Harmony's Pov

When I came to this wedding late, I didn't expect to see this handsome guy with amber eyes which were so rare and beautiful when I stared into them when we bumped into each other. I guess you could say that I didn't want to look away but I had to. I didn't want to look like a fool in front of him even though it got awkward after when I straddled his waist. Ugh! I'm such an embarrassment. I'm not good with guys, I can probably be friendly to them but since I've never had a crush unless I count that one time when I was in grade two but I was only 8 years old then. 

What shocked me the most was the fact that the guy that I was starting to take an interest in was THE Daniel. The one that Evelyn talks about so harshly and warns me about ever since I told her I was moving here. I mean, to me he didn't seem 'deadly' or 'dangerous' but that's probably because he was probably forced into the tux he was wearing, which looked incredibly hot on him. If only he could wear that every day and I'd be a happy woman. There's just something in his demeanour and the way his lips twitch up in a rare smile that makes me want to keep talking to him.

When I look at Daniel, I don't see someone who can be potentially 'dangerous' to me even though yes, he has that typical bad boy brooding aura. If he is like the way Evelyn describes him to be then I don't know what makes me so special. I don't know but whatever the reason is, I don't dwell on it. I was too busy focusing on the ceremony and talking to guests after at the reception. It was nice seeing some of Evelyn's side of the family again since I've already met them before.

I was delighted to meet Mariah's side of the family who was now going to be partly related to Evelyn. I could tell Evelyn was not happy about that, she looked like a grumpy child. It made me chuckle at her expression. It's not like the whole family are horrible. They all seem like kind people from the ones I've gotten to talk to. From my prereferral vision, I noticed Daniel talking to his friends. He glanced at me while I was talking to one of Evelyn's cousins who I was friends with. I don't think he knew that I spotted him looking. I sat the main table, next to Evelyn just as Daniel took a seat beside me.

We ended up talking until dinner was served and Evelyn and I made a toast to the bride and groom. I had to practically force Evelyn into saying something. It was still her fathers wedding and it's not like he was marrying a monster. I could see my mother sitting at a table nearby, talking to one of the guests with a friendly smile. The edges of my lips curved up at knowing that she was enjoying herself and taking a break from work today. She had a long nap from 5 am this morning, which is the time she came home, until 2 pm. It's why I was so late getting to the wedding by 5 pm. The drive was an hour. 

I briefly looked at Daniel to see him staring at his food in frustration. I frowned and was about to ask him what was wrong but Evelyn was talking to me. I didn't want to stop her in the middle of our conversation because that would be rude. That and I'm pretty sure she'd chew my head off for even talking to him. I guess I'll talk to him once dinner is over. I sighed before taking in my surroundings. It's incredibly enchanting with all the dangling fairy lights hanging from tree to tree. The table was decorated perfectly, the flower centrepieces had bright coloured flowers such as some roses, carnations and snapdragons. I love weddings, they always look bewitching.

"Hey, you still coming over to mine next Friday to help Mariah move in?" Evelyn asked.

"Yes, wouldn't miss it for the world" I joked. 

"Perfect! I won't be alone! Thank you!" she beamed brightly.

I shook my head. She can sometimes be overdramatic. Being in the same house as Daniel and his mother is not going to kill her. My attention turned towards where many people were crowding around the dancefloor, jumping around to the lyrical and upbeat music playing over the speakers. Some of them were dancing with their spouses or with their relatives while laughing. It brought out a lively atmosphere. Even Mariah and Carlson went over to start dancing together but it was more in a goofy way. I wanna go dance but I also wanted to dance with Daniel at some point. I hope he does save me that dance because I'm looking forward to it.

"Let's go dance Harmony," Evelyn chirped.

She then grabbed my hand and ran towards the dance floor. I didn't even have enough time to get out my chair. I stumbled out of it, almost falling from the heels. We laughed as we ran and started to dance randomly alongside the other guests. Music allows me to turn my back on the world and just listen to the meaning of the lyrics. Like books, they take my attention away from reality and composes me. There are many thing that have helped me in the past and still do. I'm always seen as calm but inside, my feelings are always a raging storm. I keep things hidden from Evelyn and never show my true emotions. It's better to be percieved as someone who is bright than to be seen as someone who has 'emotional baggage'. 

