Enjoy this lovely extra chapter from the sequel of the Mr. Mogul series, Dating Mr. Mogul. Follow our main gal, Andy, on her journey towards happily ever after with Mr. Mogul.

Andy Peterson

It felt like it was yesterday when he proposed in his fancy suit with the lanterns above our heads, the green grass underneath our shoes, and the sun setting in the background. It was the perfect proposal. Now, a week away from our wedding, I'd rather recount that moment again and again rather than being tied up in a showroom, picking which napkin to use for the reception.

"I don't get the difference between them. They all look white to me," I mumbled under my breath after the female attendant grabbed another design for me to choose.

Sitting on a chair across from me, Terry reflected the same annoyance I had in his eyes. But the look of disbelief on Sydney's face, who sat beside me, contradicted our lack of interest.

"They aren't the same! Are you blind, Andy? And here I thought working at an editorial fashion magazine taught you something." She shook her head in disappointment.

"Now, it taught me to dress well, right?" I inquired, gesturing at the slim fit gray jeans, white cotton long sleeves, and black boots ensemble I wore.

"Please. You're not even close yet," she disregarded my question and turned to the wedding planner, who came back with another set of things for us to decide on.

"How about you choose these for me, Syd? We've been doing this for the most part of the morning, and I'm really hungry," I whined.

"I agree. I thought we'll be sampling cakes today. Someone promised that I would be here for those," Terry interjected. His steely gaze was poking on the side of my face as I refused to make eye contact.

I tried to ignore his remark, feeling guilty. It left me no choice since Terry didn't want to go with us, and it would have been challenging to my sanity if it were only Sydney and me who was going to go through all of the wedding preparation. After picking my wedding dress with her, I vowed never to be alone with Sydney again so I wouldn't make a conscious mistake. I had to give her credit for handling everything without asking for too much compensation, though. She only asked me to let her choose her bridesmaid dress for herself, and I saw no reason why I would decline her offer.

In painful defeat, Terry and I sat for the next few hours, finishing all decision for the decoration and table setting for the wedding venue and reception. It took us two days to finally get everything finalized, and today was the last day of that meeting. The sound coming out of my mouth after we finished was like an old man grunting in pain. Terry somehow escaped the endless and meaningless meeting around the time when we were choosing the plate design to use — yes, there is such a thing — and the flower centerpiece on the guests' table.

When we exited the showroom of the hotel where the reception will be held, I got my phone and called Oliver. Since William and I got engaged, Oliver was appointed as my full-time bodyguard. William raised the topic when I asked if Oliver could stop following me around to work in my new job. At first, I was completely against it, but then, Oliver had grown on me. It was weird not seeing his brooding look whenever I got too daring.

In just under a minute after I made that call, the man himself appeared. Apparently, he liked killing two birds with one stone as Terry lagged behind him so he won't be taking his time finding him before getting the car. Beside me, Sydney started fidgeting with her hair and looked away from Oliver's direction — another hint of her obvious attraction to my bodyguard.

"Ms. Andy, I will get the car now," he stated after briefly walking up to me. His eyes flickered towards Sydney for a moment before he went to get the car.

Terry rejoined us as we headed to the lobby and waited. It didn't take long until a familiar standard black SUV pulled up at the entrance. I gestured for us to go and hastily headed out towards the car. The valet opened the front and back passenger door for us as we approached. With a smile, I bid them thank you before they closed the door. Terry sat in front while Sydney and I sat at the back. Oliver backed up and drove us to our lunch reservation.

As per the plan today, we were having lunch with William and his mother. My father was supposed to join us, but he wasn't fit to take long drives these days. He easily got motion sickness. So I invited Terry and Sydney to accompany me instead.

Arriving at the restaurant, Oliver dropped us off at the front door. I peered at the name of the restaurant and let out a heavy breath before I entered the place. There might come a day when I would get used to eating at luxury four-star restaurants, but today wasn't that day yet.

Sydney entwined her arm around mine, pulling me with her as the maître d' escorted us to our reserved seat. The table was already occupied when we got there. William and Victoria sat side by side as they looked up at us. William quickly stood up and gestured towards the seat beside him.

I headed towards him but decided to greet his mother first. Victoria and I hugged briefly, and then I sat down. The rest of them exchanged pleasantries and took the remaining seats shortly after I sat down.

A waiter approached our table right afterward to take our meal orders. It took time for the three of us to pick anything that sounded familiar. It was a French restaurant, and even I was not familiar with the cuisine.

