Chapter 4 - The Decoy and the Diamond
he next morning, the storm had cleared, leaving a crisp, brilliant sun shining over the
cliffs of Newport. The ocean was a deep, sparkling sapphire blue, and the air smelled of salt
and rain. Inside the bridal suite, my hair and makeup team were working in silence, sensing the
strange, electric tension in the room. My mother walked in at 10:00 AM, holding a cheap, wrinkled
garment bag she had purchased from a local bridal outlet. She looked smug, her face holding the
plastic smile of a woman who believed she had successfully handled another family crisis.
"Here we are, Elise," she said, zipping open the bag to reveal a plain, polyester dress that looked
like a leftover prom gown. "It's simple, modest, and it won't make your sister feel uncomfortable.
Camille is still very fragile, but she has agreed to walk down the aisle as your maid of honor. Isn't that
wonderful?"
I didn't look at the polyester dress. I simply looked at my mother through the vanity mirror.
"Where is Dad, Mom?"
"He’s downstairs in the lobby, trying to get his corporate credit card to clear," she sighed, checking
her diamond-encrusted watch. "The hotel manager is saying there’s some sort of technical glitch with
the account. Honestly, these local banks are so incompetent. But don't worry, your father will resolve
it before the reception."
"It's not a technical glitch, Mom," I said softly, standing up as Nora unzipped the hidden satin
garment bag, letting the heavy, platinum-embroidered ivory gown cascade to the floor in a breathtaking display of true old-world elegance. My mother’s breath hitched, her eyes widening in absolute
shock. "Elise... what is that? Where did you get that dress?"
"This is my actual wedding dress, Mom," I said, stepping into the gown as Nora began buttoning
the long row of pearl fasteners along my spine. "The dress Camille destroyed last night was a decoy I
bought at a sample sale for five hundred dollars. I knew she would try to destroy my day, because
you’ve spent her entire life teaching her that she is entitled to everything I own. But today, the game is
over. Tell Dad not to worry about his credit card. The feds have already frozen all of Vance Holdings'
assets. By noon, everyone in Newport will know the truth."
The Silk in Pieces 4
May you like
T T
◆ ◆ ◆
