Chapter 136: The Awaiting Crowd
The grand hall glowed under the soft shimmer of chandeliers, the air thick with anticipation as the crowd stood, wine glasses in hand, eyes fixed on the stage. The announcer, a lanky guy in a sharp black tuxedo, grinned wide as he strode across the stage toward Daniel, the groom, who stood tall in his tailored coat, his smile calm but radiant.
"And here comes my best friend!" the announcer boomed, his voice carrying over the hushed crowd. He reached Daniel, clapping him on the shoulder before pulling him into a quick, hearty hug, their laughter echoing through the microphone.
"Man, Daniel," the announcer said, stepping back and adjusting his tie with a playful smirk, "remember that time in college when you tried to impress that girl at the frat party with your ’signature’ dance move?" He paused, mimicking a comically awkward shimmy that drew a roar of laughter from the crowd. "Yeah, buddy, let’s just say you’ve come a long way since then!"
Daniel shook his head, chuckling as he leaned toward the mic. "You’re never gonna let me live that down, are you, Mike?" he said, his voice warm, prompting another wave of laughter from the guests.
Mike, the announcer, gave a mock bow. "Alright, alright," he said, waving a hand to quiet the crowd. "Now, it’s time for the bride’s big moment. I need someone from Sara’s side to come up here and help give her the grand entrance she deserves!"
Aeri, standing near the center of the crowd in her shimmering light blue dress, felt a jolt of responsibility. As Sara’s best friend, she knew this was her cue. She smoothed her dress, took a deep breath, and started to step forward, her heels clicking softly on the marble floor. But before she could reach the stage, a waitress in a crisp black uniform hurried up the steps, her movements quick and discreet. She leaned close to Mike, whispering something in his ear, her hand shielding her mouth.
The crowd’s murmurs grew quieter, curiosity rippling through the room as heads turned toward the stage.
Even Daniel tilted his head, his brow furrowing slightly, clearly wondering what was going on. The whispers were too soft to catch, the waitress’s expression neutral but urgent. Aeri paused mid-step, her heart sinking as she watched, a knot of worry tightening in her chest.
Mike nodded to the waitress, a quick, reassuring smile flashing across his face as she stepped back. He leaned into the mic, his voice smooth and confident.