Now, I’d finally let go.
Once her tears dried, she shot me a playful glare. “So why didn’t you bring your hubby for me to meet? What, I’m not your bestie anymore?”
“He’s on a business trip,” I said with an apologetic smile. “He’ll be back tonight. Next time, I’ll bring him and treat you to dinner.”
Gigi nodded like that was the only acceptable answer.
Then, out of nowhere, she grabbed my hand, dragged me to the center of the room, and snatched up the microphone.
“Everyone, I have another piece of good news to share today!” she said, grinning.
She pulled me closer and, with a dramatic flourish, introduced me.
“This is my best friend, Audrey Ave. And guess what? She’s married! Let’s all congratulate her!”
The second she finished, the room fell dead silent.
Most of the people at the engagement party were from the same social circle.
Naturally, plenty of them knew Lex Hamilton once had a fiancée named Audrey Ave. And they definitely hadn’t heard anything about Lex tying the knot.
Gigi, eating up the tension like her favorite snack, shot the crowd a teasing smile. “What’s the deal? My bestie gets married, and y’all can’t even crack a smile?”
That snapped everyone out of it. Suddenly, the room was full of forced grins and overly cheerful voices.
“Of course we’re happy! Congratulations, congratulations!”
“Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness—and a house full of kids!”
I kept a polite smile plastered on, nodding as the chorus of well-wishes washed over me.
Then Ivana showed up, wine glass in hand.
She wore that fake worried look, her voice soft. “Audrey, you’ve been living in the countryside for the past two years. Getting married so suddenly—are you sure you weren’t tricked by someone?
“I know you’re still upset about Lex sending you there, but he did it for your own good. You’re still young. Don’t make impulsive decisions just because you’re angry. Marriage isn’t something you rush into.”
I didn’t even try to hold back. “Ivana, aren’t you being a little nosy? Even if I married a pig, it’d still be none of your business.”
God, I couldn’t stand her.
She’d always pulled this act—pretending to care about my well-being when we both knew she couldn’t stand me. Back when I lived at the Hamilton mansion, she played the role of the sweet, considerate girl who just wanted everyone to get along.
Meanwhile, I became the villainess. The one no one could stand.
And her? She turned into the “understanding, gentle” angel they all adored.
I’d seen through her act a long time ago. At this point, it was exhausting.
Right on cue, Ivana’s eyes turned red, like I’d personally wounded her.
And here came the knight in tarnished armor—Lex.
