Noel, dressed in a tailored designer suit, had his arm around Lauren's waist as they worked the room, greeting guests.
He carried himself like the man of the house.
The irony cut deep.
Because Lauren had said she didn't want anything flashy, yesterday's wedding had been a bare-bones affair at some no-name motel. She'd only invited a handful of her personal friends, so most people in her circle didn't even know the wedding had happened.
I'd understood. I knew how hard she worked for her money. Besides, once I brought her home to meet my family, we'd throw a proper celebration. Everyone would see the announcement. The whole world would know.
So I hadn't minded.
But the Regalia was the most exclusive hotel in Capital City, operating on an elite membership system. Only those who met a certain threshold of status and wealth were even eligible to walk through the doors. A single banquet there ran into the millions.
And she'd booked it for Noel's anniversary. She'd even invited the press.
When Lauren spotted me, she walked over with a frown.
"The owner of the calligraphy class said you quit. Said you're leaving. Where do you think you're going?"
My voice came out flat. Dead.