Chapter 333 How Many More Lies Has she Told?
The next morning, Adeline woke up to a cheerful Linda. "Don't forget the wedding today! Dress up, you're meeting Owen!"
Adeline smiled. "You're more excited than the bride."
Linda playfully rolled her eyes.
Adeline got ready. "Need anything from the wedding? Favors, souvenirs?"
Linda thought for a second. "Just some photos and any goodies they give out!"
"Got it."
Dressed simply but elegantly, Adeline called a car to Emerald Harbor Retreat. On the way, she texted Owen.
[On my way. You?]
He replied with a photo of a table set for the reception, showing Table 55.
[See you there.]
Adeline took a deep breath and put her phone away.
Life was funny. If she hadn't quit the game after Owen left, maybe things would be different. Maybe she wouldn't have met Jasper or gone through everything that followed. But now, fate seemed to be giving her another shot.
The car arrived at Emerald Harbor Retreat. As Adeline stepped out, she saw a familiar face—Jasper, standing by the hotel doors.
'What's he doing here? Is he at the wedding too?' she wondered.
Jasper noticed her, surprise flickering across his face before turning indifferent. He motioned her over.
Adeline frowned and walked towards him cautiously.
Jasper leaned against a pillar, cigarette in hand. He took a drag and exhaled smoke. "Here to cause trouble?"
Adeline pulled out her invitation, smiling wryly. "I'm a guest. Not sure what you mean."
Jasper raised an eyebrow and took the invitation. He scanned it quickly. The bride's name, Zoe, was there, but no groom's name. The invite was addressed to Linda.
His eyes narrowed. "You're here for Linda?"
Adeline took back the invitation and put it in her purse. "Yes. Is that a problem?"
Jasper studied her face, emotions flickering. Finally, he spoke neutrally, "Enjoy the festivities." He turned and walked towards the hotel entrance.
Adeline hurried after him. "Mr. Foster, are you attending the wedding too?"
"Yes," he said without turning. "An old friend."
Before Adeline could ask more, she saw the welcome poster near the entrance. It showed Zoe in a white gown, arm linked with the groom.
The groom. Zavier. Linda's ex-husband.
Adeline froze, her blood running cold.
'This is the wedding Linda wanted to attend? Zavier's wedding?' she thought.
Her phone rang. It was Linda.
"Adeline, you there yet?" Linda's voice was excited. "How's the bride? Gorgeous, I bet!"
Adeline gripped the phone, her throat dry. "She looks stunning," she finally managed. Ignoring the groom in the photo, Zoe did look amazing.
"I knew it! She always had great taste," Linda chattered on. "Take lots of pictures, okay? And have you seen Owen yet?"
Adeline glanced at table 55. It was empty. "He said he arrived but stepped out for a bit."
"As long as he's there! I was worried you'd be bored alone. At least you two can catch up." Linda sighed. "Speaking of boredom, David just brought more prenatal vitamins. Honestly..."
Hearing Linda's fatigue, Adeline couldn't reveal the truth. Linda clearly admired Zoe. Finding out the groom was Zavier... the fallout would be huge.
"Hang in there," Adeline murmured, offering comfort before ending the call.
As she put her phone away, she noticed Jasper watching her, a knowing smirk on his face. "Seems neither you nor Linda knew the groom's identity."
Adeline sighed. So that's why he thought she was causing trouble. "Linda and Zoe have been online friends for years. She always wanted to see Zoe, so she asked me to go."
"And now?"
Adeline shrugged. "What can I do? Take photos, crop out the groom." Linda and Zavier had been divorced for a while. Linda hadn't mentioned him since moving to Neon City. Best to let it be. Causing a scene would only fuel gossip and make Linda look bitter.
"A pragmatic approach." Jasper nodded, about to say more when his phone rang. He excused himself to answer.
Adeline's eyes narrowed as she saw the caller ID: Stella.
Taking a deep breath, she entered the wedding venue and headed to table 55. It was still empty, but a beautifully wrapped box sat there, a small card propped against it: "For Addie."
Addie. Her old gaming name. This had to be from Owen.
Hesitantly, she messaged him: [I'm at the table. Where are you?]
His reply came quickly. [Sorry, had to take a call. Be back soon.]
[No worries, take your time. Can I open the gift?]
[Of course.]
With a mix of curiosity and nerves, Adeline unwrapped the box. Inside was a small clay figurine, crafted to resemble her old game avatar. It looked a bit worn but well cared for. It must have been made years ago, a memento from when he searched for her in Neon City.
A wave of warmth washed over her. He had kept it all these years.
She chuckled. For all his serious demeanor, Owen had a sentimental side.
Outside the venue, Jasper ended his call and walked in. His eyes immediately found Adeline at table 55, her face lit up with a soft smile as she cradled the little clay figurine.
He froze.
His phone felt heavy in his hand. So Adeline was Addie. But Addie had always claimed to be from Neon City, while Adeline said she grew up abroad.
'How many more lies has she told?' he wondered.
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