Chapter 3 - The Winter Garden
Saturday arrived with brilliant, freezing sunlight.
The New York Conservatory looked like a fairy tale. Frost clung to the vaulted glass ceilings, and thousands of white orchids cascaded down the aisles. Nearly four hundred guests were seated. The front rows were packed with Kane Meridian’s primary venture capital investors, tech journalists, and Manhattan's elite.
Sitting in the third row, looking demure in a pale blue dress, was Jessica. The mentee. The mistress. The mother-to-be.
At exactly 2:00 PM, the string quartet began to play.
Emily walked down the aisle. She wore a stunning, structural silk gown, her face obscured by a sheer veil. She looked like the perfect, loyal bride. James stood at the altar, looking handsome and incredibly smug, flanked by Daniel Price and the rest of the groomsmen who had laughed at her expense three nights prior.
When Emily reached the altar, James reached for her hands.
She didn't give them to him. Instead, she lifted her veil, her eyes locking onto his. There was no love in them. Only ice.
"You look beautiful," James whispered, completely oblivious to the trap he was standing in.
May you like
The officiant smiled and cleared his throat. "We are gathered here today to witness the union of James and Emily. They have written their own vows for this occasion."
"I have," Emily said smoothly. She turned away from James and faced the four hundred guests.
