Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

"Don't kid around. Isn't it beautiful? This outfit was designed by Ruby for me. How do I look? Doesn't it accentuate my graceful figure? Isn't my waistline just wonderful?" Sherri pushed her utensils aside, making a great show of her beauty. She kept changing poses, highlighting her strengths.

Stella was helpless and couldn't help but roll her eyes inwardly. She knew that complimenting Sherri would only feed her ego.

Nona watched Sherri's endless posing and couldn't help but chuckle, covering her mouth. Frank had helped Nona with her styling today. Winnie was also giggling from the sidelines.

After Sherri had flaunted herself for quite stime, Stella couldn't take it anymore and nudged her. "Enough already. It's almost time. You better leave. Jasper will be here soon, and I don't want you spying around." Sherri paused, giving Stella a sidelong glance. "Is that how you see me?" "Yes." Sherri couldn't help but roll her eyes.

Nathan and Joy had already been taken to Grand Manor. The elderly didn't appreciate the frivolity of the young, so they opted to sit with friends at the hotel and chat.

As Sherri descended the stairs, she spotted Hackett standing there, knowing he was reluctant. "Hackett, don't be sad. Ruby getting married is a joyous occasion. Jasper put so much effort into Ruby's wedding. He really cares. Our little darling will be very happy." Hackett composed himself, putting his arm around Sherri's shoulder and taking the utensils from her hands. "I know." Soon, the groom, Jasper, arrived, and the pre-wedding games quickly cto an end. The reason was simple. Everyone wanted Jasper and Ruby's wedding to start as soon as possible.

After all, everyone knew it wasn't easy for Jasper and Ruby to cthis far after so many years of dating.

Without Rose as the bridesmaid, the pre-wedding games were romantic rather than humorous. Olivia arranged a few romantic activities to liven things up, like kissing, eating candy, lyric contests, and so on.

After the games, Jasper, dressed in the suit Ruby had made for him, holding the bouquet, went down on one knee and said excitedly, "My dear, today will be the most unforgettable day of my life. I love you." There was an excited cheer, laughter, and applause all around.

Ruby smiled tenderly. Behind her, Harper, wearing a black suit with a bow tie, started cheering a bit slowly. "Wow! Wow!" They were standing very close together. Harper's voice was too loud, causing Liam to instinctively turn away. When Harper stopped cheering, Liam turned back slowly, saying disdainfully, "Could you keep it down?" Harper draped his hand on Liam's shoulder, teasingly saying, "I'm pumping up the atmosphere here. You know? Clearly, those who haven't been married don't understand." Liam took Harper's hand off his shoulder with disdain. "Have you been married, then?" Harper retorted. "At least I've attended friends' weddings. And I've seen the process of weddings on TV s." Liam was left speechless.

Ruby took the bouquet, smiled at Jasper, and the two embraced and kissed. Cyril went to check on the villa decorations and arrived late. Just as he entered with George, they were pushed out and locked outside.

"Are you crazy? Why did you close the door? I'm a guest," Cyril exclaimed outside, annoyed.

George remained calm, only smiling faintly and saying, "It's best if kids don't see." Cyril was very helpless and wondered, 'I'm an adult, okay? Oh wait, I'm not even eighteen yet. And I haven't taken the SAT yet. I will only be taking the SAT next month.' Soon the door opened.

Jasper and Ruby sat on the bed, fingers intertwined. Ruby held the bouquet, reluctant to let go, both wearing happy smiles on their faces.

Olivia smiled at Liam, with a suggestive look in her eyes. "Jasper is getting married today. How about you groomsmen sing a song to liven up the atmosphere?" "You know I can't carry a tune. How about coming up with another request?" Liam's only flaw was his off-key singing, always managing to miss every beat perfectly and creating his own unique melody.

Sophia didn't want any mishaps during Jasper's wedding ceremony, so she suggested. "Then do 100 push-ups." Liam looked at Sophia bewilderedly and thought, 'Is she kidding me? 100 push-ups? She might as well just kill me.' Harper nudged Liam's shoulder. "Con. Start. It's just 100 push-ups. It's a piece of cake for Sophia." George, being kind-hearted, leaned against the doorfrwith his arms crossed. "I'll count for you." Liam was speechless and cursed silently. 'Thanks a lot.' George could read minds and knew what Liam was thinking. Today was Jasper's wedding, and he was in a good mood. He smiled and replied, "You're welcome." Olivia urged cheerfully, "Hurry up! Don't dawdle! Don't delay Jasper's wedding at the hotel." Then she added, "The games just ended. The next step is to send representatives to sing. Liam, start doing push-ups. Who's going to sing?" Seeing no one said anything, Harper stepped up boldly. "George and I will sing. We'll do 'Endless Love.' I'll take Lionel's part, and you take Diana's part..." Before Harper could finish his sentence, George changed the rules. "No, I'll take Lionel's part, and you will take Diana's part." His tone allowed no room for argument or negotiation.

