Chapter 38: A Not So Pleasant Surprise

"The invitation was kind of unexpected."

"Not really! Being the best friend of Gary Sloane's girlfriend does come with some perks."

Mandy laughed.

"Anyways, Keshia, you probably would've been invited without me in the picture. Graham and Nathan get along great so do you and Alice. Speaking about him, isn't Nathan coming?"

"Yes, he'll join us later."

"Great! Let's get to the engagement party everyone will be talking about!"


Graham made sure everything was perfect. In just a few months, Alice and him would be husband and wife. He had been persistent and she finally forgave him. No man in the world could've been happier than he was when she accepted his wedding proposal.

A lot had changed. He felt much more ready to commit for life than he did when he was engaged to Victoria. This was true love; Alice was his life, he knew he couldn't make it without her.

Every guest was handpicked by himself. Nothing would ruin the night he made sure of it. Graham went back to Alice who was on the dance floor. Security was meant to be flawless; this was their night, he shouldn't worry.


"I know I'm definitely not welcomed here but I just have a few words to say..."

"Security!!!"


Graham was furious. On the stage, right before him, was standing Victoria Lane. Of all people. What could've happened and how she got in was less important to him than having her thrown out.


"Please, Graham, I ask you all to hear me out for just five minutes, maybe even less..."

"You have exactly five minutes, Victoria."

Graham turned to Alice and then deported his attention back to Vicky. He approached the stage in order to be close in case he'd have to stop her before her time was up. He didn't trust her at all.

The woman who was standing on stage looked tired, older. She had dyed her blond hair brown which made her less stunning. Victoria seemed less than ordinary. A pale shadow of the woman she used to be.


"I owe an apology to so many people here tonight, I don't even know where to start...Keshia, Mandy, Gary and Alice can you approach the stage? I notice Nathan isn't here so Keshy, you'll be the messenger.

I only have five minutes therefor, I'll get right into it. Keshia, I heard about Nathan and you. Congratulations, I wish you all the best. I apologize for all the heartaches I caused both of you. I've been cruel and selfish when you were sweet and selfless.

Mandy, losing your friendship as well as Keshia's served as a lesson. I'm hoping you can forgive me for going after Gary knowing you wanted to be with him. That was so wrong.

Gary...to think I had forgotten...I put you in a drawer that I closed a long time ago. I never made the connection until a couple of days. You must hate me. I don't blame you. I guess you got your revenge. I still want to apologize.

Last but not least; Graham. I love you with all my heart, always will. I played you, manipulated you, took you for granted...I lost you and my world fell apart. I'm so sorry; sorry for what I've done and what I'm about to do...If I can't have you..."


Gary was on stage before Victoria had pulled the gun out of her purse. He ran towards her trying to stop her as she was pointing it towards Alice. Trying to grab the gun from Vicky's hands, Graham heard a shot and screams. Despite his best effort, he was too late. She had already hurt someone.