The Wedding Party

Part 19: A Fact

Helena's heart clenched as she approached Ash, who sat alone on the Manor's grand terrace overlooking the sprawling grounds. The weight of the news she carried threatened to crush her as she steeled herself.

"Hey, Ash," Helena began cautiously, perching on the edge of the seat beside her. "There's something I need to tell you."

Ash looked up, her eyes guarded. "What is it?"

"Griffin...he's dead," Helena said, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. "I'm so sorry."

"Dead?" Ash repeated hollowly, shock etching itself across her face. "How? When?"

"Last night," Helena replied, placing a comforting hand on Ash's arm. "We don't know all the details, but I need to ask you something. What were you and Griffin doing yesterday?"

"Nothing," Ash insisted, her voice cracking. "He found me in the woods, we talked, and then he left. That was it, Helena."

"Alright," Helena murmured, not pressing further. She didn't mention seeing them together in Griffin's room last night - not yet. "If you remember anything else, let me know."

-----

Meanwhile, Yusuf entered his bedroom, his breath catching in his throat as he spotted the shotgun lying ominously on his bed. A chill crept down his spine, and before he could react, Darrell materialized behind him, his expression cold and dangerous.

"Take off your shirt," Darrell commanded, his voice low and threatening.

Yusuf hesitated for a moment, excitement knotting in his stomach, before complying. As soon as the fabric was discarded, Darrell shoved him roughly onto the floor and removed his own belt.

"From now on, you do exactly as I say," Darrell growled, his eyes blazing with lust. "Understood?"

"I've been very bad," Yusuf whispered, his voice trembling with both fear and a twisted sense of anticipation.

-----

On the other side of the Manor, Olive stood proudly in her wedding dress, the delicate lace and intricate beading shimmering under the warm afternoon sun. Jaylee and Jairo circled her, their eyes wide as they took in every detail.

"Olive, you look incredible!" Jaylee gushed, her hands fluttering excitedly. "Preston won't know what hit him!"

"Thank you," Olive replied, her cheeks flushing with happiness. Her thoughts briefly strayed to Gavyn and their unsettling encounter, but she quickly pushed it aside.

"Wait," Jaylee said, frowning at Olive's phone. "Why is Gavyn calling you?"

"Nothing to worry about," Olive assured her, trying to sound nonchalant. "He's just being his usual annoying self."

Jairo looked concerned, but before he could say anything, laughter erupted from nearby as Alanna and Marina watched Ashleigh doing yoga on the lawn. The two shared a light-hearted exchange about how Alanna had managed to snag someone as beautiful and talented as Ashleigh.

"Seriously, how'd you do it?" Marina teased, her demeanor having shifted entirely from moments ago.

"Pure charm, obviously," Alanna retorted playfully, a smile dancing on her lips as Killian approached, eager to engage in conversation with her.

As the group continued to mingle, the air was thick with secrets and unspoken tensions, the truth lurking just beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to emerge.