Evelyn told me she had to go help set up the projector since they were going to be playing a short video we created for Mariah and Carlson. They were going to be making a toast and proclaim their love to each other through the words they wrote for each other, under the shimmering night sky. When Evelyn ran off, I decided to continue dancing by myself with a bright smile on my lips. Even though I was alone, I still embraced the music and moved to it. The music soon changed to a slow one making me instantly stop and awkwardly look around at the couples dancing.

I didn't really have anyone to dance with, everyone already had someone. I took a deep breath before going to take a step to leave the dance floor. A pair of muscular arms wrapped themselves around my waist and pull me back towards the person's firm chest, stopping my movements. I tensed up, not knowing who it was. My uneasiness vanished once the person put their head on my shoulder and I saw the familiar face of Daniel who was smirking at me. He had to slightly bend down since I was shorter than him.

"Going somewhere, sweetheart? You still owe me a dance" Daniel whispered against my ear sending a pleasant shiver down my spine. I hummed in response. He then spun me around by my hip and grinned down at me.

"You know I thought you forgot about that" I spoke up. I wrapped my arms around his neck and we followed along with what everyone else was doing.

"How could I forget when it was the only thing that I was looking forward to after you mouthed it to me" Daniel replied, raising a brow at me. I chuckled and shook my head. I tried not to think too much into his words. Though inwardly, it set off butterflies in my stomach, as cliche as that sounds. 

"Sometimes people are forgetful you know?" I pointed out.

"True but I'm not one of them" he grinned.

"Oh right, because you remember just about everything huh?" I said, sarcastically. 

"You know it, sweetheart," Daniel winked. I chuckled and rolled my eyes.

"Just hush and dance," I jokingly ordered. 

I could not stop smiling and I don't know whether it was a good thing or a bad thing. This is all so new to me, liking someone. I know I've been warned that he'll probably be harsh towards me or something but I have a hard time believing it whenever I look at Daniel. Especially when all he's been is the exact opposite. From the look in his eyes, he seemed genuine. He didn't look like he any cruel intentions to hurt me. The only thing I can tell is that he's rough with his friends, close to Ivy, and probably a bit rebellious. Nothing that makes me want to run away and hide. 

I already know Evelyn is going be furious if I tell her that I like her, now, stepbrother. She'll probably gag and lecture me about her past experience, then experiences from other people. She was always so vague with her stories. I suspected that she was lying in order to make me stay away. She always told me that she hated the students in her school and never talked to anyone besides one person. Evelyn is not passionate about a lot of things, but when it came to hating Daniel, she was definitely passionate about that. I don't doubt that she would lie to me about him. I don't know how the two are going to survive living in the same house. I was brought back to reality when Daniel ended up dipping me unexpectedly. I looked at Daniel with wide eyes as he smirked.

"In your own world?" Daniel questioned but not letting the smirk leave his face. 

"You caught me off guard, I forgot we were dancing together" I joked with a chuckle. He rolled his eyes. 

"I feel so loved" Daniel muttered, sarcastically. he then pulled me up to continue dancing again. I kissed his cheek and saw his eyes widen. "What was that for?" Daniel asked. I don't know why I did that. I just did it on instinct. That was probably a bad thing to do to someone you just met a couple of hours ago. I guess I got caught up in the moment. I didn't know how to reply but luckily I didn't have to. Carlson tapped the microphone to gather everyone's attention.

"Hello everyone, thank you for coming to this special day for me and my beautiful wife. Tonight my magnificent daughter, Evelyn, was able to get the video that her and her wonderful friend, Harmony, made for us which we are going to show now if you're ready to play the video Evelyn" Carlson announced into the microphone. I was nervous at whether they'd like the video or not. Since Evelyn didn't want to create a video, I had to be the one to create the whole thing. Evelyn helped by providing some photos and videos that we got from guests. 

Daniel furrowed his eyebrows and frowned. "You made a video for my mum and Carlson?" he asked.

"Yeah, I wanted to do something special for them since it was their wedding day" I chirped.

