The reception hall pulsed with the infectious rhythms of the live band. They played all the classic songs a mix of merengue, salsa, bachata, and reggaeton weaved through the air. Earlier, she’d been a full-blown mess of nerves, but now she looked genuinely happy in the arms of her new husband

There were moments where you could see her absorbing the environment proud of her work she put into this moment. The tables were adorned with delicate centerpieces that resembled small blooming gardens, each adding a touch of elegance to the festivities. Each table had a Tia who was already claiming theirs and asking their kid to hide it in the car while no one was looking.

The fairy lights casted a soft, warm glow, turning the hall into a magical haven. Each light seemed to have a personality of its own, dancing in rhythm with the music.

(She did an amazing job for someone who did almost everything herself, although all the cousins did the heavy work while she just directed us. Just saying)

Yet, despite the delectable array of Salvadoran food spread across the tables, I noticed how Jessica avoided eating. It looked like her mind was entangled with the unease in her stomach, almost as if it wrestled with the sensory overload around.

She kept stealing glances at the empty seat where Christina should have been, somehow the absence made her feel comfort. It was enough to make her feel more relaxed, when a buzz of excitement filled the room.

Her focus was sharply redirected to the commotion that was being unfolded in the corner of the room. Murmurs and gasps rippled through the guests as a crowd started to form. Jessica’s eyes widened with curiosity, and she instinctively moved toward the gathering. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, and Jessica felt a knot of suspense tighten in her stomach as she joined the gathering crowd, eager to uncover the source of the unexpected disruption.

There she was, Christina. Her nightmare coming true.

 She looked even more beautiful than any of us could ever remember. Her brown hair, with subtle highlights, flowed down her back, perfectly styled, catching the glints of the soft room lighting. Every move she made was poised and elegant. Her posture was impeccable, and it appeared as if she was floating above the floor with each step. Her hazel eyes sparkled with warmth and confidence, and her smile radiated charm and allure.

Wearing a red floral sequin gown that accentuated her figure and played up her flawless skin. The strapless neckline and sleeveless design highlighted her shoulders. The full-length, column silhouette added a touch of elegance to her look. On her wrist, she wore a white gold hinged bracelet adorned with round and pear-cut diamonds that added a touch of Italian sophistication. She carried a clutch bag in fully beaded crystals and satin. And completing her ensemble were a 3-inch stiletto heel.

But it wasn’t just her looks. It was the way she engaged with others. Her voice was like a soothing melody, and her choice of words left an impression of intelligence and grace. She effortlessly mingled with the guests, making everyone feel special. Christina had a way of making each interaction feel like a connection, and she became the center of attention without any hint of arrogance.

It was obvious that Jessica felt a twinge of jealousy, her facial expression could say it all. We all knew that this was exactly what she didn’t want to happen at her wedding. It felt as though her own wedding had become secondary to Christina’s grand entrance, like all her hard work and preparation had been for nothing.

“¡Jessica!” Christina exclaimed, walking over to greet our cousin, her radiant smile dazzling. “Te ves increíblemente, guapa!”

Jessica forced a tight smile, but inside, she was seething. Of course, she even smells expensive, I thought as she walked right by me. And although, Jessica didn’t say it aloud I knew she couldn’t help but compare herself to her—the effortless beauty, the wealth, the way she commanded attention without even trying.

“¿Cómo te sientes ahora que estás casada?” Christina’s voice was cheerful, oblivious to the storm brewing behind Jessica’s eyes.

“Oh, I just feel completely amazing,” Jessica replied, her voice clipped, though she tried to mask it with a smile.

Christina’s face lit up even more, her sincerity frustratingly genuine. “Sabes, puedes contar conmigo para lo que necesites, Jessica.” She placed a gentle hand on her cousin’s arm.

I knew exactly what she was thinking, her face always said it all. Was that meant to imply that I need help? Or is she just trying to be condescending?

“Prima, yo sé! Gracias por venir,” Jessica said, her words a little too sharp as she tried to dismiss her cousin. “Tienes que hablar con abuelita. Yo sé que te extraña.”

Christina, missing the tension, smiled warmly. “Si, voy por ella, pero primero, disculpa por perder el servicio,” she said, her voice carrying a note of guilt, “pero por eso te he organizado una pequeña sorpresa para la luna de miel en Hawái. Cambié tus vuelos de clase económica a primera clase y aseguré que todo esté perfecto. Vas a ver cuando llegues.”

Jessica’s forced smile faltered, her resentment bubbling up. Of course, she couldn’t resist. “Gracias, Christina,” she said, her voice strained, “pero no tenías que hacer eso.” The words felt heavy, weighted by her anger. The honeymoon was special to her, their special plans, their budget, their memories, and her cousin just bulldozed over it with her wealth, probably not even caring how much it meant.

Christina, still oblivious, continued with unshaken enthusiasm, “Solo quiero que todo sea perfecto para ti, Jessica. He esperado mucho por este día, y me siento mal por llegar tan tarde. Quiero asegurarme de que tengas la mejor experiencia.”

Jessica couldn’t take it anymore. The bubbling jealousy, the feeling of being overshadowed, it was too much. “Really, Christina,” she said, her voice a little colder now, “I don’t need your charity. We planned this honeymoon ourselves. It’s perfect the way it is.”

