In the Bathroom
"That was close!"
Nora clutched her chest, her heart pounding.
If anyone had seen that, all her years of effort and perseverance would have been for nothing.
She didn't even need to think about it—if Chandler found out that she and Adam had been involved, even if it was before Adam met Chandler, it would still be a devastating blow.
And on Chandler's wedding day? She would have no face left to see her son again.
When Chandler reconciled with her, she had already spoken to Adam and agreed to cut ties completely.
It had been difficult, but she had done it—until…
"Damn Charles!"
Nora gritted her teeth and cursed.
If it weren't for Helena throwing flirtatious glances at Adam, she wouldn't have lost control.
Back then, their competition over the male servants as a way to spite each other had been unforgettable.
So, the moment she saw Helena's expression, even though she knew Adam would never get involved with Helena, she snapped. She couldn't hold back.
Because Adam was different…
If she hadn't lost control just now, she wouldn't have nearly exposed this secret.
Luckily, Adam seemed to have noticed and stopped her in time.
But how did he notice?
Or maybe he didn't notice at all—maybe he just didn't want to be involved with her anymore. Maybe he thought she was too old.
Nora's mind was in turmoil.
"Damn Charles!"
She cursed again.
Even if Adam did have that thought, she wouldn't blame him. After all, she was seven years older now, and Adam was so outstanding—he wasn't lacking in young and beautiful women.
So all of this was Helena's fault.
Meanwhile…
"What?"
Adam answered Joey's call. "You won't make it in time?"
"The guy I'm acting with just can't get into character. Right now, I almost wish he'd go back to the way he used to be—spitting in my face with enthusiasm."
Joey complained, "Because of him, I can't leave."
"The wedding is important, but so is your career. Don't stress—just go with the flow."
Adam reassured him.
"You're not yelling at me?"
Joey was stunned.
"Come on, I'm not Monica."
Adam chuckled.
"Oh, right—Monica!"
Joey groaned. "If she finds out I can't make it on time to officiate the wedding, she'll kill me!"
"She won't."
Adam smirked. "I guarantee it."
"How can you guarantee that?"
Joey still hadn't caught on.
"Because her favorite minister is already at the venue."
Adam grinned.
"What?!"
Joey shouted, "But I'm supposed to be the minister! Get them on the phone right now—I'll officiate over the call!"
"Don't be ridiculous."
Adam cut him off. "You know how much Monica cares about this wedding.
Would you really make them rush their vows over the phone just so you can officiate?
Or have them wait while you speed over, still in your costume?
That might satisfy you, but have you considered how Monica and Chandler would feel?"
"…But I really wanted to officiate…"
Joey whined. "You and Ross are the groomsmen, I'm the minister—we all agreed on it."
"Plans change."
Adam reasoned, "If you make it in time, dressed properly, I'll let you do it. But if you miss any part of that, sorry, you'll just be a guest."
"I'll make it!"
Joey hung up immediately.
"Problem solved."
Adam turned to Rachel, who had come to get him for the call.
"You had this all planned out."
Rachel stared at him in disbelief.
"Of course."
Adam shrugged. "You know Joey—how could I not prepare for this?"
Rachel's face darkened.
She suddenly remembered that Monica had been just as wary of her as Joey, constantly afraid she'd mess things up as the maid of honor.
Okay, sure, she had messed up a few things.
But they were minor things!
6:00 PM – The Wedding Begins
Chandler, linking arms with both Nora and Helena, walked into the chapel to the sound of music.
"Our son is getting married."
"Look at you—so handsome."
Despite their usual differences, both women couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
"Mom, you look beautiful today."
Chandler turned and complimented Nora.
Ahem.
Helena's coughing was impossible to ignore.
Chandler's mouth twitched. He turned his head, looked at her, and sighed helplessly.
"Dad, you look beautiful too."
Only then did Helena let go, allowing Chandler to walk up to the altar while she and Nora took their seats in the guest section.
The music continued playing.
Adam entered, escorting Rachel, followed by Ross with Phoebe.
"This feels good."
Ross muttered under his breath.
"What?"
Phoebe asked.
"This is the first time I've walked down the wedding aisle knowing for sure that I won't be the one getting divorced."
Ross joked.
Rachel, walking ahead, couldn't help but roll her eyes.
"You must be so proud."
The four of them reached the altar and split up—Adam stood behind Chandler, with Ross behind him.
Rachel and Phoebe moved to the other side, waiting for the bride.
"Where's Joey?"
Chandler whispered.
"He won't make it in time. Don't worry, this is Monica's favorite minister."
Adam leaned in and whispered, "I think she'd prefer him officiating."
"I think so too."
Chandler smiled.
Joey had insisted on officiating, and Monica and Chandler had only agreed because they didn't want to hurt his feelings.
But in reality, neither of them had wanted it.
Monica wanted a perfect wedding, and Chandler knew Joey was unreliable—what if he messed up the vows? Chandler didn't mind, but he had to think about the bride.
This wedding had cost him years of savings, all to give Monica the A-list ceremony of her dreams. It would be a shame if something went wrong at the most basic yet crucial moment.
This was better.
The music changed.
Monica, dressed in her wedding gown, holding a bouquet of flowers, walked in with her parents.
Everyone stood up.
Western weddings revolve around the bride, after all.
Just look at the treatment she was getting.
This was exactly why Barney loved crashing weddings—beautiful bridesmaids, plenty of gorgeous female guests, and the best trick ever:
"*The bride asked me to get your number.*"
At a wedding, most women wouldn't even question it before handing it over.
And with the romantic atmosphere lowering their defenses, their longing for love was at its peak.
The success rate of this trick was even higher than on Christmas Eve.