NO DOUBT [bwwm]

• 22 • The Fraud

"Rory, you're needed in the kitchen!" I heard a voice shout from the staff's area.

The party was at its climax as violins saxophones and much more fancy instruments resonated in the huge ball room to create a symphony of jazz music. People were mingling and chatting among themselves, but the dance floor was completely deserted. Rich people actually don't know how to have fun.

The staff was oddly busy which made me interfere, "Penny!" I shouted to catch the head waitress's attention as I came into the kitchen. A waitress sped past me, accidentally pushing my shoulder before apologizing. "What's going on?"

"Suprise champagne toast," she replied in a rush before returning to ordering people around.

I frowned, surprised as to how the heck they managed to order champagne in such a short time frame. I went back to the ball room and walked straight towards Giulia's direction. I was lucky enough that she was just done chatting with some people so I didn't have to interrupt them.

"Is there something wrong, Josie?" She must've guessed from my slightly agitated state that something was bugging me.

"Did you know about the champagne toast?"

"Orlando just informed me, actually. It's supposed to be a surprise, but between you and I, we know it's not the engagement we'll be toasting to," she winked, before a couple stole her from me.

Again, I was left confused as I was trying to figure out what they were going to toast to, if it wasn't their getting engaged. It was literally an engagement party. Waiters started coming out of the kitchen with trays full of champagne.

"If everybody could grab a flute, I want to make a toast," Orlando announced from the middle of the room.

He was wearing a suit that made him look so fine. I didn't miss how throughout the night numerous women, and even men, attempted to flirt with him. Next to him was Francesca who wore a soft pink - almost salmon- A-shaped gown and the biggest smile. I couldn't help the bit of envy that crept into my heart.

Very soon everyone was holding a glass of champagne, except the help, which included me. "I wanted to thank you all for joining us in celebrating our engagement. I also wanted to take the opportunity to raise a toast to some really great news," Orlando left his guests in suspense with a small smile. "I am proud to announce that Francesca and I are expecting a baby!"

He grinned as everyone in the room clapped and cheered to his news, before placing a kiss on Francesca's cheek. "Cheers, everybody!"

They all answered, except for me and Francesca who obviously forced a smile on her face.

To say I was in shock was a large euphemism. It felt like the world was spinning around me in a painfully slow pace for a solid 10-15 seconds. A whole baby? I didn't know why, but my brain hurt and my chest tightened at the idea. Sudden nausea hit me making me rush to the restroom.