Chapter 11

THIRD PERSON PERSPECTIVE

Arthur, looking strikingly handsome and exceptional in his custom-tailored Tom Ford suit, made his wedding debut. All heads turned to watch him because of his commanding presence.

Everyone noticed his public expression of affection towards Doris.

The wedding guests were stunned as they watched Arthur sweep Doris off her feet.

All the guests were so jealous that, for a moment, the energy in the room felt like a pervasive envious wave. All the men, including the groom, Bob, were overshadowed by Arthur.

But then Arthur’s magnetic personality drew everyone in. Doris bloomed like a flower under the attention. Her delicate beauty shone brightly when she smiled.

Andrea as the bride, was self-absorbed for a moment, which was understandable.

However, when Andrea saw that Doris’ boyfriend was Andrea’s own son, she was livid. Her anger was greater than every furious moment she’d had in her life put together.

Andrea tried to keep her emotions in check and avoid losing her temper but it was impossible.

Andrea fumed because how dare they do something that would make them talked about on her day! The fact that she had been cheating with Doris' boyfriend, and this might be karma didn’t even occur to her.

Andrea couldn’t get over her anger and shock.

When Bob realized that Doris' boyfriend was Andrea's son, he also couldn’t get over his shock.

Doris was transformed from the woman she was just a week ago, and she knew that was largely due to Arthur. The way he looked at her made her feel like she was the only woman in the world, like she could do anything.

Bob clearly felt overshadowed by Arthur's presence. Bob’s loud comments were a cover up because Arthur made him feel even inadequate.

Doris secretly smiled about that. If only Bob knew that Arthur was a thousand times better lover!

Bob’s jealousy was clear in his every move.

“Tell me that is not Doris’ boyfriend,” Andrea said to Anna.

“Oh yeah, it is. I saw them on the street one day. He was holding the umbrella for her; it was really romantic.”

Andrea seethed. She couldn’t believe it. The boyfriend the whole office was talking about was none other than her son!

Andrea stomped over to Bob. She was red in the face with anger.

“I can’t believe my son is dating Doris! This is a travesty! Do something about this.”

“Now, love…”

"Don't you 'Now, love' me. They're ruining our wedding! Ruining it!" Andrea threw her hands up in the air in frustration. “Bob, you can’t have a stable future with me and the company if you can’t even keep attention on me at our own wedding!”

Bob broke out in a cold sweat. “Andrea, calm down. All this stress isn’t good for the baby.”

Andrea started to say, "You're right," but at the same time, Bob continued.

“Especially with an older person’s pregnancy.”

Andrea narrowed her eyes at him. How dare he call her older, even if she was! Now she was really fuming.

“Andrea, just ignore them. I’m sure a successful man like your son would never go out with Doris. They probably planned this together just so you’d be so upset you’ll lose the baby.”

“You’re right.”

“You can’t let yourself be tricked.”

Andrea stared into Arthur’s and Doris’ eyes even more angrily while Bob said this.

“Of course.” Andrea smoothed down her wedding dress.

“Just ignore it.”

“I’ll try.”

“The important thing now is to keep the wedding going,” Bob said. “You spent so much time on it. So many important people are here.”

“But…”

“You are the star bride,” Bob said, trying not to sound desperate.

They both swallowed their pride temporarily.

“I’m an accomplished businesswoman,” Andrea said haughtily. “Of course, I can maintain an appropriate happy bride demeanor."

"Exactly, my beautiful boo-bear. Just for now, pretend not to know Doris. She's nothing compared to you."

"You're right, of course."

But as movie stars, politicians, and titans of industry came up and said nice things to Doris and Arthur, Andrea’s rage bubbled.

Andrea ignored it, but then all the envious looks they were getting began to feel like a slap in the face. After all, it was supposed to be her day. She was the bride.

Arthur saw that his mom was ignoring him and Doris, and he was glad.

Andrea was toxic. The farther she stayed away from him and Doris, the better.

Then a few women Doris worked with came over to Doris and Arthur.

“Oh no,” Doris whispered.

“What?” Arthur whispered back, but Doris didn't have time to respond because by then, the others were walking toward them.

Anna was thrilled to get the chance to introduce her boyfriend, Peter, to Doris and Arthur. Anna thought that because Peter was older than Arthur, he must be more experienced and senior to him in the company.

Unexpectedly, Peter started trembling. His entire body language became humble and overly respectful as they approached Arthur.

“What’s with you?” Anna hiss-whispered at him softly, leaning in toward him and using her hand to cover her mouth so no one could read her lips. “You’re like a completely different person all of a sudden?”

It was because as they were approaching Doris and Arthur, Peter realized the well-dressed man he was looking at was the boss of all of AmeriCapital!

Peter had never spoken to Arthur before, but only seen him from a distance. Peter was nervous about being around the boss of the entire huge company he worked for. “Sir, it’s a pleasure to…”

Arthur cut him off. "I don't think we've met before, have we?" Arthur gave Peter a pointed look, hoping that Peter would catch on that Arthur didn't want the women to know he was the owner of AmeriCapital.

Peter stammered but recovered quickly.

“Right.” As a veteran in the workplace, Peter quickly understood what Arthur was getting at, although he didn’t understand why.

Regardless, it was clear Arthur wanted Peter to treat him like he was just the manager of a small team of a non-important department in front of others, so that’s what Peter did.

Doris noticed that Peter seemed nervous and deferential around Arthur, which she thought was weird. She couldn't help but wonder what was going on, but didn’t want to make a big deal about it.

As the night wore on, tensions continued to mount. Andrea tried to keep her composure, but she was seething with anger.

Andrea took deep breaths over and over, trying in vain to calm down. Andrea knew Bob was right every time he told her to focus on the wedding, be calm, think about the baby, etc., but the sight of her son with Doris stung like a thousand bee stings.

Andrea knew it shouldn’t bother her who Doris dated, or who her son dated for that matter, but everything about it rankled. Especially how much attention they were getting.

DORIS

After the women from my office and Peter walked away, I was happy, elated even. My heart was filled with joy. I felt as bubbly as the champagne that was freely flowing from the bar.

Arthur was a far better fake boyfriend than I ever could have imagined. As my fictitious boyfriend, Arthur had performed wonderfully, far above my expectations.

I knew he would have to leave the wedding reception soon. Arthur had already stayed longer and been more than I could ever imagine.

But something about this whole situation seemed incredible and not quite believable. So I quietly pulled Arthur aside to a quiet area behind one of the busy buffet tables and asked him how on earth he did it.

I was so curious and needed answers.