and looked her straight in the eye. “This isn’t rented. My husband bought me both the dress and the ring.”
Easton burst out laughing. “You’re unbelievable, Wanda. You should write fiction. I’d actually marry you if that were true!”
His friends joined in, raising their voices on purpose.
“Yeah, didn’t you say today was your wedding day?”
“So where’s the groom? There are dozens of tables waiting. Don’t mess around now!”
Tony, whom I’d just slapped, shouted even louder, his face red with anger. “Yeah, call the groom out! Everyone’s dying to witness this so-called love story!”
Guests stood up one by one, their stares like knives.
Just then, the emcee’s clear voice rang out from the stage. “And now, let’s welcome the bride and groom!”
Tina’s eyes lit up with glee. She stepped forward with fake concern. “Wanda, come on, just admit it. I’m really afraid this will blow up!”
But I waved her off and said coldly, “Step aside. I’m going on stage.”
She stumbled back, losing her balance, and crashed into a display board near the entrance.
She scrambled to pick it back up. When she finally saw what was written on it clearly, she froze.
After a long pause, she slowly lifted her head and looked at me, her eyes filled with disbelief.
“Wanda, why is there a photo of you and Gavin Hackett on this board?”
