The Wedding Party

Part 18: A Cheat

"Helena, it's about Griffin," Macey whispered urgently as they stood away from the pool. The sunlight danced on the water's surface, casting a shimmering glow on the two women.

"What happened?" Helena asked, her heart clenching with dread.

"Griffin... he's dead," Macey said, her voice breaking. "It looks like suicide, but there are some suspicious elements."

"Suicide? But that doesn't make sense, he was just asking about being my roommate after the wedding," Helena murmured, her eyes widening in shock. She furrowed her brow, the memory of Ash and Griffin together the previous day surfacing in her mind. Yet she hesitated, not wanting to share that detail with her sister just yet. "That can't be a coincidence."

"Exactly," Macey agreed. "I'm going to keep investigating. I'll keep you updated."

"Please do," Helena replied, her gaze drifting back to the pool where everyone seemed oblivious to the dark cloud that had descended upon them.

-----

Later in town, Olive stepped into the small boutique, the sound of a bell chiming as she entered. The store was filled with delicate lace and silk, an array of lingerie for her wedding night displayed before her. She felt her cheeks warm at the thought of Preston seeing her in one of these pieces.

"Try this one," the shop assistant suggested, holding up a stunning white lace set that perfectly balanced elegance and seduction. Olive obliged and disappeared into the fitting booth.

As she carefully adjusted the straps, admiring herself in the mirror, the curtain to her fitting room suddenly swept aside. Gavyn stood there, his smirk sending chills down her spine.

"Like what you see?" he asked, his voice dripping with arrogance.

"Get out!" Olive snapped, her fingers tightening around the fabric defensively. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Thought I'd check in on my favorite ex," Gavyn replied, his eyes roving over her figure. "I know you are just settling for the nobody."

"Leave now," Olive demanded, her voice firm. "You have no place here, especially not now."

"Alright, alright," Gavyn said, lifting his hands in mock surrender. "But don't worry, I won't be sticking around for long."

"Good," Olive spat, watching as he sauntered out of the fitting booth. She exhaled shakily, her hands trembling as she clutched the lingerie to her chest, thoughts racing through her head. She needed to focus on her wedding and forget about Gavyn, but his presence felt her feeling drained.