"Is Oliver in trouble?"
"Oliver made choices. And today... people are going to see them."
The ceremony — fake as it was — was picture-perfect. Oliver smiled like a man certain of his prize. His mother kissed my cheek like we'd already merged lives and assets.
"You look lovely, Sharon," she said, her perfume curling like fog. "Marriage suits you."
"Does it?" I replied. "We'll see."
The planner handed the mic to one of the groomsmen, who grinned and tapped it twice. "Before we kick off the dancing, we have a surprise. A little montage from Sharon and Oliver's loved ones."
"We'll see."
Oliver squeezed my hand and leaned in. "What's this? Did you do this to surprise me?"
"Just enjoy it, Oli," I said. "I did."
The lights dimmed. The screen flickered on.
Soft piano music swelled and then... Oliver's voice rang through the room, clear and unmistakable.
"Almost, Mom. She's weird about paperwork. But after the wedding? She'll do whatever I say, I promise. Especially with those freak kids of hers... She's clinging to security. That's the card I hold."
"Did you do this to surprise me?"
Someone gasped loudly.
"Once we're married, I'll get the house and the savings. She'll have nothing. It will be perfect. I can't wait to dump her, I'm tired of pretending to love these kids."
The room stilled, and a fork clattered.
Someone let out a sharp breath.
Chairs shifted.
Sarah stood up fast enough to knock hers over.
