Chapter 4 - Whispers by the Water
The tension around our table had drawn the attention of several nearby wedding guests.
My aunt Evelyn and two of my older cousins were watching from the edge of the dance floor with amused, knowing smiles.
They all remembered the painful months five years ago when Trent had walked out, leaving me with half-empty bank accounts and an apartment full of broken promises.
They had watched me rebuild my career in architectural restoration, step by step, until I met Marcus through a historical harbor preservation project.
Corinne looked around the room, realizing that every pair of eyes was watching their humiliating retreat.
"Trent, let's go get some fresh air," Corinne urged, tugging at his arm with desperate, frantic energy.
"The ceremony was long, and my feet are hurting."
Trent didn't move; his eyes were glued to the platinum and sapphire eternity band sparkling on my ring finger.
It was a custom antique piece, designed by a Parisian jeweler, easily worth more than his entire annual salary.
Five years ago, Trent had refused to buy me a simple three-hundred-dollar band, claiming that jewelry was a frivolous waste of capital.
Yet he had bought Corinne a diamond pendant on our joint credit card before our divorce was even filed.
"Mr. Vance," Trent muttered, desperate to salvage some shred of professional standing.
"I hope this personal history won't affect our upcoming quarterly review for the regional director position."
Marcus let out a quiet, dry chuckle that held zero humor.
"Your professional standing is evaluated strictly on merit, Albright," Marcus said, setting Maya gently back on her feet.
"Though character and judgment are essential components of executive leadership in my firm."
"A man who insults a woman at a family celebration demonstrates remarkably poor judgment."
Trent swallowed hard, his face turning an even darker shade of maroon.
"Yes, sir. Of course, sir. My apologies to Mrs. Vance."
He forced himself to look at me, but his eyes couldn't hold my gaze for more than a fraction of a second.
"Sienna... my apologies."
"Apology accepted, Trent," I said with complete serenity, smoothing Maya’s curls.
"Now go enjoy the open bar. I believe they're serving top-shelf bourbon, courtesy of my husband's sponsorship."
Trent turned on his heel, practically dragging Corinne behind him as he fled toward the opposite side of the grand ballroom.
Maya looked up at Marcus and me, giggling behind her little hand.
"Mommy, that man looked like he swallowed a lemon!"
May you like
Marcus laughed, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me tight against his side.
"Out of the mouths of babes, darling," Marcus smiled, kissing the top of my head. "Out of the mouths of babes."
