Chapter 13
The friend without family.....his words echoed in my head and hurt like a thousand knives slashing at me. His words stabbed my heart, and I felt heavy under the comments. All my accomplishments had meant nothing. I didn't have a family name to boast their stocks. It was OK to be a whore as long as I had the pedigree to back their share prices. I could see what it would be like here for me. Many men will be interested in me, and so will their moms, but once they learn about my unknown background and no family, they will see me as expendable, a plaything, and not a wife or a serious girlfriend.
My vision blurred as Tears pricked my eyes...My gaze fell on Sher; he was reading my expression carefully but kept his distance. I could feel his gaze on me through his sunglasses. I was drifting, and his eyes were like the lighthouse light that I needed to ground myself. I didn't care about these people !! I didn't want to be their plaything or wife !! I was here for Eva. Her happiness is all that mattered to me.
I called Arman real quick... once I was done talking to him...I felt excited to go shopping once he dropped his Black Amex card for me at the reception. I entered the Villa with a gorgeous infinity pool, lush tropical gardens full of sweet-smelling bougainvillea and colorful flowers, and the sounds of tropical birds chirping in the background with private beach access. There were dazzling mother-of-pearl inlaid tables, silver-clad sitting furniture, artwork with precious gems, and a bed clad in 18-karat gold. The details are endless: Moroccan stars, arches, tile work, lanterns, and toucans are everywhere. And the windows are aligned for perfect sunset views, and the four-post king-size bed with luxury linens felt like I was lying on a cloud. There was a welcome basket with the roster of all the events, how to get there, and the golf cart schedule.
The Basket had a handwritten note by the Bride telling everyone how wonderful it was for them to join the couple in their celebration. Picture of the happy couple and some custom-made Swiss chocolate, their wedding hashtag #ArmannEvastoodachance; I smiled...it took the wedding planner and us forever to come up with ( Arman nEva stood a chance). Along with dress codes, salon details ( if you weren't traveling with a glam squad), which I wasn't, of course, and a list of all the events and, not to forget, all-inclusive hotel amenities, including the spa, snorkeling, and mini bar. On top of it all, 2 bottles of Moët & Chandon Esprit du Siècle Brut.
Eva's parents weren't sparing expenses for their darling daughter's wedding. I checked the schedule after taking a quick shower and got dressed in my BRONX AND BANCO Mademoiselle Bridal Mini Dress in white. It had this little fringe detail t the hem, and I paired it with my nude Dior kitten heels. I kept my makeup to a minimum; it was so hot I didn't want my dress to get drops of makeup while sweating. I opened my hair in loose curls and put on my sunglasses. Off I went to swim with the sharks at this luncheon.