Chapter 7 - The Bride in White
The Ashford wedding hall looked like a palace built from glass and flowers.
Celeste walked down the aisle in a white lace gown, one hand resting on her perfectly rounded stomach. Guests stood as she passed.
Grant waited beneath an arch of roses.
Vivian sat in the front row, smiling proudly.
Evelyn arrived late by design.
She wore champagne rather than white and carried Lily in a pale-blue dress. Several guests whispered when they saw her.
Vivian approached immediately.
“You came.”
“You invited me.”
“For Lily’s sake.”
“Of course.”
Vivian looked at the baby, but she did not reach for her.
“Grant will be pleased.”
“Grant barely notices the daughter he already has.”
Vivian’s smile disappeared.
“Today is not about your bitterness.”
“No. Today is about your honesty.”
For the first time, Vivian appeared nervous.
Evelyn walked past her and took a seat near the aisle.
The ceremony began.
Celeste and Grant exchanged vows. She promised truth, loyalty, and a future built on trust. Grant promised to protect her and their son.
Evelyn felt no jealousy.
Whatever love she had once held for Grant had died each time he chose pride over Lily.
When the officiant asked whether anyone had lawful reason the marriage should not continue, Evelyn remained seated.
The hall relaxed.
Vivian smiled again.
Grant placed the ring on Celeste’s finger.
The officiant declared them married.
Applause thundered across the room.
Then Evelyn stood.
“I have a wedding gift.”
The applause faded.
Grant’s expression darkened.
“Evelyn, not today.”
“It must be today.”
Celeste wrapped both hands protectively around her belly.
“This is inappropriate.”
Evelyn walked toward the front.
“No, Celeste. What’s under your dress is inappropriate.”
The guests began whispering.
Vivian rose.
“Security.”
Before anyone could approach, Evelyn reached into the large gift bag beside her seat and removed the silicone belly.
May you like
She lifted it above her head.
The room exploded with gasps.