Everyone dispersed from the dancefloor to sit at their tables as the video began to play of their memories. We got the guests to take a video of themselves saying something special about the couple, which should be included. It's supposed to tell their love story. The background music set the mood for it. I stepped away from Daniel to go back to my seat like everyone else but he gently grabbed my wrist to stop me. I peeked over my shoulder at him with a frown. What was he doing? Everyone was going to be staring if we are the last ones standing here. Daniel didn't answer my questioning look. He simply put his index finger to his lips and tugged me away to go further past the tall trees. Not everyone had left the dancefloor yet. Evelyn wasn't looking so I decided to follow him quickly greenery until we could barely hear anything.

"Why are we here?" I asked. I jumped onto a fallen tree to walk on it while holding my balance. I didn't want to sit down and ruin the expensive dress Mariah got me. I didn't want to risk it. It would make me feel guilty and that's something I didn't need. 

"I wanted to get away from the party" Daniel shrugged. He held his hand out for me to take. I smiled and slipped my hand into his. He helped me walk along the log so I wouldn't fall.

"Is the wedding that bad for you?" I asked, tilting my head. It was probably a stupid question considering both Daniel and Evelyn hate each other. Of course they wouldn't be happy about the wedding. 

"Pretty much" he nodded. 

"Daniel!?" several voices yelled out from a distance. I almost fell from the sudden outburst but luckily Daniel was quick to steady me by holding onto my waist. 

"Fuck" he cursed. 

"Who's that?" I asked. I looked towards the direction of where the wedding was. The crunch of the fallen dead leaves started to get louder towards us. 

"My friends, they must have seen me go off here and followed" Daniel explained.

"And you're unhappy about that?" I questioned with a tilt of the head and furrowed eyebrows.

"Yes, I wanted to spend some time with you alone" he replied. I looked away as my cheeks began to turn scarlet. "Come on, let's go"

Daniel helped me jump down before leading me further past the open trees. I held onto his hand as I followed behind. The light from the wedding couldn't be seen and the music and chattering was no longer heard. It was silent, the only sound was our rushing footsteps and frogs croaking somewhere in the distance. I know my mother would have gone home by now since I told her that I was going to be staying at Evelyn's house tonight. Mariah and Carlson were going to spend tonight at a hotel before they'd be going on their honeymoon tomorrow.

The feeling of uneasiness started to slip in again. It was pitch black unless I looked up at the sky. I don't know where Daniel was going. I don't think he's ever been here before so he probably doesn't know where to go. I didn't want to get lost, that would be a nightmare even though I wouldn't be alone. It wasn't long until Daniel stopped at the opening of the tree line where a cliff was. I did not know we were near here. It was a dazzling sight. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks below was peaceful. 

The stars were sprinkled across the night sky. It was transcendent. The full moon was glowing, shinning a light to guide us. As I took in the beautiful sight in amazement, I noticed from the corner of my eyes that Daniel was already staring at me with a half-smile. He let go of my hand and took his blazer off to lay it on the ground. He then motioned for me to sit on it.

"It's so your dress doesn't get dirty" he explained. 

"Are you sure?" I asked with a frown. It was kind gesture but then his blazer would get dirty. I didn't know how expensive it is or if he'd get in trouble because of me. 

"Trust me, it's fine" he reassured me. I sat down on the blazer while he sat beside me, our legs touching each others. He hadn't let go of my hand. He was brushing his thumb against the top of my palm. It's something that seemed to calm me down. It put my mind at ease. 

"You love the stars?" he asked.

"Yes I do, my favourite thing to do is to stargaze, I used to sneak out of my house when I was little just to look at the constellations," I replied. Those were the days where whenever I'd hear my parents start yelling at each other and I couldn't tune them out, I'd sneak out and look at the constellations as a way to take my mind off the battle in my head. 

"Do you see any tonight?" he then questioned. I looked up at the sky again before replying.

"Yeah, I see the Ursa minor, similar to the big dipper but a bit smaller."

I pointed at the Ursa Minor and traced it in the air so he would know what it looks like and where. However, noticeably Daniel continued to stare at me with his charming and bright smile. His eyes held admiration. I looked away, my cheeks heating up. I quickly put my arm down to place my hand on my lap. It was quiet for a minute or two until Daniel took a hold of my other hand and intertwined them. My gaze turned back to look at our interlocked hands. Even though his were bigger than mine and were soft yet calloused, they felt right. 