"How was your morning?" William asked once the waiter retreated after he took our orders.

"We finished a lot of things, believe or not," I replied vaguely, trying to look like I'm not at the point of giving up.

"Oh! Andy, dear. I already had my secretary finalize the church. I apologize it took a bit longer to get the place. I never thought that these places are already booked years ahead of time," Victoria stated with slight incredulity.

"Wow, Mrs. Maxwell! I'm surprised you've talked anyone into agreeing on the list of locations you had in mind," Sydney remarked in surprise.

"I have connections, dear. At least, I can do that task. You've pulled a lot of strings yourself, Sydney. I'm amazed," Victoria commented.

"It's a tall task, but I like the challenge." Sydney grinned proudly.

"I feel really bad for pressuring you guys for this wedding. I know that William and I just got engaged, and we hadn't really thought it through. It's because my dad..." I trailed off, my thoughts leading into a darker corner of my mind.

"Hey, hey..." William suddenly grabbed my hand and entwined it with his. "It's okay. We didn't really plan to have a big wedding, right? If you want it to be small, just us, and in a small backyard, I'm okay with it."

"Nonsense! You know I can't allow that!" Victoria interjected firmly, but her expression softened when she turned to face me. "Andy, you don't have to sweat it. Sydney and I will help you out. This is my youngest child who is getting married. I wouldn't allow it to be mediocre."

I felt William's hand squeeze mine again for reassurance. I glanced at the faces surrounding me. Their smiles held no sympathy or remorse. Instead, it was filled with thoughtfulness and affection.

Once we finished our lunch, we separated ways again. William headed back to work, and Victoria drove off to handle a few businesses for the wedding. Sydney, Terry, and I went to our next meeting, the cake tasting. After sampling all the flavors they had, Terry became cheerful and a whole lot fuller for the rest of the afternoon.

The rest of the weekend was tiresome as we run around town. Once we got to the dress fitting, it was then that I felt the gravity of things. Marriage isa big decision. It's making a life not only for you but also with someone. Every major life decision you make after marriage involves two people. It wasn't just me anymore.

On the day of the wedding, I woke up alone. I twisted and spread by hands and legs on the king sized bed, feeling the spaciousness of it. Since I started living with William, I've grown accustomed to having him next to me when I go to sleep and wake up in the morning. A smile tugged at my stiff lips at the sudden realization. Maybe it wasn't difficult to get married in a rush. I've already grown familiar being two rather than just one.

With a groan, I rolled out of bed and headed towards the bathroom. Once I was done and refreshed for the day, I went downstairs for breakfast. Halfway down the stairs, I heard loud chatters from the direction of the dining room. My smile broadened as I hastily walked in. The spacious room looked Lilliputian from the guests staying with me.

"What's all this ruckus so early in the morning?" I asked, making my presence known.

Terry, who is standing beside Billy, waved his hand, but all of his attention was directed at my lovely friend Sydney and her brother. It seemed like there's was no way they'd know I was awake. Billy arrived a few days ago with a few of his and my father's friends.

"They're fighting about who knows the bride's best friend, so it seems," my Dad replied, noticing me first.

It wasn't until then that they saw me enter. I took the empty chair beside my dad while Sydney and Terry continued arguing, defending their claim about knowing more about me than the other. I shut them up after a while, stating that no one knows me better than my dad. They both agreed at first, but then they decided to battle it out for second place. I ignored them after that and ate my meal. As I was the subject of attention for the day, my schedule was packed.

After an hour or so, the house slowly got crowded with deliveries, make-up artists, and the other staffs. For the most part of the day, I was stuck in my room being pampered. It took us that long since it was a head to toe makeover, but I wasn't alone with it. If it were the case, I wouldn't have lasted long. Sydney was in the room with me, being pampered herself. It wasn't until lunchtime that we took a break from refining our appearance.

Somehow, I escaped the makeup artist and hair stylist and found a few minutes to enjoy the peace and soak in some sun. Even though it was supposed to be my day, I didn't feel like it was a dream come true or a fairytale ending.

My peace was interrupted when my phone vibrated in my pocket. I've somehow snatched it back from Sydney's purse while she was distracted with getting her hair done. Since last night, she took over my life like a military general. She didn't want to break tradition by having me contact William on the last night before our wedding. Even though I saw him for the last time yesterday morning, it felt weird not hearing him as I doze off to sleep.

