way. I get myself lost in the song, and I can feel it through my body."

"Right." He closed his eyes, too. A moment later, he opened them and said, "It's true."

Alex laughed. They danced along, and Alex closed her eyes again. Jayden couldn't help himself and moved his face to her. Then he kissed her on the lips.

Alex gasped and opened her eyes. When she was about to stop the kiss by moving her head back, Jayden had his hand behind her neck, forcing her to stay still. Then he deepened the kiss. His mouth was sweet and warm against hers, and Alex found it hard to resist. She responded to him and tightened her arms about his neck.

Suddenly, the music stopped. A loud applause followed. Alex flashed her eyes open and moved her head back. She saw indeed all eyes were on them. She flushed in embarrassment as Jayden, grinning from ear to ear, led her back to their seats.

"I need to go to the ladies' room," she said to him breathlessly and rushed away.

Once she was safely inside, she sighed and took a deep breath. She started washing her hands, grinning.

So this is love, then? This wonderful feeling she was having right now?

"I see you're enjoying yourself, bitch," Britney said at the door.

Alex gasped and turned to look at the sexy woman advancing toward her in a threatening manner.

"I am," Alex said, squaring her shoulders.

Britney came to stand in front of her and sneered. "Enjoy it all while you can. It won't last. Jayden's not over Sarah yet. He's going to go back to her. You and I both know that. He knew her and dated her for five years. And you? You've just met him for what, a month or two?"

Alex gritted her teeth. "I think this is none of your business."

Britney raised her hand in a defensive manner. "Hey, I know this is none of my business. But I'm just warning you before you get your heart broken because you don't look like the kind who can handle such a nasty thing."

Alex folded her arms across her chest and said sarcastically, "Well, thank you for your advice. Now, if you'd excuse me." She headed toward the door.

Britney grabbed her arm and swung her back. "Admit it! Admit you're only trying to get Jayden's money. Admit it's because he's rich. Admit it now."

Alex thrust her arm free. "You think I'd stoop that low? Listen here, Britney. I'm not that kind of girl. I don't go for a guy just because he has money to throw away. I'm a big girl. I can look after myself. And FYI, I happen to love Jayden for the man he is." She faked a smile at the woman and turned on her heel.

"Go back to your slum, bitch, and leave us alone," Britney growled.

Alex swirled around and slapped Britney in the face, hard. She felt satisfied indeed to see red finger marks on the woman's flawless cheek. "I'm not a bitch, not like you, Britney. And I happen to live in New Zealand, a clean country that's hardly a slum." Then with her head high, she marched off.

Along the corridor, still breathing heavily from the unexpected encounter, Alex could hear Britney shouting, "I've warned you, Alexandra. You'll see. He'll go back to Sarah. He's still in love with Sarah. He will never love the likes of you, you slum bitch!"

Alex gritted her teeth, holding back tears. God, how she wished she could go back and slap that silly woman again. As she got closer to the hall, however, she wondered if perhaps Britney was right. Perhaps Jayden still had feelings for Sarah. Perhaps he—

"Miss?"

Alex turned to see a handsome receptionist before her. "Yes?"

"Are you Miss Alexandra Stewart?"

"Yes, I am," she replied, wondering what this was about.

"This is for you."

Alex took the little card he handed her. She glanced down and saw it had the name Jayden at the bottom. "Thanks."

The young man nodded and left her. Alex read the contents of the note.

Alexandra, meet me at 11 p.m. exactly in room 879.

—Jayden

She was curious. What could this mean? Why would Jay ask her to meet up with him alone?

When she got back to her seat, Jayden was nowhere in sight. Perhaps he had already gone up to room 879?

* * * * *

Jayden glanced down at the note he received from a pretty receptionist only a few minutes ago.

What is Sarah doing here in the hotel? Why does she want to see me?

He came to stand in front of room 879 and then hesitantly knocked on the door. A few seconds later, it flung open, and Sarah stood there, extraordinarily beautiful and sexy in a short, flimsy nightdress.

"Jayden, you came," she said, smiling, her eyes shining. "I was beginning to think you had backed out. That you wouldn't come after—" She broke off dramatically. Her face appeared to have gone terribly sad. "But please do come in."