Daniel's Pov

I grumbled under my breath while I sat at one of the decorated tables. I felt like I was being tortured having to listen to Evelyn whine and boss around the workers setting up the venue for the wedding. It's not her wedding, she hates this arrangement just as much as I do. I wasn't dressed yet because I was just going to wait until 30 minutes before the ceremony would begin to change. It's last-minute but I couldn't give a shit to actually care and get ready early for something I don't even want to be at. 

The tables were set up for the reception of the wedding to be outdoors. They were lucky there weren't any strong winds. If only there would be then this thing can be postponed until I can move out to avoid the inevitable. My life is allegedly supposed to 'change for the better' but that's a bald-faced lie. Living with Evelyn is enough to make me want to put my head through a wall. The only thing to come out of being around Carlson is just lectures on my behaviour. All while his daughter gloated and tried to pick a fight with me as if she could win. 

It was better off with just my mother and I. But I guess we had different views on that since she decided to marry Carlson and thought that I needed a father figure. All because I tend to do things that could possibly get me in trouble with the police such as get into fights with dickheads who provoke me. I do those things because I want to, not because I was 'influenced by the wrong people'. My mother has suggested for me to see a therapist but fuck that, I'm not gonna go talk to some shrink.

"Yo asshat! Get up and get ready! I don't want you to make everyone wait just because you want to be an idiot today" Evelyn sneered. She stood in front me with her arms crossed and a scowl etched across her face. I narrowed my eyes at her in return, holding her gaze as I stood up slowly from my chair. It was enough to intimidate her. 

"I'd be careful with how you talk to me because remember, I can tell Carlson what you did as soon as the wedding is over" I warned with a smirk. 

Evelyn paled, her posture going tense. She then glared at me but didn't argue further. She simply huffed and stomped off in her bridesmaid dress, signalling that I had won yet another conversation between us. I chuckled at how easy it was to get her to shut up. I sat back down and put my legs on the table, leaning back on my chair. I know this day is going to be boring and torturous but I had to plan to leave as soon as I can after the ceremony. Ivy, Ace and Lukas are coming when everyone else arrives. At least they can keep me sane until we can head out to anywhere but here.

My phone vibrated in my pocket. I plucked my phone from my pocket. Of course, Ace got lost. Lukas had messaged me to let me know Ace doesn't know where the venue is. The dumbass threw out the invitation with the address on it. He thought he could memorise it but we knew he couldn't, he was bad at directions. I huffed in annoyance, rubbing my temple. I then messaged Lukas the address since they should be only half an hour away from here. Echoing footsteps approached me. I instantly assumed it was Evelyn again to bother me so I ignored her.

"Daniel Martinez, what are you doing?" 

My mother's demanding voice rang through my ears, startling me at first. She stood in front of the table with a stern glare, her hand resting on her hip. Her hair had curlers in them with a few rebel hairs sticking out. She wore a white robe that said 'bride'. She must have been getting ready before Evelyn probably fetched her to deal with me. I rolled my eyes and waved her off.  "I'm just relaxing till it's time to get ready," I said, my voice coming out monotonous.

"You better get your shoes off the table and get your butt into the change room to get ready because the wedding is in an hour, if you don't I'll make you regret defying my orders" my mother threatened.

She has always been a strict and at times, terrifying person. She'd stay true to her words if I didn't listen to her. I sighed before standing up and putting my phone in my back pocket. My mother grinned in triumph while watching me walk off. I quickly put on my tux before heading outside to stand by the wooden pole which had the lights connected to it, from one end to another. I wanted to avoid any conversation with Carlson, I may be his supposed 'best man' but I'm not his friend and he's not my replacement father. 

I took out a cigarette from the pack that I had snuck into my pocket and lit it up. I took a big puff of the cigarette and blew it out, instantly feeling relieved. I leaned against the wooden pole as I embraced the moment of silence. Unfortunately, that was short-lived when I felt something hit my head. I hissed in pain and rubbed my head. I looked down to see a hairbrush. Glancing back up, my mother was noticeably standing outside the tent where she was finishing up her hair. She was warning me with her narrowed eyes to drop the cigarette. 

I glared back but took the cigarette out from between my lips and dropped it on the floor, stomping on it. Well, there goes the only good thing that could relieve my stress. Now I have to wait until I could grab a glass liquor during the reception. The ceremony is going to be a long one. I'm anticipating my departure from here. My mother huffed, probably in annoyance, before heading back inside to finish off her hair and change since her make up was already done. Guests were going to start coming soon.

