After all, everyone knew that Jarrod and Elodie''s rtionship hadn''t exactly been rosy in the past. First there was Sylvie, then came the revtion about Elodie''s true background. Now that Elodie''s remarkable abilities hade to light, the Silverstein family''s sudden decision to throw together a wedding had people whispering their own conclusions. Most assumed the Silversteins were just trying to keep up appearances.
Few truly believed that Jarrod was head over heels for Elodie.
Most figured Jarrod was only putting on a show because of Elodie''s family and her newfound reputation.
Today, the Silversteins had sent invitations to all sorts of influential people, barely restricting the guest list. Anyone with a bit of status could show up to offer their congrattions, and plenty had traveled from far and wide just for a chance to be seen at Jarrod''s wedding.
The ce was packed like never before.
Naturally, some less-than-kind spection had started to circte.
Most people were just too clever-or too polite to say it out loud.
Maurice ran a hand through his hair, looking troubled. "Honestly, isn''t Jarrod just shooting himself in the foot? How''s he ever going to convince people this marriage is the real deal?"
Looking back, it was almost inevitable.
Naylor frowned too. If he was honest, he thought Elodie had plenty of admirers who genuinely appreciated her. There was no reason for her to put up with doubt and gossip.
As they chatted, one of the Silverstein family''s butlers rushed in, looking flustered, his eyes scanning the room for someone in charge.
His entrance caught the attention of the matriarch, who had just finished reviewing the ceremony schedule with Rosemary. The moment she saw the butler''s anxious face, she sensed something was wrong.
He was usually calm and unppable—if he looked this rattled, something had definitely happened.
"What''s the matter?" she demanded.
Rosemary followed her gaze to the doorway, worry creeping into her voice.
The ceremony was about to begin, the couple should have been there by now- but Elodie and Jarrod were nowhere in sight.
It was more than a little concerning.
Lucinda lowered her voice, "They''re still not here? Did you try calling them?"
The butler finally caught his breath and spoke up. “Ma''am, I just got off the phone with Mr. Silverstein. He said..."
He hesitated, ncing around. "He said..."
The matriarch, impatient as ever, frowned. "Spit it out! What''s the big deal?"
Just then, Esmeralda and a few
others hurried over, arriving in time to hear the butler sigh in defeat. "Mr. Silverstein said to proceed as nned. He... took the bride on a vacation to recuperate."
The matriarch''s eyes widened in disbelief.
Lucinda nearly choked.
Jarrod was going to be the death of her!
She''d spent a whole month organizing this wedding, taking care of every little
detail and he just decides not to show up?
What had all her hard work been for?
Esmeralda sucked in a sharp breath. "No way! They both bailed? Is this some kind of new trend?"
Rosemary, for her part, kept a cool head. She''d felt bad for Elodie, who''d been running herself raggedtely If Elodie had been able to finish her work early, she could havee back a week sooner and actually
chame to rest. But these
had
Lucinda, on the other hand, was fuming. "They just abandoned the whole thing? With all this pomp and
circumstance, what are we
supposed to do now?"
Should the ceremony go on or not?
There were journalists here, cameras ready and waiting for the perfect shot!
Maurice and a few others wandered over, catching wind of themotion. "What''s going on? Jarrod''s still not here?"
The butler, looking more helpless than ever, added, "Mr. Silverstein says the ceremony must begin on time. He''ll handle the rest himself."<fn1646> This text is hosted at find[?]ovel</fn1646>