CHAPTER 208 Commotion
*Joy*
The clock on the antique vanity ticked softly, its delicate hands inching toward three o’clock. The air in the upstairs suite of Liam’s sprawling estate was thick with the scent of flowers and anticipation. I stood before a floor-length mirror, smoothing the ivory lace of my wedding gown, its intricate patterns catching the golden afternoon light streaming through the tall windows. My heart fluttered—not from nerves, but from the electric thrill of what was to come. This wasn’t just a wedding. It was a moment, a culmination, a carefully orchestrated triumph.
A gentle knock broke the quiet. One of Liam’s household staff stood at the door, her crisp white blouse and black skirt pristine, her dark hair pulled into a neat bun. She was one of many who moved through the mansion like silent gears in a well-oiled machine, ensuring every detail of this day was flawless.
“Miss Virtue,” she said, her voice soft but clear, “everyone’s ready. Pastor Jeff says we can begin whenever you’re set.”
I offered her a warm smile, my fingers brushing the pearl-encrusted veil draped over a chair. “Thank you, Claire. Just a few last touches, and I’ll be down.”
She nodded and slipped out, leaving the door slightly ajar. Lisa, my bridesmaid, was already fidgeting with her bouquet of peonies, her cheeks flushed a rosy pink that matched her dress. “I’m heading down,” she said, her voice trembling with excitement. “I need to… uh, talk to someone before things kick off. You coming, Kiki?”
Kiki adjusted her golden yellow dress and grinned. “Yeah, I’ll go with you. Virtue, you good to walk solo? Or do you need us to hold your train like royal attendants?”
I laughed, waving them off. “I’m fine. Go. I just need a moment.”
Lisa frowned, her brows knitting together. “Wait, am I missing something?”
Kiki winked, looping an arm through Lisa’s. “I’ll fill you in on the way. Let’s give our blushing bride a few seconds to breathe.” She ushered Lisa out, the door clicking shut behind them, leaving me in the soft hush of the room.
I turned back to the mirror, my fingers deftly slipping a tiny hairpin into my intricately braided bun. Nestled within the delicate silver filigree was a miniature camera, its lens no larger than a dewdrop. I tapped my earpiece, the faint hum of connection buzzing to life. “Dina, you there? Can you see?”
“Loud and clear, Miss JT,” Dina’s voice crackled through, brimming with her usual mischief. “Primo’s had Liam’s security system in his pocket for weeks. But this little cam? Chef’s kiss. I’ve got front-row seats to the show. Everyone’s waiting, and Liam’s pacing like a caged lion. You gonna make him sweat a bit longer?”
I stifled a giggle, picturing Liam tugging at his tie, his sharp jaw clenched with impatience. “Let him squirm,” I said, my voice low and playful. “He’s earned it.”
At five minutes to three, I gathered my skirt and descended the grand staircase, the soft click of my heels echoing around me. The mansion’s opulence was breathtaking—crystal chandeliers glittered overhead, and the scent of roses spilled in from the garden beyond. I stepped outside, the afternoon sun warming my skin as I followed the brick pathway toward the garden, where rows of white chairs and a floral arch awaited. The faint hum of conversation and laughter drifted with the breeze, mingling with the sweet notes of a string quartet.
But before I could reach the halfway mark, a commotion caught my ear. I froze, my heart skipping as I spotted Liam storming toward me, his broad shoulders cutting through the air like a blade. Beside him was Noah, his face pale, his expensive suit slightly rumpled. Behind them trailed Jack and Sarah Hughes, Liam’s best man and Noah’s reluctant plus-one. Sarah’s light pink dress clashed garishly with her dark hair, and her expression was pinched, as if she’d rather be anywhere else.
Instinct kicked in. I gathered my skirt and slipped behind a towering oak, its gnarled branches offering just enough cover. My pulse quickened, not from fear but from curiosity. *What was Liam doing out here*, *dragging Noah like a misbehaving child*?
Liam’s tuxedo was impeccable, the black fabric tailored to his frame, but his face was a storm cloud. He gripped Noah’s arm, his knuckles white. “You think I don’t know what you did to Virtue?” he hissed, his voice low but venomous. “Jack told me everything—how you tried to *coax* her into your truck, even after she said no.”
Noah’s jaw tightened, but his tone was measured, almost too calm. “She was hurt, Liam. I was trying to help. The neighborly thing to do was get her to a hospital.”
Liam’s eyes narrowed, glinting with suspicion. “Then why’d you mention Pete to whoever you were talking to after the ambulance took her? Don’t play dumb with me, Noah. Do you know where he is?”
Noah’s gaze didn't falter. He didn't even blink. “I was talking about Pete’s designs for a project. I don’t know where he is, Liam. I swear.”
*I heard that same lame excuse earlier when he was confronted by Cristos and Jack*. But the unexpected visit by Sarah Hughes at Bo's earlier told us otherwise. I watched Noah intently for any spark of a lie, but I couldn't tell. All I could see was that familiar spiteful glint in his eyes they always held when he was with Liam.
Liam stepped closer, his voice dropping to a growl that sent a shiver down my spine. “You better not be lying, Noah. Because if I find out you’re involved in anything that hurts her, I’ll slit your throat myself.” He shoved Noah back, not hard enough to knock him down but enough to make his point. “Go home. Take your little sidekick with you. You’re not welcome here.”
Noah’s face reddened, but he held his ground. “Virtue invited me herself. She handed me the invitation.”
Liam’s laugh was cold, cutting through the warm air. “After what you pulled? You’re not getting within ten feet of her. Don't worry, I’ll pass along your regards. Now get out before I have my guards drag you out.”
Noah’s shoulders slumped, defeat creeping into his posture. He glanced at Sarah, who looked mortified, her arms crossed tightly. I could tell she wanted to say something, but after the embarrassment she suffered at Theodore's wake, she kept her mouth shut. “Come on, Sarah,” he muttered. “We’re not wanted here.”
They turned toward the gravel lot, Noah’s pickup gleaming under the sun. As their footsteps faded, I whispered into my earpiece, “Dina, keep eyes on Noah. He’s up to something.”
“Copy that, Miss JT,” Dina sighed, exasperated. “Thought I’d get a break with everyone in one place.”
"Sorry to ruin your day," I quipped. With Liam and Jack's backs to me, I stepped out from behind the tree, smoothing my gown, and cleared my throat.
Liam turned, his storm-cloud expression dissolving the moment he saw me. His eyes softened, awe replacing anger. “Virtue,” he murmured, his voice a warm rumble, “you’re… breathtaking.”
I smiled, stepping closer. “You’re not so bad yourself,” I teased, brushing a speck of lint from his lapel. "Now you're positively dashing."
He chuckled, the tension easing from his shoulders. “Ready to do this?”
I nodded, slipping my arm through his. As we walked toward the garden, the music swelled, and the world seemed to pause. Beneath my veil, my lips curled into a wicked smile. The guests turned to watch us, their faces aglow with joy, but I knew this was merely the opening act of something far more ruthless.
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