"Oh no, shit, I'm so late, I knew I should have left earlier" I heard a melodic voice mumble.

I sighed before turning around to sit at the tables so I could wait for everything to start I guess since there was nothing else to do. I managed to take one step until someone knocked into me, obviously not seeing where they were fucking going. I fell back on the grass with the person landing on top of me. The person yelped as we fell which sounded like a girl's scream. I closed my eyes, groaning from the impact of my back collided with the ground. Luckily it wasn't concrete or hardwood.

I opened my eyes, preparing myself to tell the bitch off for knocking into me. I was expecting to see some dumbass who had idiotically bumped into me while probably on their phone but I was met with sparkling green eyes looking back at me. It was like there was a glint in them that shone brightly. They swirled with interest and guilt. I instantly closed my mouth while my eyes widened in shock. In front of me was the most beautiful woman I've ever seen in my life, which is saying a lot with the number of women I've met.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry, I was looking down and didn't see where I was going when I knocked into you, I hope you didn't hit your head too bad" she rushed out apologetically.

She sat up while I propped myself up onto my elbows. My focus shifted from the beautiful girl to notice that she was now straddling my waist. When she noticed, her cheeks turned a shade of pink. It was cute to see on her. She quickly scrambled off me to sit on her knees beside me. She then frowned while eyeing me up and down, probably checking if I was injured or not. The worry in her eyes was evident. My lips quirked up in a rare smile as I sat up properly.

"You know, it's fine, I didn't see where I was going either and I'm not hurt" I reassured her. She sighed with relief before smiling softly, her face instantly lighting up.

"Well I'm glad that you're ok, I'm Harmony by the way" she introduced as she stood up. I followed after. I brushed off the grass on me before extending my hand towards her.

"I'm Daniel and may I say, you look beautiful in that dress" I complimented. The girl named Harmony blushed again and looked away while she shook my hand.

"Why thank you, Daniel, you look rather handsome yourself" she replied, making me grin.

I noticed the beautiful red dress that she was wearing which showed off her petite physique. Unfortunately, there was another detail I noticed, the dress is the same one as Evelyn, meaning she was a bridesmaid. I don't know how she knows my mother enough to be able to be one. I only knew that my mother had two bridesmaids. I didn't know who the second one is because it was a 'surprise' but now I know. I'm not complaining about her being here, that's for sure. If she knew my mother then I would have definitely noticed her before though. 

Harmony noticed me practically checking her out and her smile widened, brightening up the place. "If you're wondering, yes I'm a bridesmaid but it's only because my best friend is the groom's daughter so she asked me" Harmony explained. Wait a minute, if she's best friends with Carlson's daughter then that means......oh fuck.

"Harmony! You're here! Are you ok? You're usually never late?" I heard a familiar voice of someone I'd like to forget. Evelyn walked past me to hug Harmony. Harmony hugged back but held my gaze, her smile never leaving her face. I smiled back even though I hated that I couldn't control my emotions at the moment.

"I'm fine Evelyn, my mum and I left late so we were stuck in traffic but I'm here and I'm ready," Harmony explained as she stepped back to face Evelyn. Evelyn sighed with relief before turning to me and glaring as if trying to either intimidate or scold me. I could never tell with her looks what she was trying to say. I narrowed my eyes back as a warning. She knows what will happen if she doesn't lay off.

"Harmony, meet the man of my nightmares, the man that tortures me, Daniel Martinez" Evelyn snarkily introduced. I growled lowly in frustration. Harmony's eyes widened.

"Wait, you're Daniel Martinez? I didn't know you were THE Daniel" Harmony said with a frown.

"Hold on a minute, when did you two meet?" Evelyn asked, raising one eyebrow.

"Just now," Harmony and I answered in unison.

"Oh shit, this isn't good, stay away from her asshole!" Evelyn snapped at me with a scowl.

She then dragged Harmony off towards the tents where my mother was. I watched as she left but Harmony turned her head to look at me and smiled before waving and mouthing 'save me a dance'. I chuckled as I nodded at her in response. I was brought back to reality when someone hit me upside the head making me wince. For fuck sakes, third time today my head has taken the blow. Ace, Lukas, and Ivy walked in front of me, snickering. I grabbed both Ace and Lukas and put them in a chokehold.

I smirked triumphantly as Ivy rolled her eyes and put her hand on her hip. Ace and Lukas started to squirm around but I still didn't let go till they started tapping my arm repeatedly. I let go of the two and shoved them forward making them both stumble until they fell on the grass, gasping. I laughed at their expressions, ignoring the glares they directed at me. I finally controlled myself and stopped laughing. Ace and Lukas stood up, brushing themselves off.

