Chapter 17
Antonio texted Janelle: “Since we’re having a baby, let’s get married soon. We’ll have a small wedding now. My family thinks it’s best since you’re pregnant and shouldn’t stress. Next year, after the baby’s born, we can have a big one.”
Janelle took the bait and replied with a heart emoji.
“Gotcha,” Antonio whispered with a smirk.
The “small” wedding turned out to be quite the event.
The Kaufman family’s suburban estate, usually kept for special occasions, was buzzing on Saturday night.
All of Antonio’s friends were invited. Chatter and laughter about the night’s events filled the venue.
“Hey, I heard Mr. Kaufman is getting hitched, but where’s his family?” one asked.
“You didn’t hear? He’s doing all this for the bride. He had a big fallout with his family over the marriage. After tonight, the Kaufman family will have to accept her, whether they like it or not,” another replied.
“What a move! Who’s the lucky girl?”
“She’s Antonio’s first love, a real Cinderella about to become a princess.”
Janelle basked in the whispered admiration. Her smile grew wider as she took in the vibrant roses around.
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As she surveyed the room, a thought tugged at her. “Where is Antonio’s family? It’s all young people here.” The sight of the exquisite bouquets, however, soothed her unease.
Janelle knew Antonio would marry her. Grace didn’t stand a chance against her.
The wedding was about to start. A few friends whisked Janelle away to the dressing room, keen to touch up her makeup.
“No need,” she said. “Antonio thinks makeup isn’t good for the baby, so the artist only did a light one for me.”
“True,” one friend agreed. “Our Nellie is already stunning. No makeup needed.”
Janelle was over the moon. “Next year, I’ll wear a custom wedding gown!”
“Absolutely! You have no idea how envious everyone is. This is Antonio we’re talking about–they probably never even get to see him much,” another remarked.
Janelle grinned ear to ear, already picturing her dream come
true.
The ceremony started, but Antonio was nowhere to be found.
At first, Janelle kept her cool, but as the whispers grew, her smile faded.
The background music suddenly cut off, and the large screen behind Janelle came to life.
“Hello, everyone. I’m Antonio,” his voice echoed through the speakers. “Thank you all for coming to our wedding.”
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The doors slowly opened. A drone carrying a velvet box flew in and hovered in front of Janelle.
“Janelle, please open it,” Antonio’s voice urged.
Excited, she reached out with shaky hands and opened the box. Inside was a massive diamond ring. The crowd went wild.
“That’s a Graff diamond, top of the line!” one yelled.
“Whoa, isn’t that a diamond just for royalty? Antonio must really love her!” someone exclaimed, recognizing the ring.
The envious whispers only made Janelle feel even more smug. “Nellie, will you marry me?” Antonio’s voice boomed.
The venue erupted into cheers and applause.
“Yes,” Janelle said. She turned around, her eyes welling up with tears of joy as she saw him on the screen.
She had no idea why Antonio was using the kit instead of being here in person. She just anticipated the next surprise.
Janelle covered her mouth, trying to keep it together.
But then, on the screen, Antonio’s face twisted into a smirk. “But no, I don’t want to marry you.”
