I thought of simply finding a seat and settling on it, but before I could, my gaze met that of a familiar one, and I found myself mustering a smile as I approached the older man. “Mr. Pierce.” I acknowledged the bride’s father, and one of my investors. “Congratulations on Helena’s wedding.”
Mr. Pierce, probably one of the stiffest clients I’ve ever had, surprisingly sported a wide smile at the moment, his bald head glistening under the sun. “Miss Montague.” He offered me a small grin, the first I’d ever gotten from him. “Thank you for accepting my invitation. I know you were Helena’s old friend.”
I hummed. “I wouldn’t quite say that,” We weren’t exactly friends. She was part of the clique of the rich kids, and I was the kid without any family connections-or so I appeared then, so I was always left out. I don’t hold a grudge against her or anything, she’s just not my person…if that makes sense. “It’s a pleasure to be here nonetheless.”
“Good, good.” He looked behind me, sporting a familiar face. He waved the person over, and a young woman came to join us almost immediately. “Take Miss Montague to meet the bride. Okay?” When the young girl nodded, he then turned around to meet my gaze. “You should meet them there. I think they’ve started taking pictures by now.”
I shook my head slightly. “No, really…there’s no need for that–“
“Nonsense,” He was quick to cut me off before I could give him any excuse. “Taking pictures with friends on your wedding is very important. I’m sure she’d be glad to see you.” He didn’t give me a chance to get out of this as he waved us away.
And that was how I found myself making my way to the bridal waiting room, where the bride is already with her friends, taking pictures. The moment I pushed the door open and stepped in, I was met with familiar faces I’d known back in my university days, almost all of which I’d rather not come across ever again in my life.
The moment their attention steered over to me, I could see their judging eyes and hear their hushed whispers. Some weren’t even discrete about it, they outright pointed fingers at me, then leaned to whisper things to the bride who had her gaze on me, her expression bare of any reaction.
I put on a blank expression, putting my walls up high and shutting my ears off their words because they don’t matter to me, so their words shouldn’t. Making my way towards where they are, I came to a stop once close enough, then reached my hand out to take off my shades, my gaze fixed on the bride while I feigned a smile-but they don’t know me well enough to know it’s faked.
“Congratulations on your wedding, Helena.” The words flowed past my lips, my words genuine. “He’s a lucky man.” I’m not so sure about that, but we all have some good and bad in us, and I believe it’s the same with her. She held my gaze, her expression hard to read. However, before she could reply, the other’s voice came, the malice behind their tones hard to miss.
“I didn’t think I’d see you here, Isabella.” One of the girls said, her name, I can’t even remember really. Not that I care. I could see her from the corner of my eyes though, and the mockery behind her tone was impossible to miss. “I mean, we’ve all heard James divorced you.” She then huffed. “And to think you two were the epitome of campus love back then, people even envied you.”
“He married you because were rich, didn’t he?” Another inquired, sounding genuinely curious. “But, no one even knows you were rich back then.”
The girl beside her swanked her shoulder slightly, “He probably divorced her not knowing she’s rich.” She then tutted. “Or maybe he left her despite knowing she’s rich. I guess money really can’t solve all your problems.”
“Did she show up here knowing he’d be here as well? I heard he got married to Crystal, you know, the Victoria Secret model. I saw them earlier together.”
The others took turns to each throw in their respective remarks, and I made no comment about it, knowing that’s exactly what they want. Helena hadn’t said a thing, though she made no move to stop it. She’s always been like that. She wouldn’t take part, but she wouldn’t stop it either. Everyone knows she’s part of them though.
My phone ringed at the moment, and when I brought it up, Amy’s name popped up. I looked up, flashing the bride a small smile. “I’ll be outside then. I have a call to answer.” Not waiting for her response, I turned around and made my way out, bringing the phone to my ear.
A short while later, I was seated outside along with the guests as the bride walked down the aisle, accompanied by her parents. She was handed over to the groom and a few emotional tears were shed. Throughout the whole vows and all, my mind was elsewhere, not having any interest in it at all. I even thought of leaving, but I convinced myself to stay until the end of the wedding at the very least. In the meantime, I waited for time to pass, and before I know it, it was time for the bride to throw her bouquet.
I stood by the side while all the other ladies hurdled up together, all excited and ready to catch the bouquet. I rolled my eyes at the action, wanting to be anywhere but there. However, one of the elders beckoned me over, apparently not seeing any ring on my finger so she automatically assumed I’m unmarried.
I couldn’t say no to her, but then again, I wasn’t interested as well so I stayed a safe distance away, wanting this all to be over and done with so I can head home and drown myself in unfinished work. I shifted uncomfortably on my feet, the heels a bit too tight. Another reason for me to get out of here soon as possible.
I looked up just in time to see the bride throw the bouquet, all the girls attempting to catch it, however, I saw it flying in my direction. With eyes dilated, lips parted, and everyone’s eyes following the bouquet on my way, on instinct, I extended my hands out to grasp it. I lost my footing in the process though, so I took a few uncoordinated steps back, and I closed my eyes shut, anticipating the fall on the floor.
However, I felt arms wrapped around me just in time, before I could kiss the floor, steadying me. I peeled my eyes open slowly, my eyes meeting that of the person that saved me from public embarrassment, my heart racing behind my ribcage.
My eyes searched the familiar orbs I could recognize anywhere, his face mere inches away from me, I could practically smell his minty breath. If possible, my eyes dilated even more, and I could tell he was equally surprised as well because he raised his brows in question.
“Christian…” The name escaped my lips before I could realize it, my brain still yet to fully grasp the situation.
His lips slowly slanted upwards into a familiar, teasing smile I hadn’t seen in a long time. “Hello, Isabella.” His deep voice came. “We meet again. Is this fate?”
***
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.