"Dude! What the fuck?!" Ace exclaimed.

"That's what happens when you smack me on the head dumbass," I shrugged. 

"Get fucked" Lukas growled.

"And this is what I have to put up with, a bunch of morons," Ivy grumbled with an irritated expression and crossed arms.

"Aw babe, we all know you love me," Ace teased. He threw his arm around Ivy's shoulder.

Ivy scrunched her nose up in disgust before shoving him away and stomping off. Lukas and I started laughing as Ace glared at us. I don't get why Ace even tries to hook up with Ivy when she's never shown any interest in him. It's always entertaining to watch him get rejected each time he tries anything with her. Lukas and I are not going to be the one to stop it. He should know by now that nothing is going to happen since it has been a couple of years since he's been trying but still no luck. He's not even a little bit close to his goal. Though I don't think that's ever going to stop him, he's still determined to fight for her attention somehow.

"Dude you got to stop trying, it's embarrassing since she's literally said yes to every other guy that's asked her out except you," Lukas suggested. I nodded in agreement while Ace sulked. He huffed and shot us a glare. 

"I'm still not going to stop trying, it will happen, you bastards will see," Ace said with determination.

"Good luck with that," I said sarcastically while rolling my eyes.

"Daniel! You piece of shit! Get your ass over here! The ceremony is about to start!" Evelyn shrieked from over at the tents. I grumbled various curse words under my breath as I clenched my fists. Both Ace and Lukas started laughing.

"I still can't believe she's going to be your stepsister after this, aren't you a lucky guy?" Ace joked.

"Shut up" I snapped.

"Hey, it can't all be that bad, I mean didn't you say she's hardly home?" Lukas asked.

"Yes but there's no way I'm going to stay home more often now that I'll be living with her," I stated. Lukas just shrugged.

I huffed as I walked off to the bitch before she starts shrieking more none sense so everyone, even the animals from afar, can hear her as clear as day. Evelyn came up and shoved me towards the tent where everyone else was waiting to go out. Carlson smiled towards me then patted my shoulder. I shrugged his hand off with a scowl. He frowned but shook it off before heading out towards the front. He has admitted to my mother that he hates that we don't get along but wants to try. He couldn't even say it to my face. It's never going to happen. 

I grew bored waiting to go out. I glanced around at the crowd from the doorway of the tent, seeing my friends in the middle row. Ace and Lukas were punching each other's arms and Ivy looked about ready to put their heads through a wall. She had her arms crossed in annoyance. The band began to softly play, indicating for everyone to exit towards the front. First to go out was my 3-year-old cousin, Alissa, since she's the flower girl. She was throwing rose petals on the floor as everyone gushed. My aunt picked her up and sat at the front with her daughter on her lap. My aunt was asked to be a bridesmaid but she rejected the offer because she was 8 months pregnant and didn't feel comfortable enough to be up with the others.

Next to walkout were the bridesmaids and the groomsmen which were me and my other cousin, Brendan. When Evelyn walked out with Brendan, I knew it meant that I was partnered with Harmony. I looked towards her as she stood next to me. She glanced around the room with a nervous expression, biting her bottom lip. She must be nervous to be in front of a crowd filled with people she doesn't know besides the few. To help calm her nerves, I grabbed her hand in mine and gave it a small squeeze to reassure her. She turned to look at our now intertwined hands then at me. Her lips formed a half-smile. My mother noticeably grinned at us as if she knew something. I ignored the look, focusing my attention back towards Harmony. 

I waited until she was ready before linking our arms. We walked out, down the aisle with all eyes watching us. We separated when we got to the front. Then came my mother walking down the aisle with an excited smile. Carlson was tearing up and wiping his eyes. The ceremony started as everyone listened intently. When my mother and Carlson were reciting their vows, I looked towards Harmony to see that she was tearing up. There was a hint of jealousy in her eyes as she placed her hand over her heart, gushing at the couple. I kept staring at her until the sound of everyone clapping loudly and whistling brought me out of my thoughts.

Evelyn grinned and grabbed Harmony's wrist before running off, following behind the bride and groom as they both laughed. My cousin and I followed behind, slowly walking. Everyone headed towards the reception area, trying to find which table they were going to sit at. I was supposed to be seated with the bride and groom, along with my cousin, Harmony and.......Evelyn. I was stopped by Ace, Lukas and Ivy intercepting me.

"You are officially Eva's stepsister!" Ace exclaimed, extending both his arms out. I narrowed my eyes at him.

