The long-awaited wedding ceremony commenced. All guests were silent, their eyes fixed on the new couple. The ceremony was simple and traditional. Charles entered, met Sarah, and after their vows, they exchanged rings and kissed. Hannah watched impassively, a wry amusement coloring her expression. She never imagined witnessing the wedding of the man she once believed would be hers, to another woman.
Susan openly sneered throughout the ceremony, much to Hannah's quiet satisfaction. Following the ceremony, guests were seated for dinner. Charles and Sarah, having changed clothes, began thanking guests with toasts. Susan eagerly awaited their interaction with Hannah.
"Just eat," Henry urged, offering Susan food. Her focus remained elsewhere; she was anticipating a spectacle. "You're getting too thin," he said again, his affection evident.
"I'm not thin, I'm simply slender," Susan retorted, puffing out her chest to emphasize her point. "No, you're too thin," Henry insisted. "I'm perfect!" she declared.
Hannah, overhearing, glanced unconsciously at Manuel, who remained impassive, calmly enjoying his meal. She found his detached demeanor reassuring.
Soon, Charles and Sarah approached their table. Everyone rose for a toast. Charles spoke eloquently, displaying humility. The festivities began. He pointedly ignored Hannah, avoiding eye contact.
Then Susan interjected, "I think you should drink with Hannah, Charles." Charles's composure faltered; Sarah looked embarrassed.
"You and Hannah were practically a fixture in Kensbury City, almost married. If it weren't for..." Susan trailed off pointedly. Everyone understood Charles's infidelity had been the cause of their separation.
Charles was acutely uncomfortable, yet his public image prevented him from losing his temper. He suppressed his anger and forced a smile, revealing his mastery of hypocrisy.
"Fortunately, you didn't marry Hannah, so you're marrying Sarah today," Susan continued, a sardonic laugh coloring her words. "But I think you should have a drink with Hannah. Sarah doesn't mind, right?"
"Not at all," Sarah replied, regaining her composure with a smile.
After a drink, Hannah raised her glass to Sarah. "Let me toast the bride." Their eyes met for the first time, a silent competition simmering beneath the surface.
"Charles is a good man..." Hannah paused, smiling. "I'm happy he found love again. I wish you a long and happy marriage."
Sarah, though displeased, forced a smile. She knew Charles had always loved her, not Hannah, but dared not challenge the sentiment. They exchanged a few more polite words.
As Charles and Sarah prepared to leave, Hannah called to him, "Charles, I wish you happiness." Her words were subtly ambiguous.
Charles, irritated, turned to find Sarah looking sullen. Gritting his teeth, he seized Sarah's hand and abruptly left. Hannah laughed derisively. Her actions, while subtle, had clearly unsettled Sarah, even if Sarah believed Charles's affections were true.
Susan wanted to applaud. Hannah had been brilliant, creating conflict between Sarah and Charles without compromising her own image.
"Manuel," a female voice called. Manuel turned to see Martina. The others, including Susan, looked up. Susan, openly hostile, merely glanced at Martina before continuing to eat.
"I've been looking for you. Why are you sitting here?" Martina asked, her sour expression betraying her dislike for Hannah and Susan.
Manuel remained silent.
"I wouldn't have found you if I hadn't come with Charles. I'll see you later," Martina declared, ignoring his likely dissent and leaving immediately.
Manuel watched her go. Susan observed his reaction, puzzled by his attraction to Martina. Yet she realized that despite Martina's flaws, her genuine feelings for Manuel were enough for him.
Susan had always believed Manuel was easily swayed; sincerity earned his reciprocal affection. Reflecting on this, a wave of despondency washed over her. Life after her divorce from Manuel wasn't as easy or happy as she'd anticipated.