Exciting news at end of chapter! Stay tuned!
"Okay, I booked us in for a couples massage tomorrow and was thinking maybe we could add a hot stone as well? Unless you don't-"
"Yeah that sounds great."
As Amelie droned on about the various spa treatments they could have in the hotel, Spencer's knuckles tightened over the steering wheel. He couldn't even bring himself to listen properly. There was only one person on his mind.
Amelie had surprisingly turned the trip into a couple's retreat for them. She had planned out an entire itinerary that would start after the wedding. Facials, massages, hot mud baths- they were all in her plan.
"I hope my dress looks okay. This was all so last minute that I had to settle on this chiffon floral piece that is just so casual. At least guys don't have to worry. You can just rewear suits."
"Yeah..."
Amelie bit her lip and opened her mouth to say something before deciding against it. Spencer felt bad at how quiet he was being. But he was too distracted. He really hoped Madeline was okay.
"We're here," Spencer announced as he rolled up to the hotel. He handed his keys to a valet before slipping on his sunglasses. Not only was the sun blinding but the paparazzi planted outside were snapping their cameras ferociously and their flashes were seizure-inducing.
Amelie slipped her hand in Spencer's. "I'll go check in and get a bellhop to bring our bags up. You go find Madeline."
Spencer nodded but as he walked away Amelie held him back.
"Wait."
"Yes?"
She took a deep breath in. "I'm trusting you, Kingsley. Please don't betray my trust. You know how I feel about you."
Spencer sighed, feeling ashamed at how he had been disregarding her all day. He kissed her slowly and rested his head against hers, not yet ready to say the L-word to her. "I'm glad you came with me. I can't wait to do everything you planned for us to do."
She smiled and kissed him again, curling her hand around the back of his neck. "Me neither."
After she left, Spencer followed a flock of makeup artists. They would lead him to her. As he got closer and closer to what he assumed was the door into Madeline's room his heart pounded. No more confessions and declarations of love. He was only there to support his friend.
The makeup artists swarmed into her room with Spencer quietly following behind. And there she was. Her hair was in curlers and her face scrunched up as some aesthetician plucked her eyebrows. She had her dress on and for less than a millisecond, Spencer imagined he was marrying her. But only for a split second. Then she turned around and caught his eyes.
"Spence," She gasped.
"Hey."
She shooed away the lady beside her and stood up before latching on to Spencer, catching him off guard. He was afraid she would be angry at him like last time but this was a 180 switch. He couldn't even hide his confusion as he remained frozen.
"Everyone leave. Please," She ordered and almost immediately the half-dozen bridal team scurried out of the room, leaving her and Spencer alone.
Her arms tightened around his torso and he hesitantly hugged her back.
"Maddie, what's wrong?"
She let go and buried her face in her hands. "I'm so glad you're here. I really wanted to see you. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm sorry for ghosting you for five years and for sleeping with you and-"
"Woah, woah, slow down. What brought this on? Maddie, are you okay?"
She took a deep breath in and out like she was about to announce something. But instead she nodded. "I'm fine... I'm just nervous that's all. And my dress doesn't fit. And the centrepieces weren't delivered."
But he knew her too well. "What's really going on, Maddie. I came here because I know there's something off."
She shook her head. "I'm glad you came. I just... God, I missed you Spence. I hope you know I love you. I know I'm marrying Blake but I'll always love you. Obviously I love Blake as well but you'll always be in my heart."
For some reason she started to cry and that was when Spencer knew for certain that something was definitely up. But he didn't pry. She made it clear she didn't want to talk about whatever she was keeping secret. Instead he hugged her.
"Oh, Maddie... I'm sorry too. I held on to the idea of us for two long. I put you in a terrible potato by cheating on Amelie with you. And you obviously didn't deserve that. I acted entitled and stupid and I'm sorry." He wiped the tears off her face for her. "You have my blessing Mads. I'm happy if you're happy. That's all I've ever wanted."
"Spence, you're crying."