"You should be happy for your mother," Lukas grinned. I rolled my eyes in response. I'll never be happy with this arrangement. It's already bad enough I have to move in with Carlson and Evelyn next week, once my mother and Carlson come back from their honeymoon. Everyone my mother ever dated have never been good enough or lived up to my expectations as a father. I doubt Carlson was any different than the rest of them. 

"You still ditching with us when everyone goes up to dance?" Ivy asked. I was about to answer until I saw Harmony talking to some of the guests with a smile. They started laughing at something and she brushed a fallen strand of hair behind her ear. I was starstruck. She had completely bewildered me. I had lost focus on the conversation at hand. "Hello!" Ivy shouted. She hit my arm to get my attention. I looked back towards my friends to see them looking at me expectantly.

"I'll probably end up staying, this wedding is not so bad after all," I grinned. My decision was made up. 

"Wait what?! Didn't you say that you wanted to ditch? What changed your mind?" Ivy demanded, stomping her heel. I'm surprised it didn't dig into the grass and break from the impact of her foot on the ground. I shrugged, not wanting to admit the truth, they'd probably think I'd gone soft.

They didn't need to know why I all of a sudden changed my mind and wanted to stay. I walked past them, towards the table and sat next to Harmony, who sat in her chair right when I did. We both looked at each other with a smile. I could feel Evelyn's burning gaze from beside Harmony as if warning me not to try anything with her best friend. I know Evelyn despises me and probably disapproves of me even talking to Harmony because of what I've done to her but she needs to piss off and butt out of other people's lives. She has to learn that she can't control anyone. I'm sure Harmony can look after herself, I'm not going to hurt her. 

"How are you enjoying the wedding?" Harmony asked.

"It's alright, you?" I shrugged.

"It's amazing! I mean look at the lights and decorations! I even cried a bit during the ceremony but I'm guessing you saw that" she smirked. 

"Yes I did see that actually, you must love these kinds of things" I noted.

"Of course I do! But that's because I'm a sucker for romance" she stated. I'll probably have to remember that for later.  "So you're not enjoying the wedding?."

"I'm enjoying it now," I admitted. I noticed the blush that started to appear on her rosy cheeks. She looked down to try and hide it causing a smirk to appear across my lips.

"Um, I think your friend over there is pissed off at us," Harmony pointed out hesitantly. She was glancing up slightly through her eyelashes, pointing towards where Ace, Lukas, and Ivy were sitting.

I looked towards their table to see Ivy narrowing her eyes at Harmony while drinking some champagne. She looked like as if she wanted to hit Harmony if she could but I know I wouldn't let that happen, even if Ivy was my best friend. Ace and Lukas were being their usual, dumbass selves, playing with the utensils and making jokes while laughing loudly. They were practically drawing attention to themselves. I looked back towards Harmony to see her frowning in their direction but most likely at the fact that Ivy was sending hateful stares at her for no reason. She seemed uncomfortable, which is the kind of power that Ivy has over people.

"Don't worry, she probably had a bad day and is just hating on everything" I tried to reassure her. Harmony rubbed her right arm while biting her bottom lip. A nervous habit I noticed she had.

"I doubt it, not from that look plus when we bumped into her, she didn't seem like she likes me though I'm not sure why," she informed me. I furrowed my eyebrows and frowned.

"You met Ivy?" I asked. she nodded to confirm it.

"Yes, she seems a bit, um, harsh," Harmony admitted.

"She's harsh to everyone but she has her reasons," I said.

I know Ivy can be a bitch to people but I'm the only person that knows why because I was the only one there for her when she was at her worse. It all happened freshmen year when she was bullied for what they deemed as 'weak'. After that year, she built up her walls, became confident in herself more and learned to protect herself if ever needed to. Last year another mishap happened and now she's scared to let anyone else in, in fear they'd find out her secret. Ivy knows everything about me and my past since she's known me since the 3rd grade. We've both been there for each other, that's why we're close. She's most likely cautious of Harmony because of her association with Evelyn.

Harmony nodded at me just as the food arrived. Evelyn and Harmony were the ones to make a toast to my mother but my cousin and I were quiet. Once that was over, we all started to eat. I didn't get to talk to Harmony since Evelyn then decided to be the chatterbox that she was and talk to her the whole time. She was making sure that I wouldn't get a chance to get a word in and talk to Harmony. The only thing I could hear was everyone chattering with each other all at once and the band playing some soft music that my mother must have requested. I had to remind myself that the only person that's keeping me here is Harmony and the desire to dance with her soon.