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With that last sentence, Graham pulled his foot free and allowed the door to slam shut. I just stood there shaking. That lying bitch wanted a wedding photographer? She wanted to rub this whole thing in my face, after everything I’d done for her?
Oh yes, Mr. and Mrs. Archer, I’d come to the wedding all right. It would be a night full of memories to last a lifetime!
CHAPTER 8
_ _ _
The cathedral was beautiful and immaculate in every way, and I was here having thoughts that didn’t belong in any church. I’d taken the money, and I’d already set my plan in motion. Every single photograph was going to highlight just how low of a blow this entire wedding was.
I’d started with nice devilish red filter, and just enough blur to ensure the whole night would be ruined. I’d photoshop the horns in later. Sure, maybe it was a little juvenile, but they deserved this. I’d have their pictures plastered on every tabloid from here to China and back, and I had the stories of Chandra’s stupid slutty little history to make those articles extra juicy. They would get a taste of what I’d been putting up with, and I couldn’t wait.
I started with pictures of the room, filled wall to wall with people. I shook my head as I scanned the space, recognizing more than a few of my own family members. Sure, Chandra had been almost a sister to me, but it still boiled my blood that they would be here to witness this betrayal. Truth is, they seemed all but disinterested in me as I walked through snapping shots. Maybe I wasn’t making enough of a scene stomping about the place in the stupid bridesmaid dress they made me wear. I’d never felt angrier in my life.
Then there was Graham Archer. He had already made his way to the front of the space, standing at the edge of the white carpet that ran between the pews. He looked just as incredible as he always did, and that only made me hate him more. The priest stood behind him with an almost comically tall hat, and the entire scene looked like something out of a movie. I snapped a few more red hued evil photos to lighten my mood.
Any minute now, Chandra would come marching out to the tune of ‘Here Comes The Bride’, and I’d have plenty of time to find just the wrong angles to capture, but I decided not to wait. I left the main floor behind, seeking the priest quarters near the front of the church to find the dressing area. I wanted some nice shots of her before the bitch walked that aisle.
What I didn’t expect was for her to greet me with tears running down her face.
I know Chandra was in the wrong here, but my instincts kicked in. We’d been through thick and thin together, and if Graham Archer was just one more asshole on a string of assholes, I’d be there to pick up the pieces. I ran past the staff as she wiped her face clean with a small white towel.
“Oh God… Savannah!” Chandra said, looking up. It was the first time I’d seen her since she’d disappeared on me, and she looked incredible. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think she’d been hitting the gym every day in order to fit into the beautiful dress she was wearing. It was absolutely beautiful, if a bit non traditional. She had all the bridesmaids dressed in the same simple white dress I was wearing, and hers was a shade of deep red that was stunning against her mocha skin.
“Chandra, what’s wrong. What the hell did Graham do to you?”
She seemed confused, then smiled faintly. “Nothing… He didn’t do anything. It’s nothing…”
I wasn’t sure what to say, but when Chandra threw her arms around me, I couldn’t stop myself from holding her for a moment.
“Savannah, I’m so sorry I had to keep all this secret for so long… I know you’re angry. I know I’m hurting you… But please, once you know everything, I’m sure you’ll understand.”
“I’m sorry too… Look… You hurt me Chandra, but this is your moment. I know I should have been able to walk away,” I replied, trying not to cry. “Don’t let me ruin this moment for you…”
I just couldn’t be mad at her, no matter how much I wanted to. Every inch of my being wanted to hate her for taking Graham away, but it wasn’t her fault this was happening. I didn’t even try to fix things with him. The day I received the annulment, I filed it without a second thought… Maybe Chandra deserved this.
“I need to ask you something,” Chandra said quietly, still hanging onto me.
“What can I do?” I replied, feeling bad about all the anger still held deep down inside me. In time, I could get past this, I knew I could…
“Walk me down the aisle. Please. I can’t do this alone.”
I pulled away, looking my best friend in the eyes. She seemed genuinely frightened, as if there was more behind her words than she could possibly express to me.
“Okay…” I whispered back, taking her arm. We waited there together for the pipe organ to play, and I did my best to pull away from all the negative feelings. There would probably still be time to draw little horns on their little heads, but maybe I wouldn’t go all out with the tabloids after all…
One foot came after another as we took the long walk toward the stage. I tried not to look Graham in the eye, keeping my eyes toward the flower petal strewn floor. As the music stopped, Chandra loosened her grip on my arm and let me go. I glanced up at Graham and caught him smiling at me. I wanted to smack him for being so smug about all of this, but suddenly, Chandra stepped aside.
“Good luck,” she said as I turned, watching her as she gracefully swept in between the other bridesmaids. I could barely breathe, standing in front of God and everyone in my little white bridesmaid dress as I turned back toward Graham’s beaming grin.
Oh hell no!
The priest began to speak.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Graham Archer and Savannah Williams in holy matrimony, which is an honorable estate, that is not to be entered into lightly, but rather soberly, and reverently.”
Graham winked at me as the priest mentioned the word soberly. There was no way this was happening!
“Into this estate, these two persons come now to be joined. If any one can offer up a wor
