Chapter 4
The hall at the hotel was pure luxury, with giant crystal chandeliers bathing the whole place in magical light.
Every table was filled to the brim, and all those grinning faces from friends and family looked particularly phony in the fancy lighting.
"Wow, David's so blessed. His wife is beautiful, his son is smart, and he's got Mr. Kingston's support," someone remarked.
"Absolutely, look at Henry. He is so sturdy and healthy, and bound to have a bright future," another guest added.
I kept a polite smile on my face, glass in hand, and responded to each compliment with practiced ease.
Linda was dressed up like a princess, a huge diamond necklace sparkling around her neck, the "birthday present" Richard had just given her.
Richard sat at the head of the main table, looking all smug and satisfied, one hand resting on Henry's shoulder, playing the doting godfather.
"David, today's a big day. Come on, let me toast you," Richard said, raising his glass.
He stood up, glass in hand, with a hint of contempt and smugness in his eyes.
I walked over, holding my glass with both hands, making sure I looked as respectful as possible.
"Mr. Kingston, you're too kind. We couldn't have made it without you. My family owes you big time," I said.
As I said "thank you," I shot a quick glance under the table.
Richard's polished shoe was sliding up and down Linda's calf, bold as ever.
Linda's cheeks turned pink, but she didn't dodge. Instead, she gave him a teasing, flirty look.
What a perfect pair of filthy bastards made for each other.
After a few rounds of drinks, the party was hitting its peak.
The host grabbed the mic and shouted, "Alright, let's have the birthday boy's dad, David, come up and say a few words for our little star today."
The applause was thunderous.
I straightened my suit and walked up to the stage with a calm, purposeful stride.
I took the microphone, my eyes sweeping over every face in the crowd.
I looked at Linda, all eager and hopeful; at Richard, dripping with arrogance; and at Henry, the son who never shared my blood.
"Thanks, everyone, for coming out today," I said.
My voice boomed through the speakers, loud and clear, filling the whole hall.
"Today, besides the birthday wishes, I'm giving Henry and his mom a very special present," I said.
Linda's eyes lit up, thinking I was about to pull out the deed to the house or the car keys.
She snuggled up to Richard, and the two exchanged a secret, smug look.
Like they were saying: Look at this fool being played for a sucker and not even knowing it.
Unhurriedly, I took out my phone and hooked it up to the stage computer.
The giant LED screen behind me flickered for a second, then blazed to life.
Right in the middle, a folder appeared front and center, titled "Wonderful Memories."
The whole room went dead silent, and everyone thought they were about to see some heartwarming family photos.
My finger hovered over the play button, and my eyes instantly became icy cold
"This memory is so 'unforgettable.' I think it's only right that every friend and family member here, including Mrs. Kingston, takes a good look," I said.
I made sure to put extra emphasis on "Mrs. Kingston."
Down in the crowd, Richard's quiet and reserved wife, Margaret Kingston, looked up with confusion written all over her face.
Linda's face finally changed. She sensed something was off.
She caught a glimpse of the folder thumbnail, a corner of that black lace nightgown.
Her face went ghostly pale, and she shot up from her seat, ready to bolt for the stage.
"David. What are you doing? Don't do anything crazy," she yelled.
Richard's glass slipped from his hand and crashed to the floor, shattering into pieces.
It was too late.
I dodged Linda's hand and yelled into the mic, "Everyone, keep your eyes open and take a good look. This is your so-called perfect wife and godfather."
With the whole room frozen in disbelief, I slammed my finger down on the spacebar.