Chapter 6.
The day of the engagement.
Kellan showed up in a perfectly tailored black tux, cold and intimidating.
Rylan, in his silver–grey groomsman suit, was the center of attention.
Vina’s “bridesmaid” dress looked more like a designer wedding gown. She had her phone out, camera aimed at the entrance, excited to film me losing it. Watching her target fall apart was kind of her thing.
She even started a livestream.
“Oh gosh, no, I’m not the bride. I’m just the friend who grew up with the groom and best man.
“They’ve spoiled me since we were kids, so of course I get to be a bridesmaid!
“Thanks for the compliments! But don’t praise me too much, the bride might get a little… You know.
“I’ve got a special surprise planned for the bride today, so stay tuned!”
Guests filled the room, and it was time to begin, but the bride’s seat sat
empty.
Kellan’s expression changed instantly. He tried calling me–busy signal.
Then came the text, “Alyssa, don’t cause a scene today.”
Just then, the huge projector screen in the hall suddenly lit up and started showing the surveillance video from that night at the gallery.
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Chapter 6
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Rylan’s voice came through loud and clear. “Kellan, I’ve been pretending to be you for so long, and your little chick hasn’t noticed anything. Do you think she’d lose her mind if she found out she’s been cuddling the wrong guy every night?”
“Chill out. She can’t leave me.”
“I heard Mr. Kellan’s throwing an engagement party with Alyssa next week. True or just gossip?”
“She wants a status. I’m humoring her. Playing along, that’s all.”
***
“Oh my, the way you’re talking… She sounds like a bus. Just swipe a card and hop on?
“Wait till the engagement party. That’s when you tell her right to her face that in the past year, all those dinners, the movies, even… cough, were you two taking turns! I want to see her face when it hits her. Right when she thinks she’s living a fairytale, rip it all away. Wouldn’t that be fun?”
The banquet hall erupted in chaos.
The video ended with a giant weak emoticon on–screen, dripping with sarcasm and stamped with one bold message, “The game is over. Happy?
“P.S. Rylan, been dying to say this–your skills seriously suck. I had to put on quite an act this past year.
“Even the AI bartender at the pub is better at flirting than you.
“Goodbye. I’m done–playing house with you all.”
Vina screamed and lunged for the camera. “Turn it off! End the livestream!”
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Chapter 6
Meanwhile, the plane touched down smoothly.
I breathed in the fresh air and opened my arms wide to Nessa, who had been waiting.
“Nessa! I’m finally free!”
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