"Go stall my husband downstairs," she ordered. "And send the groomsmen up first. Let them play a little game."
The bridesmaids immediately understood, sauntering out with knowing grins.
My stomach dropped. What was she planning now?
Before long, lively male voices echoed through the hallway.
"Where's the bride? Bring the bride out!"
"Come on, our Mr. Peterson is already getting mobbed by pretty bridesmaids—shouldn't the bride come greet him?"
As the footsteps got closer, one bridesmaid stepped in front of them.
"You want Eliza to come out? Sure."
"But first, you have to pass our little challenge."
With that, she yanked me out of the room.
I didn't even have time to react before I was shoved into the hallway.
The moment the groomsmen saw me, their eyes lit up.
"Is she a bridesmaid too? She's pretty cute."
The bridesmaid pinched my arm hard—hidden behind a sweet smile.
"Relax. The game's easy."
"All you have to do is find eighty-eight red envelopes hidden on her. Once you find them all, we'll consider letting you in to get the bride."
"Remember—every one of them needs to be found."
"What, from her?" The men looked me up and down, their gazes making my skin crawl.