His hand reached up where he indeed found stray tears running down his cheeks. "I'll be fine. And listen to me, if Blake hurts you, I'll send the Polish mafia after him."
"There's a Polish mafia?" Madeline asked, laughing through her tears.
"No clue. Maybe. I'm sure my dad has connections. Or, if you want to escape, it's not too late. My car is outside. I'm sure I can get us a few fake ID's, a flight to Mexico, that sort of thing," Spencer chuckled while wiping his nose with the back of his Armani jacket sleeve.
They would have ruled the world together.
Another bout of tears was triggered in Madeline. "I spent all morning with a facialist trying to depuff my sleep-deprived, swollen eyes! But now I'm a blotchy mess!"
"You look breathtaking."
She looked stunning. So stunning that Spencer couldn't take his eyes off her.
Madeline threw her arms around him and buried her face in his shoulders.
"I'm sorry I'm being so emotional. I just... I'm overwhelmed. I imagined this day to be much more different."
He had imagined being up there at the altar with her but sometimes things just don't work out.
"I think we all did, Maddie. But it's okay. Your happiness is the most important thing. I love you, Maddie. Forever."
"Forever, Spencer."
"Oh my god..." A voice gasped from the door.
Spencer turned around and found Nora standing at the door. He could only imagine what was going through her head. In an effort to ease the tension and play off what Nora had just walked in on, he laughed and let go of Madeline, taking a step away from her.
"Don't worry, Nor. I was just coming to congratulate Madeline on the wedding, something I should have done a long time ago."
Madeline remained quiet.
"I'll come back later," Nora said.
"No, no. Stay. I should go anyway. Amelie is waiting outside. I'll see you at the altar." He said to Madeline, planting one final kiss on her temple.
"I'll be the one in white," She whispered back, not breaking eye contact with him.
"And I'll be the lovesick fool gazing in awe at the beautiful bride who is, and will always be, my best friend."
He winked at her before making his way out the room with a content smile on his face. They were both finally moving on.
Spencer found Amelie at the hotel bar chatting to Maria. He approached them and wrapped his arms around Amelie.
"Hey babe," He sighed, kissing her cheek.
"Oh you're back. How did things go with Madeline?" She asked.
"Good. Really good. She's with Nora now."
Amelie turned around and fixed his tie for him. "Do you want to go sit inside? I think people are beginning to go in and take their seats."
Spencer nodded and slipped his hand in hers. "Let's go."
"Oh, wow, thanks for including me guys!" Maria muttered dryly from behind them.
Amelie laughed and turned around to her. "Pay for our drinks, Mari. We'll see you inside."
Spencer and Amelie snickered as Maria flipped them off. They took a seat near the front, right beside Blake's tÃa.
"What did Madeline say?" Amelie asked.
She was trying to come across as nonchalant but her voice was strained.
"That she's happy I came. And that I'll always be her best friend. I promise you that there is nothing between me and her."
They made casual small talk until Amelie finally addressed the elephant in the room.
Amelie squeezed Spencer's hand. "Kingsley, can I ask you something?"
"Hm?"
"How come you never replied when I said I loved you?"
Spencer froze, trying to come up with an intelligent response. However, before he could speak, a man loudly marched up the aisle and stood at the altar. His eyes were red and his hair tousled.
"May I have everyone's attention please!"
Everyone shut up immediately. Spencer assumed it was Blake from the white rose in his pocket.
"Unfortunately, Madeline and I have decided that we shouldn't get married."
"Wait, what?" Spencer muttered to himself.
"We are not going to go through with the wedding. So, the wedding is off."
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ANNOUNCEMENT!
I am very pleased to introduce you to the fourth AND FINAL book in 'The Opulence Series'.... drum roll pleaseeee......
"BEST FIENDS"
It will be out by the end of April/Start of May and it will be the craziest of all four. And yes this book was my favourite to right. It's Oliver's books and will give us a much needed glimpse into the messy mind of Oliver Scott! So stay tuned for more updates!
Love,
-hexed
xoxo