The Ties that Binds Us

Chapter 26 "Traitor"

The crowd continued to scream and shout, clapping their hands up in the air, whooping, and cheering on Luke and I. Luke also continued to kiss for a few more moments and then pulled me back up to a standing position. When I was already standing on my feet, I stared at Luke who looked breathless from our kiss; his cheeks were pink and his lips shining. I turned my head towards the cheering crowd finally when I gathered myself. Sam was still cheering from the crowd, my papa and abuela were cheering as well.

“Wow! It seems our bachelorette is already taken. Let’s give them both another round of applause everybody!” the crowd went wild again, deafening us. When I turned to look at the gorgeous man holding me by the waist, he was smiling broadly to the crowd and he seemed pleased about himself.

Luke ushered me off the stage all the while holding me by the waist. When we got to the table, Sam was grinning like a fool. He clapped at Luke, praising what he just did while we were on the stage.

“I approve man! Welcome to the family!” Luke laughed out loud which made me giggle with him.

“Thanks man! I think it’s not up to you to approve though.” I turned to my papa who suddenly lost the smile etched on his lips. His eyes widen in panic and he took a big sip of water. Wait what? What’s happening?

“Sydney’s a big girl. She can make her own decisions.” Papa took another sip from his glass of water this time almost choking.

“Let’s not scare my papa guys.” I rubbed the back of my father.

Luke pulled my chair back letting me sit down. He kissed my hair and heard that he inhaled deeply. From afar, I saw a tall, dark haired, mature woman standing beside the emcee. I squinted my eyes trying to see clearly who it was. She looked awfully familiar. And then I realized it was my biological mother Sarah. Suddenly, Adam and Alex were fast approaching our table.

“Sir, Ms. Grant’s mother is here.”

“Great! Bring her here.” He put his arm over my shoulder rhythmically caressing my bare skin.

“Sir, it’s not her adopted mother. Her biological mother.” Luke eyes widened in surprise after hearing whom it really was.

“Sydney let’s go. Adam inform Sydney’s father and grandmother.” He stood up immediately pulling me with him.

“Wait. I need to use the bathroom.”

“What?” Luke rubbed his forehead in panic. “Make it fast. Let’s go. Alex usher Mr. Grant and Claire to their vehicle. Make sure they get in safely. Alex nodded in response and walked towards my father and abuela’s table.

We walked hastily towards the comfort room in the corner of the ballroom. Fortunately, there was no line to the comfort room so I got in immediately.

“I’ll wait here Syd. Make it fast. I need to tell you something about Sarah.” I nodded and opened the door. After I finished doing my business, I went out of the cubicle and was stunned when I saw Sarah leaning on the bathroom sink in front of the vanity. She had her hair up in an elegant chignon. She wore a black, skin-tight dress, her eyes glimmering with mischief. Her long, thin fingers sprawled on the black marble.

“Hi, Sydney. My goodness, you look so beautiful. You’re just like me when I was younger.” I remained motionless and paralyzed on where I stood across her.

“What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to congratulate you dear. You’re so successful. I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks,” I replied with an icy tone. “I have to go.” suddenly she took a few steps towards me. I held my hand up to stop her suddenly there was a swift hand that moved towards my face. The hand had a white cloth that smelled of chloroform. After I helplessly struggled to free from myself from the tight grip of the person behind me, I was knocked out.