Chapter 10: Unexpected Guest
The next two days flew by in a whirlwind, setting the stage for the most scandalous wedding the city had ever seen. Despite the short notice, guests eagerly arrived at the beachfront resort, drawn by the prospect of witnessing the downfall of the most notorious fake heiress in their society.
The ceremony was set against a magnificent ocean backdrop, with waves gently lapping at the pristine sandy beach. Neatly arranged chairs and tables lined the balcony, offering a perfect sunset view. A heart-shaped wooden frame adorned with vibrant blooms served as the picturesque stage for the couple. Lanterns hung from palm trees, casting a warm glow as the soft hum of waves provided a serene soundtrack.
Sophia dressed in a sleek red dress that exuded authority and malice, roamed around the venue, acting as if she had arranged everything herself, though the Wrights hadn't spent a penny for this wedding. She couldn't help but smile at the setup for the chaos she had orchestrated.
"Seriously, Annabelle?" Sophia grumbled as Annabelle approached her, walking steadily. "This is an important day. Don't cause any trouble!" Sophia glared at her sweet daughter, adjusting the splint on her right wrist. She wanted nothing to spoil the fun of finally throwing Evelyn out of the Wright family. Not her own puppets at least!
"Isn't it suspicious that she agreed to the marriage so easily?" Annabelle asked for the umpteenth time, her brows furrowed. She couldn't shake off the odd feeling, especially after seeing that handsome man, the richest tycoon according to Vincent, save Evelyn at the boutique. It added more pieces to the puzzle.
"She realized there's no escape and accepted her fate," Sophia replied smugly, her overconfident smirk dismissing any concerns.
"But—"
"Quit ruining my mood. Go find your lover boy; he's our main actor today," Sophia snapped, pushing Annabelle toward the entrance. This day would become a nightmare for Evelyn, and for the first time in decades, Sophia missed Evelyn's real mother.
"Only if you were here, Mrs. Margaret Wright," she mumbled, looking up at the sky with a smirk before walking downstairs to welcome the guests.
———
In the bride's room, Evelyn stared at her reflection in the mirror, her expression betraying her nervousness. Avery had called to inform her they had left the city and would be there before the vows, but Evelyn's heart still pounded erratically.