For a moment, Christina hesitated, her bright expression dimming slightly, but she recovered quickly, her smile back in place. “Oh, Solo quería ayudar. Lo siento si—” 

“Of course,” Jessica interrupted, her voice sweet but sharp enough to cut. “You always want to help, don’t you?

David and Greg suddenly appeared, their eyes lighting up. Wanting desperately to discover if the rumors about our new guests were true. This further annoyed Jessica, that even her husband and best friend seemed awestruck by her cousin’s presence.

“Well, well, well, look who’s the belle of the ball,” David said, flashing his signature charming smile. It wasn’t enough for her to be impressed by his compliment and gave him a cordial greeting. But even in her dismissal her charisma was effortlessly drawing him in.

“David and Greg, this is my cousin Christina,” Jessica said, trying to rush through the introductions. “Christina, this is my childhood friend David and my… husband Greg.” A warning, to her not to get close to them.

“¡Es un placer conocerlos a los dos! ¡Greg! Estoy tan feliz de que te hayas casado con mi hermosa prima. Hacen una pareja preciosa. David, es un placer conocerte,” Christina said, her enthusiasm as radiant as her appearance.

David, undeterred by the language barrier, grinned. “El pleasure es todo mío.” He hesitated, then added, “Uh… I mean, the pleasure is all mine!” A laugh escaped him, and a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. His lack of Spanish speaking skills coming into show now.

Christina smiled, her eyes sparkling at the intention. “¡Gracias! Tu esfuerzo es lo que cuenta.”

“Thanks! I’m still working on my Spanish,” he said, you could see some of his confidence returning.

“All of a sudden you’re working on your Spanish? Not the 27 years you’ve been on this planet?” Jessica interrupted hating the interaction between them. Especially when she noticed how David’s eyes lingered a little too long on Christina, and Jessica could sense an edge of flirtation in his smile.

She had warned him before that he could be with any girl but never one of her cousins. And he was showing signs of completely forgetting that promise.

Meanwhile, Catherine, the ever so observant noticed the shift in Jessica’s mood. Nudging her husband, Alexander, she whispered, “We need to move in.”

Stepping forward, Catherine smiled warmly, determined to steer the conversation away. “Hey, guys! Want to head to the bar with us?”

“Catherine, this is my cousin, Christina,” Jessica said with a forced politeness.

Catherine, ever gracious, extended her hand. “Hola! Mucho gusto, soy Catherine. Entonces, vos sos la famosa Christina. ¡Qué bien conocerte! ¿Quieres ir con nosotros?”

Before Christina could respond, Catherine looped her arm through hers and almost firmly led her toward the bar. “Come on, let’s get you a drink!” she said brightly, expertly diffusing the situation and leaving Jessica and David alone.

Once they were gone, Jessica turned on David, her voice tense. “What are you doing?”

David blinked, caught off guard. “Um, going to the bar?”

“Don’t even think about it,” she snapped.

“Think about what?” David asked, still confused.

“Flirting with my cousin,” Jessica hissed.

David’s smile faltered. “What are you talking about? I was just being nice.”

Jessica narrowed her eyes, her frustration bubbling over. “No, no, no. I’ve known you my whole life. You can flirt with every bridesmaid here; you can create your own little dramas. But not with her. Not with Christina.”

David’s expression shifted from amusement to understanding, realizing he had crossed a line. “Jess, I wasn’t trying to cause drama. You know me, it’s harmless.”

Jessica’s voice sharpened. “It’s never harmless with you. Just because you tell someone it’s no strings attached doesn’t mean feelings won’t get involved. Like I said flirt with the bridesmaids all you want, but not my cousin.”

The weight of her words hung between them, and David finally grasped the gravity of the situation. He had pushed too far, and it was clear Jessica wasn’t going to let this slide.

“I… I didn’t think it was a big deal,” he stammered, his confidence waning.

“Well, it is,” Jessica shot back, her voice stern. “My wedding is not the place for one of your ‘harmless’ flings.”

David raised his hands in surrender. “Jess, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I was just trying to lighten the mood, you know? Weddings can be intense.”

Jessica sighed heavily, her frustration evident. “This is not the way to ‘lighten the mood,’ David. I’m serious.”

The tension between them was palpable, and as David stood there, chastised and unsure of what to say next, Jessica couldn’t shake the feeling that her special day was slipping away from her. It felt like every moment was being tainted, first by Christina’s unexpected arrival, and now by David’s thoughtless behavior.

Catherine returned just then, her timing impeccable. Sensing the tension, she gave David a quick look before slipping her arm around Jessica’s shoulders. “Hey, how about a dance, Jessica?” she asked, her voice light but knowing.

Jessica nodded, grateful for the distraction. “Yeah, let’s go.”

As Catherine led her friend to the dance floor, she shot David a subtle warning glance. He stood there, watching them walk away, finally realizing he had misstepped, not just with Jessica, but with their friendship.

Now, on top of dealing with David’s flirting, Jessica was on high alerted to another disruption. Her cousin’s rumored boyfriend had entered the reception separately. She had hoped he wouldn’t show, given that she was more familiar with his parents than him, but here he was, adding to the chaos of her day.

As she greeted his parents, the famous dentist and his elegant wife. Jessica couldn’t help but brace herself for the inevitable awkwardness that would unfold when she met him.

Arturo.