With cautious actions, I glanced around the area before getting the phone out. When I saw no one came looking for me, I pulled out the phone and hastily checked it. A grin spread on my face when I read the name flashing on the screen. It was William.

I clicked the answer button and placed the phone in my ear. "Hello?"

"My god! You finally picked up!" William's exasperated tone perked my enthusiasm.

"Sydney confiscated my phone last night. I'm sorry if I hadn't found a way of getting it sooner," I retorted with sarcasm, though it was the truth.

"Somehow, I pictured that's was why you didn't pick or called," he agreed with a heavy sigh. "How did you get it from her?" he inquired.

"Let's just say I found a way," I replied vaguely, giving it a bit of mystery. There was hardly anything interesting on how I got the phone back, though. I took it when she wasn't looking.

"That's my girl," I could picture him smiling at that moment. "How are you? Have you eaten lunch yet?" he asked conversationally.

"I'm fine. I just ate, and you?"

"I'm heading out with Keith and a few of the boys. Would your father like to go with us?"

"Are you trying to find an excuse to visit me here?" I tried to suppress a grin.

"Not really. If I wanted to see you, I could just go there without any reason, you know," he replied confidently.

"Why haven't you?" I challenged.

"Well..." he trailed off with uncertainty.

"Okay. To save you the embarrassment, I'm scared of Sydney too," I admitted.

"Glad you said it first. She's a feisty one. You sure know how to pick your friends. I thought I had my hands tied with Terry when we first met," he grumbled under his breath.

"Terry isn't so bad," I said, not sure what he was implying.

"He used to be so attached to you then," he pointed out. It was then that I realized why he acted badly around Terry before.

"Are you still jealous of my relationship with Terry?"


"It was when I didn't know anything. I'm not jealous now," he voiced out in his defense.

This time, I couldn't suppress my laughter. I heard his laugh echo in my ear, but our happiness didn't last long. Sydney found me. I froze when I saw her seething rage.

"She's here," I whispered on the phone, keeping it on my ear until the last minute.

"I'm sorry for troubling you. I hope this won't make you skip out of me later." William's guilt was palpable on the other end of the phone.

I chuckled lightly. There was still a bit of energy left in me to smile despite the scolding I would soon face. "As long as you'll be there waiting for me," I countered.

"I will be there," he said. "Good. I will see you later."

With that, Sydney finally interrupted our conversation and took the phone away from me.

She placed it on her ear, not wanting to lose the opportunity to scold the other party. "Don't think I'm going easy on you, Mr. Maxwell!" she scoffed.

There was a brief pause before Sydney pulled the phone away from her ear with a stunned expression. She studied my phone for a while and then glared as her attention and anger were directed at me.

"You!" She pointed at me and gestured towards the room where we were staying. "Get your butt back there! No more secret love calls! You're marrying the man. You have the rest of your life to talk to him. Is one day away from him really that difficult? God, woman! You are so in love!"

I don't know whether to cower or smile at her words, but she was right. I'm in love.

In the afternoon, after some few finishing touches on my makeup, I was ready to get in my dress. The white lace patterned silk Elie Saab gown fitted me like a glove. It took almost five minutes to get the dress out of the garment bag, but all irritations aside, I thought the dress was beautiful. I knew Victoria had good taste in clothes, which was why I allowed her to pick it for me. Sydney was too frightened to let me have the final say with the dress.

I put the Elie Saab gown on and the rest of my outfit with the help of the stylist. It was difficult moving around in my three-inch Louie Vuitton high heels. I suggested on one-inch heels, but the length of the dress wouldn't allow it. Sydney was very particular with my over-all look. When I saw the reflection of my final appearance, I knew she was right.

My hair was fixed into a rose bun, showing more of my facial features that was painted to perfection. There were little blemishes purposely left uncovered. The see-through lace pattern that covered my neckline up to the bridge of my breasts created a demure yet elegant feeling with a pinch of sensual appeal. The lace covered most of the dress with satin underlining. Seeing my reflection, I could only gape at myself.

"Andy, wow..." Sydney said behind me. She had just finished putting on her light blue bridesmaid dress. The color was my choice.

I smiled at her comment. "You don't look half bad yourself."

Before I could further compliment our look, a knock on the door grabbed our attention. We turned and watched as the person on the other side of the door entered the room. It was Terry. He was already dressed for the occasion in his well-tailored navy suit and tie. His flashy nude leather shoes gave color to his dull outfit.

