Chapter 148
The next morning, as promised, Penny sent the developed photos over in the mail. She’d tucked them away into a pleasant little envelope, hiding away its dark.
interior.
She’d added a little note inside, “I got the photos developed! I’ll send the digital copies to you soon as possible.”
I held it to my chest, a sense of anticipation and dread mingling within me. The photos were our ammunition, our evidence, but they were also destructive. “Thank you, Penny.”
A while later, I met up with Scarlett in town square. The moment she saw the envelope in my hand, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
“I wish I’d known about this private detective of yours sooner, Evie,” Scarlett remarked, her tone teasing.
“She’s more a like a reporter,” I clarified, returning the smile.
Not wasting any more time, she took the envelope and broke the seal, pulling out the developed photos of Andy and Stella.
“Brace yourself,” I told her.
Scarlett leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. As she examined the photos, her eyes widened, and a mischievous smile began to creep across her face. “Oh, my goodness. This is scandalous!”
My heart sank as I watched Scarlett’s reaction. She was reveling in the scandal, seemingly unfazed by it.
When she saw my reaction, her smile faded. She looked at me, her eyes searching mine. “If it helps, just know that this will help Timothy as well. He deserves to know the truth about the woman he is about to marry.”
“You’re right,” I said, tucking the photos away.
I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt for what was about to unfold, for the chaos. that would inevitably follow the revelation of the scandal. But we had come too far to turn back now.
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Chapter 148
“Let’s be prepared for whatever happens, I added. “Because this could blow up in our faces.”
In an odd turn of events, I found myself on the way to Stella’s dress fitting. I had agreed to come along with Scarlett as she pretended to be invested in her sister’s wedding preparations. There was no real reason for me to be there, but Scarlett had insisted (or rather forced) me to accompany her.
“I need someone to keep me sane,” she said casually, pulling up to the building. “Besides, you’re like my best friend.”
quirked an eyebrow, a humous smile emerging. “A best friend that’s helping you sue your sister?”
She nodded, stepping out of the car. “Good friends don’t like Stella. Best friends want to ruin her.”
With that, she slammed the door behind her and waved me along. As we entered, our view was obscured by pillars of fluffy white gowns and intricate frills. It was like a maze to get to the center, but it wasn’t too difficult as we followed the sound of Stella’s shrill voice.
“No, that one’s so 1800’s. Give me something fresh and a little more provocative. I’m not a nun!”
Coming around the corner, we saw Stella surrounded by a group of women. It didn’t take long for her to notice us approaching, and her eyes bugged when they landed on me.
“Evie?” She curled her lip and cast a glare at Scarlett. “Well, look what the cat dragged in.”
“Oh, I do love cats,” Scarlett muttered, her fingers curling around my arm. “I figured I’d bring company, if you don’t mind?”
“I do,” Stella stated firmly. “Especially if it’s her. Why are you even here, Scar?”
Scarlett walked closer, practically pulling me along as my feet dragged on the polished floor. “I wanted to see what you’d be wearing. I guess Mom’s dress didn’t fit?”
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Scarlett patted her stomach, indicating Stella’s pregnancy. I did recall Stella saying she was in a rush to find a fitting dress, though it didn’t look like her pregnancy was showing yet. Stella turned red at the mention of it.
“It wasn’t my style!” she said quickly, then glared at the other women around her. “Lee, help me get this damn dress off already!”
One of the women. Lee, rushed up and helped Stella with the zipper on her dress then helped peel it away. I looked away, feeling slightly invasive by seeing Stella down to her underwear. Right as she’d tossed it to the side, a worker emerged from the labyrinth of dresses with a pink tinted gown.
Stella’s previous concern for our presence quickly withered upon seeing it. She tore it from the dressmaker’s hands and ordered her friends to help her squeeze into it.
As Stella twirled in front of the mirror, a pleased expression on her face, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of bitterness. She looked stunning in that wedding dress, the delicate lace and intricate beading accentuating her modelesque body.
I kept my emotions hidden behind a facade of polite enthusiasm as Stella tried on various accessories and veils. But deep down, my heart was heavy, and I couldn’t shake the feeling of bitterness that had settled in my chest.
As we waited for the seamstress to make a few adjustments, Stella turned to me, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. “You know you’re not invited to my wedding, right?”
I forced a smile, my voice carefully neutral. “I just wanted to be supportive, Stella. It’s an exciting time for you, after all.”
Stella’s gaze lingered on me for a moment, as if she were trying to decipher my true intentions. “You’re so weird.”
Before I could respond, the seamstress finished the adjustments, and Stella turned her attention back to her dress. The bitterness within me continued to simmer, growing stronger with each passing moment. I couldn’t help but wonder about Timothy. Was he at a suit fitting now?
“I think the hints of white still give you a virginal essence.” said the dressmaker. tugging at the silk, white train behind Stella.
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Chapter 115
I snorted, observing the slight swell in her stomach. “Yeah, virginal…”
Stella froze, her appalled eyes locking onto mine. The room fell silent and the air grew cold. I had spoken just a bit too loud.
She finally broke the silence, her voice dripping with an unpleasant sweetness. “Evie, can I speak to you for a moment?”
I nodded, my heart pounding, as I followed her to the back of the shop and into a supply room. After shutting me in, Stella turned to me, her fists clenched.
“Give me one good reason for why I shouldn’t kick your ass right here,” Stella demanded, her voice low and threatening.
I took a deep breath, my initial fear giving way to a sense of defiance. “Seeing you prepare for your big day just…really upsets me. I mean, with everything you and Andy have been through, I never would’ve guessed you’d settle for Timothy.”
I watched Stella closely, her vulnerability shining through for a brief moment. “What are you talking about?”
I reached into my purse and pulled out the small envelope. “I have an interesting set of photos here.”
Stella’s eyes widened as I opened the envelope containing the physical copies of the scandalous photos. I shuffled through them, showing each scandalous shot
after the next.
“What is this?” she hissed.
I locked eyes with her, my voice steady. “It’s evidence, Stella. Evidence of what’s been going on between Andy and you. I’d argue that Timothy deserves to know the truth about his future bride, don’t you think?”
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