Against the vast expanse of the ocean, where the setting sun cast a golden glow on the pristine sand, a surprise awaited Meagan and Jacob—a "50 Shades of Grey Bridal Joint Shower." The venue was a paradise, a masterpiece of rustic elegance at the Mendiola Exclusive Resort, which Marley owns. The resort's platform, elevated above the sand, was adorned with white curtains, fairy lights, and crimson roses that added a touch of mystique. White-draped sofas and daybeds adorned with plush cushions were strategically placed near the ocean's edge, inviting guests to relax and breathe in the fresh sea air.
The dim candlelight and fairy lights created a sensual ambiance that perfectly matched the theme. Every detail, from the velvet fabrics to the leather-textured table runners, adhered to the color palette: black, gray, red, and silver. At the center of the venue, a Honeymoon Wishes Corner buzzed with activity as guests wrote heartfelt and romantic messages for the newlyweds. The photo booth, brimming with cheeky props like lace masks and red lipstick prints, was a hit, especially among guests who embraced the theme with gusto.
Guests arrived one by one, the men in their smart casual attire, with hints of black, gray, or red, while the women dressed in a perfect blend of sexy and classy, many sporting lace or leather accents. The party's start sparked excitement, especially as it had become a joint shower—a spontaneous decision after Tanya and Jovy's husbands objected to their wives attending separate events.
Luna, one of Meagan's closest friends, entered the venue with a simple yet elegant aura. Her brownish wavy hair cascaded naturally down her back, complementing her white mini dress, which was layered with a long brown coat. Dark brown knee-high boots added a touch of edginess, while a black handbag completed her look. Despite her understated style, she effortlessly drew compliments from other guests.
With every step she took, Luna couldn't help but admire the venue's beauty. The ocean behind the platform, framed by palm trees on either side, looked like something out of a postcard. The blend of rustic design and modern elegance was perfect for a party like this. Luna smiled as she approached her friends, pushing aside the unpleasant encounter she'd had with Jovy the previous day.
But she knew this night wasn't about her, Jovy, or their misunderstanding. This night was for Meagan and Jacob, a celebration of their love before they embarked on their journey as husband and wife. Under the glow of the fading sun and flickering candles, their special night began—a night filled with laughter, joy, and games that would be remembered for years to come.
As Luna walked towards her friends, a group waved to her from the edge of the venue. Tanya and Louise's faces lit up with joy at her arrival. Tanya, always the epitome of elegance, looked like she stepped out of a movie in her cream-colored floral dress, off-shoulder with puff sleeves. The layered ruffles at the hem added a romantic touch to her overall look. Her husband, Louise, her long time boyfriend since college, exuded effortless charm in his gray dress shirt, unbuttoned at the top two buttons, giving off a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe.
The two looked like a celebrity couple, perfectly matched as they held hands and smiled at Luna. Luna waved back, feeling the warmth of her friends' welcome. She noticed the natural way Louise cared for Tanya—something she secretly admired.
Before she could reach the group, Marley suddenly appeared from behind and embraced Luna in a tight hug.
"Wow, Luna! You haven't aged a day!" Marley joked, glancing at her friend's outfit.
Luna almost choked on her surprise as she caught sight of Marley's outfit. Her long, off-white crochet dress, halter-neck style, was incredibly sexy yet classy. The intricate open-knit pattern of the dress perfectly accentuated Marley's sun-kissed skin, further enhanced by her relaxed messy bun hairstyle. Her beauty was effortless, seemingly made for the beachy bohemian aesthetic.
"You're the one who hasn't aged! And wow, you look so hot," Luna complimented, pretending to wipe sweat from her brow.
Marley laughed and retorted, "Oh, please, look at yourself! You look like a model! Those boots are amazing on you."
They exchanged compliments as other guests turned to look at them. The venue's ambiance, filled with fairy lights and ambient music, seemed to become a backdrop for their reunion. They locked eyes and laughed, both knowing they were overdressed but still perfectly in sync with the event's vibe.
As Luna and Marley were catching up, a familiar baritone voice cut through the air.
"Well, well, well… look at these gorgeous ladies…"
Both Luna and Marley turned, but Luna's reaction was far more dramatic upon seeing the speaker.
"Oh my… Luke? Is that you?" Luna practically gasped, her surprise evident but tinged with pure joy. Her eyes shone as she rushed to embrace him.
