My gaze drifted past her to the crimson wedding quilt beneath her, the one I'd chosen with such care. I hadn't even sat on it yet.
But their kiss had already creased and rumpled it.
Tradition held that the newlyweds should be the first to sit on the wedding quilt, a symbol of a happy marriage.
Just days ago, I'd been looking forward to this night. I'd imagined Lauren and me sitting on that quilt together, planning a future full of promise.
Now there was no need for any of that.
I shoved Noel's arm away, cold and unhurried, and let a mocking smile settle on my lips.
"Mr. Cobb, you're too modest. The way you were flapping that tongue of yours just now, you've got any dog beat when it comes to licking. Doesn't look like you need the practice at all."
"You're so good at playing the lapdog. Why don't you bark a few times so I can learn from the best?"
I'd grown up surrounded by the works of master calligraphers and painters. I'd recognized Noel's handwriting on that slip of paper the moment I saw it.
Noel's face flushed crimson, his voice dripping with wounded innocence. "Ms. Sanchez, how could he humiliate me like this..."
A glass of red wine splashed over my head without warning.