Chapter 4 - THE WEDDING CEREMONY
The wedding ceremony took place the following afternoon on the resort’s South Lawn, overlooking a dramatic turquoise drop-off into the ocean.
White orchids framed the altar, and a string quartet played classical arrangements as guests took their seats on gold chiavari chairs.
I walked down the aisle alone, long before the main processional began. I took a seat in the very back row, next to an elderly couple who were friends of Trevor’s grandmother.
When my father arrived with my mother, he walked past my row without looking at me. Mom deliberately avoided my gaze, adjusting her extravagant hat as she took her seat in the front row. Derek and Christina sat beside her, pretending I was invisible.
The ceremony was as lavish as promised. Vanessa looked like a royalty figure in her sweeping train, and Trevor grinned broadly as they exchanged vows under the afternoon sun.
“With this ring, I promise you a life of luxury, devotion, and partnership,” Trevor declared into the lapel microphone, his voice echoing across the lawn speakers.
To the crowd, it was a fairytale. To me, it was a grand performance built entirely on posturing.
When the minister declared them husband and wife, the crowd erupted into applause. Glass flutes of vintage champagne were immediately distributed by the resort staff as guests migrated back toward the terrace for the cocktail hour.
I stayed behind for a few minutes, watching the grounds crew discreetly clear the ceremony area with incredible speed and efficiency. They worked like a well-oiled machine. I made a mental note to tell Michael Chin to issue bonuses to the events crew next week.
I walked up to the terrace bar and ordered a sparkling water with lime.
“Maya.”
I turned around. Michael Chin was standing right behind me. His usual calm, ultra-professional demeanor was visibly shaken. His jaw was tight, and he held a thick leather-bound operational ledger in his hands.
“Maya, we have a major problem,” he said in a low voice, looking around to ensure no guests were listening.
“What happened, Michael?”
“It’s Preston Wellington,” Michael said, his voice dripping with restrained anger. “He’s currently in the main lobby throwing a tirade. He’s disputing over sixty thousand dollars in charges for services his son personally authorized over the last three days.”
I frowned. “Which services?”
“The top-shelf liquor upgrades, the late-night caviar bar, the private cabana rentals for the groomsmen, and the extended ballroom hours. All signed off by Trevor. But now Preston is refusing to pay. He’s threatening chargebacks, lawsuits, and smear reviews in regional business journals unless we wipe the balance clean.”
I set my glass of sparkling water on the bar top. “He thinks he can bully a resort management team into giving him free upgrades?”
“It gets worse,” Michael said softly, leaning closer. “He’s currently berating the front desk staff. Two servers came to my office crying ten minutes ago.”
My eyes narrowed into slits. “Who?”
“Maria was one of them. Preston snapped his fingers at her, called her 'the help,' and shoved a cocktail tray out of his way because she didn't move fast enough when he was walking through the grand foyer.”
A cold fire flared in my chest. Maria had been with Crystal Bay for twelve years. She was one of the most dedicated, kind-hearted hospitality professionals on this property. She had helped keep this resort running through hurricanes and economic downturns.
“Where is he right now?” I asked, my voice deadly quiet.
“In the executive holding lounge off the main lobby. He’s demanding to speak directly with the owner or the regional director before he signs the final settlement check.”
For several seconds, the only sound was the distant murmur of the wedding party celebrating by the ocean.
I picked up my glass, finished the last sip of water, and placed it down with a firm, decisive click.
“Tell Mr. Wellington he’ll have his meeting.”
Michael straightened up, understanding instantly. “When?”
May you like
“Ten minutes. In the main executive office.”
He gave a sharp, respectful nod. “Right away, Ms. Sterling.”
