“A former clilfriend from eight years ago, with no family background to speak of. Do you think I have any reason to regret?”
Each word hit Maria like a stab to the heart. Hearing the Increasingly mocking laughter around her, she couldn’t hold back any longer, lifting her skirt and bolting for the door. But as she reached it, she was blocked by poller officers stepping through the entrance.
“Mania? We have a report that you’re implicated in an attempted sexual assault case. Please come w
Staring at the officers in stunned disbelief, Maria froze. She whipped around, meeting Alvin’s ice–cold gaze.
H
“Someone has come forward, and the bar’s surveillance footage is with the police. Cooperate, tell them everything, and maybe you’ll get a lighter sentence,” he said coolly. “If you’re lucky, you might even be out in time for my wedding with Ira
20
By Thursday night, Alvin still hadn’t received a call back from Ica. Frustrated, he drank in silence, occasionally glancing at his phone screen. Jockson, aware of his friend’s turmoil, tried to cheer him up.
“She’s probably just throwing a little tantrum, waiting for you to go and make things right. The girl clearly likes you everyone can see it. No way she actually wants to break up. If you askine, she probably convinced her brother to invite you to the wedding as a way to give you a chance to patch things up.”
Hearing this, Alvin’s spirits lifted somewhat. He checked the time, and at nine o’clock, he promptly got up to head to the airport.
Jackson drove him, casting a side glance at the elegantly wrapped gift boxes in the backseat and muttering with envy,
“It’s just a college buddy’s wedding. Do you really need to go all out? Even bringing one of your father’s prized heirlooms? When I get married, you better not play favorites!”
Alvin shot him a look, tossing him a beaded bracelet from the seat.
“A college buddy? That’s my future brother–in–law! Once I propose, we’ll be family, on bringing a few treasures is only right. Just look at that
at that jealous face of
“Oh, really? Already calling him your brother–in–Law“? Ita hasn’t even agreed yet! You’ve been quietly courting his sister, but I’d bet you’re in for it this time In New York–you won’t get off easy!”
Hearing Jockson’s teasing, Alvin’s spirits finally brightened. He’d made up his mind; this trip to New York was not only to celebrate Wade’s wedding but also to meet the Ira’s family and be open about their relationship. If Ita forgave him and agreed to marry him, he’d endure any challenge they threw his way.
The wedding was being held at New York’s largest outdoor hotel. At 9 a.m., the hotel manager received a request to move one table closer to the entrance and Increase security
By 10 am, guests began streaming in, filling the spacious lawn with a lively crowd. Alvin had arrived in the early hours, checked into his hotel, and met up with two college friends he hadn’t seen in years Together, they walked into the wedding venue, discussing plans to catch up after the ceremony.
After checking their names, a polite server escorted them to their seats. But after only a few steps, Alvin realized they were quite far from the main stage, surrounded by bustling comings and goings. He laughed, shaking his head.
“That jerk Wade! Drags us all the way here, and then sticks us in the far corner. Some friend he is!”
His friends grumbled in agreement,
“From here, we won’t even get a glimpse of the bride’s face. Might as well watch a live stream back at the hotel–it’d be cleared!”
“No kidding. If I get my hands on him, I’ll definitely give him a couple of kicks!”