Daniel leaned forward to rest his foreheads against mine. My heart skipped a beat. It was pure silence between us. Comfortable. No words needed to be said to make this anymore perfect than it already was. We closed our eyes as we listened to our even breathing and the noise of the gentle water below. I hope this night never ends though I know it has to at some point.  Evelyn would go looking for me after figuring out that I'd left. I feel like a terrible friend right now, having these feelings towards someone she despises and going off to be with him while she's back at the wedding. I wanted to tell her about my new found feelings for Daniel but I'm terrified of her reaction. Not yet. Not until she starts getting along with him, that's if she does. 

"Harmony!" Evelyn's familiar voice called out from not far behind. I sighed as I moved my head away. I reluctantly let go of his hand. He looked disappointed.

"I'm sorry Daniel, I have to go," I apologised. Daniel sighed and got up before helping me. I picked up his blazer and handed it to him. 

"I understand you have to go, I wish we had more time" he said. 

"I wish we did too, I hope we see each other again soon," I smiled softly.

I kissed his cheek for the second time that night before running off in the direction of Evelyn's worried voice. Once I found her, she attacked me in a hug, sighing with relief. I hugged back before Evelyn started to question me, asking if I was ok and where I was. I answered her truthfully though I just didn't mention who I was with. Evelyn accepted my responses and we both headed back towards where the reception was still taking place. I could see that half the people were already gone. Mariah and Carlson walked up to us with a look of relief, similar to Evelyn's.

"There you are Harmony, we were worried once we found out that you weren't here, where were you?" Mariah asked.

"I just wondered off and found a place to stargaze, I'm sorry if I worried you guys," I apologised while rubbing my right arm nervously.

"It's fine though you gave us a scare when we thought that something happened to you," Carlson said.

"Have you seen Daniel anywhere around here? He has also been gone and his phone is off" Mariah asked. I could hear the worry in her voice. She frowned as she took another look around at the people still here.

"Um sorry, unfortunately, no" I lied. I then started chewing at my bottom lip. 

"Don't worry about it, I see him over there" she pointed out behind me. I turned to look over my shoulder. Daniel was walking over to his friends, who were all waiting impatiently for him with glares on their faces. I hope they're not upset because I kept him away from them. They must have been searching for him for a while until they gave up, unfortunately. I turned my attention back to Mariah and Carlson. "Everyone is leaving at the moment and we are going to head back to the hotel so tomorrow we can catch our flight on time but Evelyn is going to head back home, you going as well?" Mariah inquired. I nodded in response.

"If you don't mind" I kindly replied. 

"Not at all, go ahead, it was wonderful having you here and the video was beautiful, thank you Harmony," she brightly smiled. She gave me a hug, which caught me off guard. I returned the gesture back. 

"I'm so glad you liked it, I appreciate you inviting me to your wedding and making me your bridesmaid," I thanked.  

"No worries," she waved it off.

"We'll see you when we get back," Carlson said. I nodded and watched the newly wed couple leave after they said goodbye to Evelyn. Carlson had given Mariah his suit jacket since the wind had started to pick up. She was leaning against him as they walked together. He had his arm around her. It was a sweet sight. You can see how much they love each other.

Evelyn and I headed towards a car that was waiting to take us back to Evelyn's house. They were hired by Carlson and Mariah so we would have a way back to the house safely. We stepped into the car before the driver drove off. From my window, I noticed that the girl, Ivy, seemed frustrated and Daniel looked irritated. Wonder what's up between them? Hope it's not an argument or something. I sighed as I slouched in my seat. Tonight was wonderful but now I could feel the drowsiness start to catch up with me. I needed some sleep and I wanted to get into some comfy pyjamas.

Evelyn now had a week to herself even though I may be sleeping over for more than half the time since my mother is going to be working all day and night this week. I just hope she gets enough sleep tonight so she won't be exhausted tomorrow. It's dangerous and she knows that. It's worrying to see her this way. Upset and overworking herself. I truly hope she'll look after herself tonight before I'd arrive home tomorrow. Guess I'll have to trust that she does.