Chapter 3 - What Vanessa Told the Guests
Three days before the ceremony, the wedding party arrived on Marisol Island.
Vanessa stepped off the private boat wearing oversized sunglasses and a white designer suit. Photographers followed her along the dock as though she were arriving at a royal estate.
Claire waited near the reception pavilion with Lily.
Vanessa barely acknowledged them.
“Where is the welcome champagne?”
“Being served near the pool,” Claire answered.
“And why are staff members calling you Ms. Bennett?”
Claire glanced toward the employees.
“They know me through the company.”
Vanessa was satisfied with that explanation.
During the welcome dinner, Claire discovered what her sister had been telling everyone.
Vanessa stood beneath strings of lanterns and thanked their parents for giving her the island wedding of her dreams.
Guests applauded.
Their father lifted his glass proudly.
Nathan’s mother leaned toward Claire.
“Your parents have been very generous,” she said.
Claire looked across the table at her mother, who quickly avoided her eyes.
“They certainly want people to believe that,” Claire replied.
Later, she confronted them in their villa.
“You are allowing Vanessa to tell everyone you paid for this.”
Her father poured himself a drink.
“Does it matter who receives the credit?”
“It matters when the truth is deliberately hidden.”
Her mother sighed. “Vanessa is marrying into a prominent family. She needs to make a good impression.”
“By lying?”
“By presenting us properly.”
Claire folded her arms. “And what am I supposed to be?”
“The helpful sister,” her mother said, as though the answer were obvious.
Claire felt something old and painful settle inside her chest.
Her father added, “Do not embarrass Vanessa this weekend. This wedding could create valuable connections for the whole family.”
Claire understood then.
They had never considered her success valuable because acknowledging it would force them to admit they had misjudged her.
It was easier to pretend Claire was an employee.
It was easier to let Vanessa shine.
Claire returned to her villa and found Lily asleep beside her flower basket.
For the first time, Claire considered canceling the wedding before it began.
May you like
She did not.
She convinced herself they could survive three more days.