"Wow, Andy!" he said as his eyes found me. In this dress, it would be difficult not to look fine. I was the bride.

"What's with the shoe?" I humored, turning the attention back to him.

He glanced down at his kicks and pulled up his slick pants. "These are borrowed. I like it, really," he replied.

"You look nice, for once."


"Once? Are you sure? I look hot all the time."


"Well, not yesterday. You looked like a mess in that ochre shirt and leather pants," Sydney interjected, shivering slightly from the memory.

Terry was about to retort but closed his mouth, then he smiled in agreement. "Yeah, It wasn't one of my best looks."


I clasped my hand, ending that topic. "I think we all should head out. I don't want to be late and give William any idea that I'm ditching him."

"What is another minutes or hour? He can wait a little longer. He knows your not going anywhere," Terry jeered.

"True, and I need to change my shoes first," Sydney said and slowly exited the room.

I watched as the hair and make-up team packed up while Terry and I chatted to pass the time, waiting for the head coordinator to call for us. When Sydney was done, she rejoined us in my room. Half an hour later, we were finally called to go. The only people left in the house were the people who'll be riding in my car. Even though it was sort of a tradition for brides to have their own cars and Victoria insisted about it, I put my foot down against it. I'll be too nervous being with myself. Indeed, having Terry, Sydney, and my dad in the car made all my worries of what the day had in store for me disappear.

When we arrived at the church, I could hear my heart pounding in my ear. My father and I exited the car last as Terry and Sydney went on ahead inside the church. As per the instruction of the coordinator, I entwined my arm into my father's. He lightly patted my hands in comfort.

"What are you nervous about, peanut?" he finally asked as we waited in a quiet hallway for our turn to walk down the aisle.

"I think you'll laugh if I tell you," I replied evasively, giving him a stiff smile.

"Is it about William?"

"No. It's not him. I'm confident that he's not backing down after the call I got from him this afternoon."

"Then, what is it?"

"Well, I should be used to it by now with all the media frenzy and those red carpet events with William, but I just can't shake it off. I'm really nervous being the center of attention today. It's not just you, Billy, Terry, Sydney, Evan, and William's family; there are other posh people here too. What if they decide that I didn't fit in their circle or something? I don't want them to outcast William because of me," my words flew out like gibberish.

"Why didn't you tell William that you wanted a smaller wedding?"

"He did say that this was a small wedding, and compared to Alexandra's in Italy, it's a tad bit smaller..." I trailed off in thought.

"But you're still uncomfortable?" he pressed.

"Yes, after Sydney told me that the seats are all occupied. This is a huge church, and that many people looking at me..." I shivered.

My father smiled at my reaction and lightly clasped my hand. "I remembered your mother telling me almost the same thing on our first night as husband and wife. When I saw her appear at the end of the aisle on our wedding day, I knew she was nervous, but when her eyes found mine, her expression shifted. I've never seen her smile so happily, except that time when she first held you in her arms."

I smiled at his way of comforting me. Because of his words, the butterflies in my stomach briefly subsided.

"If you love him, you won't worry about the little things," he added.

"Thank you, Dad."

"Always a pleasure, peanut."

The wedding coordinator interrupted our short father and daughter moment to announce my turn. My father gave me one last kiss on the cheeks before we headed out. That alone gave me more encouragement than his words.

As we positioned ourselves by the entrance of the church, I closed my eyes and composed myself. Hearing the clang of the deadbolts on the gigantic wooden door, I slowly opened my eyes. Seeing the interior decoration of the church for the first time, I heard myself gasp. The aisle was carpeted in white while lilies and tulips chained together by satin cloth flanked both sides of it. Garlands and flowers were mounted on each corner. It looked like we were inside a garden than a church.

Then, I quickly divert my attention towards the crowd whose eyes were on me. I felt a jolt in the pit of my stomach. To comfort me, my father squeezed my hand one last time before the music cued for us to walk.

It was then my eyes found him. Standing at the end of the aisle, in an almost identical navy suit, silver tie, and shoes as his groomsmen, was William with his eyes trained on me. When our gaze met, our victorious grin mirrored each other. I finally understood the gravity of my father's story about my mother.

My worries were unnecessary. Being the center of these people's attention was only the cherry on top. Only he mattered. Even as the world looked upon us, it was his gaze that I wanted the most. From the look in his eyes, he looked like I'm his world.

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