The line buzzed.
I redialed.
Nothing.
A sharp chill ran down my spine. My fingers clenched around the phone. What if he doesn’t come?
Arnold let out a low chuckle, watching me like I was the most entertaining thing he’d seen all night.
“Sara, I used to think you were just desperate. But now I see—you’re downright delusional.”
Peter scoffed. “Seriously, give it up. This is embarrassing.”
Esther sighed, feigning concern, then turned to Arnold.
“Arnold, it looks like Sara really wants to get married,” she said, her voice laced with fake sympathy. “Why not just play along? Humor her. I mean… she looks so pathetic.”
Arnold scoffed. “I was just messing with her for your amusement. I have zero intention of marrying Sara.”
Then, as if the mere idea of being near me was revolting, he took a deliberate step back, putting distance between us like I was some kind of contagious disease.
Esther turned to Tyler.
Tyler made a face. “No way. I’m not humiliating myself like that.”
Watching them trip over themselves to reject me, to prove their unwavering devotion to Esther, was almost funny.
Almost.
Because all I could think about was how different things used to be.
I remembered when we were eighteen.
When they fought to take me to their coming-of-age dance.
When they competed to plant roses for me, just to see me smile.
Now?
Now, they wouldn’t even pretend to stand by my side.
I let out a slow breath, forcing the bitterness down. I was done with their act.
I lifted my chin, my voice cool and even.
“Relax. I wouldn’t marry either of you bastards if you were the last men on earth.” My tone was steady, cutting. “My groom is someone else.”
The crowd murmured.
And then my father’s voice rang out, sharp and furious.
“Sara! What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
I turned. He was sitting in the audience, face dark with rage, his grip tight around his chair.
“You’re making a spectacle of yourself,” he hissed. “Do you have any shame?”
My stomach twisted, but I should’ve known.
I was standing on stage, publicly humiliated, and all he cared about was his reputation.
But before I could say anything—
A hand slipped into mine.
Warm. Steady.
My grandmother.
She stepped beside me, her frail frame unwavering, her voice calm but firm.
“Sara never lies,” she said, looking out at the guests. “So let’s all be patient and wait a little longer.”
And then—
My phone rang.
I exhaled sharply and answered.
A deep voice, smooth and unhurried, came through the line.
“Sorry, sweetheart. Traffic’s a nightmare, but I’m almost there.”
Relief crashed over me like a wave.
I swallowed and reminded him to drive safely.
Tyler let out an exaggerated scoff. “Oh, please. You actually think we’ll buy that?”
He crossed his arms, shaking his head. “Come on, Sara. What, did you hire some last-minute actor to play your groom?”
Then, with a smirk, he added, “You’re so desperate to get married—why not just pick some random guy here and do it on the spot?”
Arnold perked up at that, his lips curling into a cruel grin.
“You know what? That’s not a bad idea.” He grabbed the microphone and turned to the crowd.
“Ladies and gentlemen! It looks like we’ve got ourselves a live wedding. Any volunteers?”
Laughter rippled through the guests.
Arnold’s voice rang out, smooth and mocking.
“If anyone wants a loyal, devoted wife—one who’s spent years chasing after me—this is your lucky day.”
