Sophia’s Wedding Announcement
Sophia returned roughly twenty minutes later in a second dress.
Of course she had a second dress.
It was elegant, simple, and undoubtedly expensive.
She entered the ballroom smiling as though nothing had happened.
But when she passed me, there was nothing pleasant in her eyes.
Dinner resumed.
Then Sophia took the microphone.
“I think weddings teach us a great deal about family,” she began.
Her voice was warm enough to fool anyone who did not know her.
“They show us who supports our future—and sometimes, who struggles to accept change.”
I felt Clara tense beside me.
Sophia continued.
“But Lucas and I have so much to look forward to.”
Lucas suddenly became very interested in his wineglass.
“Next month,” Sophia announced, “we’ll begin our new life at Willow Creek House. Arthur has been incredibly generous in arranging for the property to become ours.”
Clara turned sharply toward me.
“Arthur?”
I shook my head once.
Sophia did not notice.
“And Lucas’s company is expanding as well. He’ll soon have the entire eighth floor of the Grand Building.”
Applause began around the room.
I heard almost none of it.
Because Sophia had just mentioned something she had no legitimate way of knowing.
The eighth floor.
That space had recently become available.
The proposed lease expansion was confidential.
Only Lucas, my attorney, and I had discussed it.
I rose from the table.
Clara looked worried.
“Where are you going?”
“To make a phone call.”
