Chapter 6

The wedding day arrived, bright and sunny, like the weather was doing its part to make everything perfect.

The hotel ballroom was lit up like a festival, music booming from every speaker.

I'd called in some favors and brought in a few influential local reporters, all under the guise of "celebrating true love" and "capturing the happiness." But, honestly, it was just the perfect setup for the media frenzy I knew was coming.

Guests began arriving one after another.

The Welch family's relatives were dressed to the nines, but their faces told a different story.

Some were here to celebrate, but most were just there to watch the drama unfold. I could see the curiosity, the disdain, and a twisted enjoyment of someone else's mess in their eyes.

They whispered to each other, trading rumors.

"Can you believe it? They're actually going through with this huge wedding. What's Sharon thinking?"

"Who knows? Maybe she's given up. Eileen's not even her real daughter, so why not let her make a mess?"

"Look at that groom, acting like he's a big deal. Eileen must be crazy to fall for him."

"Miguel's no better, letting his wife run wild like this. He's totally losing face."

Their voices reached my ears, just loud enough.

I wore a polite smile, a little excited, and moved through the crowd, greeting everyone, like I didn't hear a word.

Miguel stood beside me, his face stiff as he forced a smile.

Fiona, meanwhile, sat at the main table with a sour look, acting like this whole thing had nothing to do with her.

The wedding march began. Eileen, arm in arm with Miguel, walked slowly down the petal-covered aisle toward Gerald, who stood at the altar.

She was glowing in her glittering wedding dress, her face shining with a pure, almost naïve joy.

Gerald stood tall, doing his best to act loving, but the nervous flicker in his eyes and the slight twitch at the corner of his mouth betrayed his excitement and vanity.

They exchanged rings and said their vows, and everything went as planned.

When it was time for the newlyweds to give their speeches, Eileen grabbed the mic, her eyes red, and launched into her emotional thank-you.

"The person I owe the most today is my mom," she said, voice trembling as she looked right at me. "Mom, thank you for supporting my love for Gerald. I was wrong before, and I said things that hurt you. I'm really sorry. You showed me that true love can break through all the judgment and prejudice."

It sounded like a thank-you, but there was an edge to it, like she was throwing a jab at me, making my objections sound like petty prejudice.

The relatives who knew the backstory had mixed reactions. Some looked embarrassed, and others sneered.

Gerald took the mic next, telling a dramatic story about how he'd been misunderstood, always the "underdog," and how Eileen had recognized his worth. He then gave me a pointed look. "I especially want to thank Sharon. Without your support, Eileen and I wouldn't be here today. You made me believe there are still people who care about what's real, not just the surface."

The applause was lukewarm, mixed with more whispers and gossip from the crowd.

Sitting there, I dug my nails deep into my palm to keep from showing how irritated I was, but I kept that proud, moved smile on my face with a hint of tears in my eyes.

Go on. Keep playing your little game. I'd like to see how long you two could keep it up.

*****

As the ceremony started winding down, the host announced it was time for the bride's mother to give a speech, offer blessings, and present the gift.

I took a deep breath and walked up to the stage, feeling all eyes on me.

The spotlight hit, and I could feel the weight of everyone's gaze.

I picked up the mic, my voice trembling just slightly. "Today is my daughter Eileen's big day. As her mother, I'm... overwhelmed with emotion."

I paused for a moment, glancing at Eileen and Gerald, who were both beaming with expectation. Then I looked at the guests who had different expressions. Finally, I rested my eyes on Miguel and Fiona, who looked lost and a bit uneasy.

"Like any mom, I wanted my daughter to marry well and be happy," I said, making the crowd perk up. "So when Eileen chose Gerald, I hesitated. I even objected."

"But..." I shifted gears, my voice steady and warm. "I saw how much Eileen stuck to her choice, and how genuine Gerald was with her. That's when I realized that real happiness isn't something you can measure with money or stuff. It's about two people who truly love each other, holding on tight no matter what."

I looked at Eileen and Gerald, my eyes "gentle." "Eileen, Gerald, I was wrong before. Now, I really wish you both the best. I hope you'll always respect and care for each other, and stay together till you're old and gray."

Eileen was in tears, overwhelmed with emotion, and Gerald wore a look of gratitude, playing his part well.

Right after, I presented the special "gift" I'd prepared just for this moment.