Upon hearing it, Harper compromised. "Fine, your call. I will take Diana's part. It's nothing. Let's do it. But without accompaniment?" Olivia glanced at him. "What else? Do you wantto assemble a dance troupe for you?" Liam thought he could do fewer push-ups while they sang. But the next moment, Sophia took over George's task. "Both tasks will go simultaneously. You guys sing, and I'll count the push-ups." Jasper's smile grew deeper. Harper snapped his fingers, finding the rhythm and gesturing to George to start singing. It was George's first tsinging in front of so many people, and he felt a bit embarrassed, but his voice was melodious and magnetic as he began. "My love, there's only you in my life..." The first half was sung by George.

Stella smiled and whispered admiringly, "George has such a nice voice. Thanks to Jasper, I can hear George sing." Ruby turned to Jasper and said, "You haven't sung toyet." "I'll sing to you tonight," he replied with a slight tilt of his head, a smile playing on his lips.

Upon hearing it, Ruby blushed, happily lowering her head. The second half was sung by Harper, who pinched his own Adam's apple to try to sound like a girl, producing strange tones that made everyone burst into laughter.

Liam couldn't help but laugh, losing his balance and falling to the ground. Out of embarrassment, he cursed, "Are you crazy? Why are you singing with that tone?" After Harper finished singing, George continued, and Harper retorted, "I sounded in a falsetto. Do you know? If I didn't change my voice, who would know I'm singing in a falsetto? Since you're tone-deaf, you'd better shut up and focus on doing push-ups." Liam ground his teeth in anger and replied, "Harper, wait until I'm done, I'll deal with you later." Harper was too arrogant today. He needed to be taught a lesson.

"Hey, there are still 60 left, keep going." Sophia reminded Liam.

Liam was helpless and sighed inwardly, 'Oh no, She's counting very carefully.' Ruby smiled at Liam and said, "Liam, you can do it. I trust you!" To spare Ruby any embarrassment, Liam gritted his teeth and increased his speed. By the tthe song ended, Liam had almost completed 100 push-ups.

When it all concluded, Harper took credit for the push-ups, claiming it was his excellent singing that enabled Liam to do them so quickly.

The games finished, and the group headed to Grand Manor. The wedding car led the way, followed by the bridesmaids and groomsmen cars, driven by Olivia and George, respectively.

Stella, Sherri, and Hackett had left earlier for the hotel.

Grand Manor was adorned in the most luxurious manner.

.

It was a golden-themed wedding, with romantic decorations, golden cascading curtains on the stage like flowing sand, and a castle dyed in gold. Amassive screen displayed a continuous slideshow of pictures from the moment the couple was born to each of their shared moments, creating an enchanting atmosphere. .

The castle was surrounded by pastel-colored hydrangeas, pink, white, yellow, and light purple, with golden maple leaves gently falling from the sky, filling the entire room with brilliance.

Looking up, the top of the stage was adorned with cascading sandalwood lamps, while hand-painted golden patterns adorned the pristine white tiles, making the wedding lavish, grand, and magnificent.

On the stage stood the bride, her train trailing on the ground, with bridesmaids constantly adjusting it. Winnie, in high heels, carefully followed behind.

Ruby held Hackett's wrist, and Hackett, in his elegant suit, placed one hand on Ruby's, smiling as they approached Jasper. .

As the two were about to meet, Hackett halted, gesturing for Jasper s to extend his hand. Hackett took Ruby's hand from his wrist and gently placed it in Jasper's hand, saying, "I'm entrusting Ruby to you from now on." .

"Mr. Hackett, don't worry. I will take good care of Ruby for the rest of her life." Jasper promised with a serious face.

Hackett didn't linger, just smiled at Ruby and Jasper, then turned around and gracefully stepped off the stage. The guests below were enviously discussing the scene.

Sherri, shedding tears beneath the stage, was overcwith joy. Natalie handed her tissue after tissue and said, "Con. Stop crying. This is something to celebrate." Sherri sniffled. "I'm just too happy." Rose reminded her. "Your makeup is a bit smudged." "Where? Did you bring a cushion compact? Letsee." .

Christina took out a cushion compact from her bag and handed it to Sherri. "Use mine. It's not too bad, just a bit smudged at the corners of your eyes. I have an eyeliner and brow pencil in my bag. Do you need them?" .

Taking the cushion, Sherri checked herself in the mirror repeatedly. "Of course. I'm the star today. I must absolutely maintain my image." Everyone chuckled helplessly.