They’re both silent for a moment, never having seen this side of me, but of course, they always have something to say back.They must always have the last word – that’s a trait they all share.
Michelle laughs, sounding loud and forced.‘Well, don’t let it go to your head.Your five seconds of fame will be over before you know it.’
A retort is hot on my lips but they’ve already turned their backs on us, retreating into the groups of people gathered around the front of the hall.I release a heavy exhale, feeling drained after being around them, like usual.
‘You okay?’Zayden asks.
‘I’m fine.I finally feel like I can stand up to them, but overall, I think this is it.’
‘This is it?’he repeats, his thumb playing across my knuckles.‘What do you mean?’
‘I mean, I’m over doing all of this.With them,’ I gesture around at the event.Sweeping my hand around the venue and the people I don’t recognise.‘Attending these kinds of things, pretending they don’t make me miserable.I’m done.’
He squeezes my hand, nodding at me.‘Good for you, Vixen.’
I’m still trembling an hour later once the ceremony is complete and we are waiting for the bridal party to return after the photos.We step out into the courtyard and find our table.My mind keeps going over everything that was exchanged earlier, and I’m wondering if we should just leave, but then Zayden pointed out free food and drinks, so we decided to stay.I mean, why the hell not?
Dinner and speeches are a little slow and painful.I’ve come to the conclusion that my family are far faker than I ever realised and I’m truly embarrassed to be witnessing the way they act.
The chatter and clinking of cutlery dies down as my father stands.His gaze sweeps through the room, landing on me, and the way he looks at me has my stomach sinking.
Turning, he smiles at Lindsay.The bride.Radiant and regal, as always.The one they’re all so proud of.The girl who my father thinks is better than me in every single way.
‘I just want to say a few words,’ he begins, oozing charisma and warmth, even though I don’t believe he possesses much warmth at all.‘I’ve known Lindsay since she was ten.Even then, she had this grace about her.This loud, bold, confident air around her.The kind of presence that doesn’t demand attention, it earns it, and makes sure everyone else is aware of it too.I knew she was going to be successful.She just had that way about her.’
My stomach knots.We should have left when we had the chance.I humiliated him earlier, and he will not let that slide.Zayden turns to me, as if he can sense what is about to unfold.The heat of his hand on my thigh helps me keep my spine straight and chin up as I stare ahead.
‘I didn’t raise her from the start, but it feels like I did,’ he says.‘In every way that matters, she’s my daughter.She’s been a joy, a light, a gift …’ He glances at me, noticeably, and a few people follow his gaze.‘The kind of daughter I always hoped I’d have.’
The words hit hard, like he reached over the table and slapped me across the face.My hands shake as I reach for the champagne in front of me, but it tastes like lead as I force myself to swallow it, ignoring the curious bystanders witnessing this unfold, considering he was only boasting about me earlier to anyone who would listen.
He keeps going, some story about the first time Lindsay called himDadand how itmeant the world to him.Everyone’s smiling.Even Lindsay’s crying.Happy tears, of course, still somehow looking like a runway model, and of course, no mascara stains.
I look down at my napkin, folding it until the edges line up perfectly.I don’t cry.Not here.Not for this.Not for him.I deserve better, and I’m never going to get what I want from him.I’ve finally accepted it.
Later, people will tell me how beautiful his speech was.How touching.How lucky Lindsay is to have a stepfather like him.Someone who has always been there for her, so caring and supportive.Soproudof her.
Little will they know he just lost his own real daughter.There is no coming back from this.
‘We can leave,’ Zayden murmurs.‘Just say the word.’
‘I’m not giving him the satisfaction,’ I say back.
‘That’s my girl.’He beams, gripping my thigh once more before reaching for his glass.‘Cheers to us, and fuck allthem.’
‘Fuck them,’ I smile, not caring that a few people overhear us.
I’m relieved once all of it is over and everyone is out on the dance floor or huddled into groups, talking and laughing.
A slow song starts, and Zayden doesn’t wait for me to say yes.He just pulls me gently by the hand towards the edge of the dance floor.I laugh because he’s doing a goofy and dramatic bow.
‘Oh famous author,’ he says loudly.‘Please do the honour of allowing me this dance.’
I shake my head at him, stepping up close to him, tilting my head back so that I can meet his eyes.Zayden’s hands find my waist and I lean into his chest, letting myself breathe for what feels like the first time tonight.
For a moment, I forget the words of my family and everything they made me feel.There’s just us, the music and the knowledge that this is the final time I will let them push me around and put myself into this kind of situation with them.
All I want to remember is how beautiful I feel, how handsome Zayden looks and the knowledge that we have each other.The music shifts into something faster and more upbeat.
