Chapter 21 - The Bride Leaves the BallroomFelicity looked at the people surrounding Jenna.
Silas.
Adrian.
Evelyn.
The wedding planner.
Guests who had once envied her now watched with disgust or pity.
She gathered the front of her floral gown and stepped toward the exit.
Adrian did not stop her.
That hurt more than accusation.
At the doorway, Felicity turned.
“You will regret humiliating me.”
Jenna stared at her.
“I did not take the microphone.”
Felicity’s lips trembled.
For one second, she looked younger. Not cruel. Not glamorous. Simply terrified of a life in which she was no longer the center.
Then her face hardened again.
“This was supposed to be my day.”
Silas answered.
“And you chose how it would be remembered.”
Felicity left.
Her long embroidered train caught briefly against a gold chair. A bridesmaid moved to help, then stopped when Felicity slapped the fabric free herself.
Marianne followed after several seconds.
Richard remained beside Jenna’s table.
The ballroom doors closed behind the bride.
No one knew whether the reception had officially ended.
The orchestra sat motionless.
The wedding cake remained untouched.
Champagne bubbles disappeared inside abandoned glasses.
Adrian stood at the head table, staring at the ring he had removed.
Jenna approached him carefully.
“I am sorry.”
He looked at her in disbelief.
“For what?”
“For the pain.”
“You did not cause it.”
“Truth can still hurt.”
Adrian nodded.
“But a lie hurts every day until it is found.”
Silas placed one hand on his son’s shoulder.
The powerful family appeared suddenly human.
Not immune to deception.
Not protected by wealth.
Simply broken in public.
Adrian looked toward the ballroom doors through which Felicity had disappeared.
“I loved her.”
Jenna’s expression softened.
“I believe you.”
May you like
That answer nearly destroyed him.
👉 Felicity had left the ballroom, but Richard remained behind because he knew Jenna deserved a confession he had avoided for years.
