𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 {𝐀 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐜} [1] ✔️

20. THE RECEPTION

AS THE WEDDING ALMOST CAME TO A CLOSE, the once vibrant blue sky was replaced by a dark canvas, adorned with twinkling stars. The humans around me chanted and celebrated, but my attention was fixated on the towering wedding cake. It was a masterpiece, with four layers of pristine white icing and an abundance of delicate flowers. At the very top sat a miniature bride and groom, a symbol of the love that had just been celebrated. My mouth watered at the thought of sinking my teeth into the delectable dessert.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out my name, jolting me back to reality. I turned to see Jessica Stanley and a group of my former classmates standing before me, their faces a mixture of shock and confusion.

"Violet Baxter?" Jessica exclaimed, disbelief etched on her face.

I tried to remain calm, to act as if nothing was out of the ordinary. "Yes?" I replied, feigning confusion. "Is something wrong?"

Mike spoke up, his expression still incredulous. "Where have you been? We thought you were...gone."

I knew I had to come up with a convincing lie, and fast. "I was in London," I began, my mind racing. "Studying at Oxford."

I could see the scepticism in their eyes, so I added, "I'm studying literature. It's been a dream of mine for years."

Angela's eyes widened in awe. "Oxford? That sounds so fancy."

Eric, however, was more practical. "How did you afford to go?" he asked, his tone accusatory.

I knew I had to think on my feet. "Scholarships," I replied confidently. "I worked hard and earned them."

As they continued to question me, I felt a sense of dread wash over me. My lies were flimsy at best, and I knew it was only a matter of time before they uncovered the truth. I was doomed.

As I stood there, feeling the weight of the lies I had spun, I heard Joseph's voice behind me. It was a relief to have him there, his presence a comfort in the midst of my deception. He introduced himself as my uncle, and I couldn't help but think that his lie was better than my own.

Mike's gulp was audible, and I knew that I had to keep up the act. "On my mum's side," I managed to say, my words coming out in a rush.

When Jessica mentioned my step mother's name, I gritted my teeth. I wasn't going to let her ruin the wedding, not today. "My birth mother's maiden name was Khotler," I said quickly, hoping to move on from the topic.

Angela seemed intrigued by the name, and I could feel the weight of Joseph's arm as he stood beside me. "We are an old family," he said with a smile, his head tilted to the side.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as I looked at him. He was my saviour in this moment, the one who had come to my rescue when I needed it most. "Uncle Joe, can I talk to you in private?" I asked, trying to sound casual as I pulled him away from the group.

As we walked away, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. "Thank you," I whispered, my amber eyes meeting his gold orbs.

"No problem," he said, tapping my shoulder. "Great job on not killing them."

I couldn't help but laugh at his words, the tension of the moment dissipating.

As Joseph's embrace released me, my eyes scanned the crowd until they landed on Bella and Edward. They were deep in conversation with her father and his companions. I sauntered over, my steps slow and deliberate, and tapped Bella on the shoulder. She jumped, a shiver running through her body, and I couldn't help but scoff.

"I thought you'd be used to the cold by now, being with Edward and all," I chuckled as the newlyweds turned to face me.

"Violet!" Bella exclaimed, her face lighting up as she threw her arms around me. "I'm so glad you came!"