«Your sister is watching,» William murmured as we swayed to the music.
«I know,» I said. «She looks like she’s going to explode.»
«Mission accomplished, then.»
I looked up at him, this stranger who had given me back my dignity with a simple gesture. «Almost.»
That’s when Lydia made her move. «Mind if I cut in?» she said, appearing beside us with Richard in tow. Her wedding smile was stretched tight across her face, and I could see the calculation behind her eyes.
«Actually, yes,» William said politely but firmly. «We’re having a moment.»
Lydia’s face went through several expressions before settling on forced brightness. «Of course. I just wanted to say how happy I am that Hannah finally found someone. We were all so worried about her.»
«Were you?» William asked, his tone neutral but his eyes sharp. «Because from what I’ve observed tonight, it seems like you’ve been more interested in broadcasting her single status than supporting her.»
The directness of his statement left Lydia speechless for a moment. Richard shifted uncomfortably beside her, clearly sensing the tension but not understanding its source.
«I— We just want what’s best for Hannah,» Lydia stammered, her composure cracking.
«Then maybe treat her with the respect she deserves instead of using her love life as entertainment for your wedding guests,» William said calmly.
I had never seen Lydia look so rattled. Her perfect wedding confidence was completely shattered. And for the first time all evening, she was the one who looked small.
«I don’t know what Hannah told you, but—»
«She didn’t have to tell me anything,» William interrupted. «I have eyes. I can see how you’ve been treating her all evening.»
Richard finally stepped in, clearly uncomfortable with the public nature of the confrontation. «Maybe we should let them get back to dancing.» As they walked away, Lydia’s composure was completely destroyed. I could see her frantically whispering to Marion, probably trying to figure out who William was and how I’d managed to land someone so obviously out of my league.
«That felt really good,» I admitted as we continued dancing.
«We’re not done yet,» William said with a smile that made my heart skip a beat.
For the rest of the evening, William made sure I was never alone. When dinner was served, he requested that we be moved to a better table, something about his dietary restrictions requiring him to be closer to the kitchen. The staff, clearly knowing who Richard’s family was, accommodated us immediately. Our new table was front and center, where everyone could see us laughing and talking like a real couple.
Lydia’s friends, who had ignored me earlier, suddenly wanted to chat and meet William. Richard’s relatives, who had pitied me, now treated me with newfound respect and curiosity about my «mysterious boyfriend.» Mrs. Wellington, who had suggested church groups, now wanted to know all about William’s family background. When she learned he was a successful tech entrepreneur with an MBA from Harvard, her attitude toward me changed completely.
«Hannah, you dark horse,» she said with genuine admiration. «You never mentioned you were seeing someone so accomplished.»
But the final act of revenge came during the garter toss. When Richard prepared to throw the garter to all the single men, William stepped forward with the confidence of someone who belonged exactly where he was.
«Wait,» Lydia called out desperately. «William, you’re not single!»
William looked at me, then back at Lydia with a mysterious smile. «Actually, I am. Hannah and I are taking things slow, getting reacquainted.»
The garter landed directly in his hands. Whether by luck or Richard’s aim, I’ll never know. But the symbolism wasn’t lost on anyone, especially Lydia. According to tradition, William was supposed to place the garter on the leg of whoever caught the bouquet, but that young cousin, Chloe, had left early.