"That's more like it. I knew Cassie would know better."
With that, she practically skipped out of the suite.
By the time I reached the banquet hall, my friend and I split off in two directions.
Karen went backstage to find the sound engineer, and I turned to see my parents standing off to the side of the parents' seats, awkward and cornered.
"Marianne, you have no manners at all. This seat is for honoring the parents. What are you doing sitting here?"
As I came closer, I understood what the argument was about.
Marianne kept her chin up, righteous as anything, no trace of deference even in front of her elders.
"Jonathan told me I'm his only family. I have every right to be honored alongside him and his bride."
"Or is it that the bride's family looks down on him? You think that because he grew up in an orphanage, you can throw your weight around and shove me off to the guest tables?"
My parents, who were always so even-tempered, couldn't hold it in any longer. Both their faces darkened.
My mother's chest was heaving, and my father's shoulders shook so hard I thought he would throw Marianne out of the hall the next second.
"If you're really set on making things hard for me, then fine, I won't sit here."
"I'll go find Jonathan and let him settle it. Let's see whether he still wants this wedding once his only family has been bullied."
She raised her voice and threatened us through narrowed eyes.
"Mom, Dad, let it go. Just switch seats."
My parents looked at me with trembling eyes, the disappointment of watching someone refuse to stand up for herself written all over their faces.
But it wasn't the moment to explain.
Swallowing their anger, they went along with me and changed seats.
As we sat down, my father still couldn't help asking.
"After the way Jonathan treats you, are you really going to wrong yourself and marry him?"
I pressed my lips together into the faintest curve.
Just then, across the room, Karen flashed me an "OK" sign.
I patted my parents on the shoulder.
"Mom, Dad, don't worry. I know exactly what I'm doing."
By then it was time for the ceremony.
I walked slowly up onto the stage, the spotlight falling on Jonathan and me.
Every eye in the hall turned toward us.
I held my emotions in check and went along with him through the earlier steps.
Then came the champagne tower and the toast, and the host worked the whole room up into a fever.
"Let's have our newlyweds share their toast together."
"And let everyone here send their blessings with a round of applause."
Jonathan seemed very pleased with how much I'd endured and put up with today. He picked up a glass and put it in my hand.
"Cassie, drink this, and may our happiness last forever."
I curved my lips slightly and took the glass.
I didn't answer his vow. Instead I swung my arm and threw the champagne right in his face.
"A piece of trash like you doesn't deserve happiness at all."
"Jonathan, let's break up!"
