Chapter 4
The wedding ceremony hadn't started yet.
The buzz of conversation among the guests was as loud as a swarm of bees.
"Is that really Georgette Perry? Didn't she go abroad?"
"She came with the Stevenson family. What's her deal with them?"
"Look at Zach's face. He's gone pale."
I found a seat in the corner and sat down.
Morton sat next to me, his long fingers draped over the armrest, with an air of someone just here to enjoy the drama.
"When are you planning to deliver your big surprise?" I asked.
He raised an eyebrow. "That's your big surprise. What's it got to do with me?"
"You helped me get in. Doesn't that make you part of it?"
"I'm just here to watch the show."
I didn't say anything else to him.
Three minutes later, Lulu came over.
She was clutching the hem of her wedding dress, her knuckles white.
"Georgette."
I looked up at her.
"Long time no see."
She was holding back her emotions. Her voice was syrupy sweet.
"Georgette, how come you're here? I thought you went to Rands."
"Changed my mind."
"But... I didn't see your name on the guest list."
Her eyes flicked over to Morton, clearly testing the waters.
Morton didn't say a word and didn't even look at her.
I said, "I'm Mr. Stevenson's date. The invitation was checked at the reception. Is there a problem with that?"
Lulu's smile stiffened for a moment.
"Of course, it's fine. I just... didn't want you to get upset seeing all this."
"You're worrying too much."
I picked up the champagne from the table and took a sip.
"I'm here to bring a gift," I said.
She visibly flinched.
"What gift?" she asked.
"You'll see when the ceremony starts," I replied.
She stood there, looking like she wanted to say something else, but Zach walked over from across the room and grabbed her wrist.
"Let's go. Don't make a scene here," he said.
His voice wasn't loud, but I could hear him clearly.
I set my glass down.
I would show him who would really be embarrassed today.