"Hey, Luna! Long time no see!" Luke replied, hugging her tightly. The delight on their faces was unmistakable. Luke was an old friend from high school, part of Meagan's close-knit circle. They shared so much history, yet he seemed like a completely different person.
As she held Luke, Luna's mind flashed back to the Luke she remembered—a nerdy young man with thick glasses and bangs perpetually obscuring his forehead. He was a walking encyclopedia, often consulted by Luna for exam cheat sheets. As the group's resident bully, Luna often teased him, even though she secretly harbored a crush.
But now? The transformation was astounding. The former nerd was now a man with a strong, healthy physique, neatly styled light brown hair, and a well-groomed beard that added to his mature and charismatic aura. He wore a crisp white long-sleeved shirt accented by a sophisticated watch and gray trousers that completed his professional and sophisticated look.
Luke noticed Luna's stare and smiled, then playfully appraised her from head to toe. "And you, Luna… you're even more stunning. You could be a magazine cover girl," he teased.
Luna laughed. "You're incorrigible, Luke. But look at you! I can't believe this is the same guy who always carried around thick books and was always late for PE!"
"Still the same old bully," Luke replied, his voice laced with amusement.
Marley, stifling a laugh, interjected, "Hey, Luke, I'm here too. A hug for me, or is Luna getting special treatment?" she joked, earning herself a quick embrace from Luke.
"Of course not, Marley. Come here," Luke said, holding Marley close. The two exchanged compliments.
Amidst the laughter, Marley said, "Wow, Luke, you've changed so much. I mean, who wouldn't fall for the new you? So, still single?" she winked.
The three laughed, but Luke's cheeks flushed slightly before he answered, "We have plenty of time to discuss my love life later, Marley. But right now, let's focus on Luna—she's been away for how many years?"
Luke turned to Luna, smiled, and added, "It's really good to see you again. Feels like old times."
"Yeah, it feels great to see everyone again…" Luna replied happily.
"That's why his mind changed…" Luke said with a knowing smile, a comment Luna didn't quite understand.
"What changed?" Luna asked.
"Nothing, I just remembered something… haha." Luke laughed and scratched his head. Luna looked at him questioningly, but a smile remained on her lips.
A booming laugh, loud and impossible to ignore, suddenly silenced the group's chatter. A man had arrived, a walking energy booster. He waved to guests, hugged some, and fist-bumped others, his face radiating an infectious joy that made him the instant highlight of the evening.
He had short, neatly styled dark hair, a well-groomed beard that added to his charm, and a wide smile that reflected his cheerful personality. He wore a white short-sleeved button-down shirt, dark blue shorts, and white sneakers—a relaxed, casual summer vibe. His whole presence exuded confidence and natural charisma.
"Ugh… here comes Mr. Popularity," Marley muttered, rolling her eyes repeatedly. Her annoyance was clear, but there was a hint of amusement in her tone.
Luna, on the other hand, was overjoyed to see him—Josh! Known for being approachable and friendly to everyone, it was no surprise he was the center of attention. Spotting Luke, Josh ran over, fist-bumped him, and immediately noticed the two women.
"Luna!" he shouted, embracing her tightly. Luna returned the hug instantly.
"Josh, OMG! I missed you!" Luna exclaimed, clearly thrilled to see him again.
"Wow! Is that you, Luna? You've gotten even more beautiful! What about the rest of us ordinary folks?" Josh joked, his laughter booming.
Luna laughed at his playful comment, but Marley remained poker-faced, silently observing. She secretly expected Josh to acknowledge her, but she wasn't going to show it.
"Josh, you're still as talkative as ever," Marley said with a hint of disdain, though a flicker of admiration was visible in her eyes as she subtly scanned him from head to toe.
Josh couldn't help but laugh. "Hey, gorgeous lady, you're still the queen of sass, as always!"
Marley ignored him, turning her attention to Luna. "Luna, let's go. Join Tanya at the table; the party's about to start. Luke, come with us," she said, pulling Luke along.
"Hey, what about me, Marley? You're ditching me already?" Josh joked, earning another withering glare from Marley.
Luke and Luna chuckled, while Josh remained smiling, clearly used to Marley's icy demeanor. But inwardly, Josh knew there was something deeper behind her seemingly constant eye-rolls.
"Marley, you know, I wanted to say 'I miss you' too, but I was afraid you'd scare me again," Josh added, drawing more laughter from the group, except for Marley, who pretended not to hear.