Sydney’s gaze flicked between us, then to the rings, then to the certificate in Cal’s hand. Her lips curled.
Kei stepped forward, phone out. “You two need to see this.”
He turned the screen.
Headline after headline.
Cal Parker of THE EMBERS Marries Mystery Woman in Vegas Chapel at 3 a.m.**
Embers Frontman Ties the Knot—Who Is She?
Blurry photos, us outside the chapel, laughing, rings flashing. Me in his arms. Kissing.
Cal groaned. “How the fuck...”
“Paps were everywhere yesterday,” Jake said.
“They’re swarming the lobby. Security’s holding them back, but it’s a circus.”
Holland rubbed his neck. “We need a plan. Fast.”
Sydney crossed her arms. “She planned this. Obviously. Gold-digger. Saw her chance, got him drunk, dragged him to a chapel. Classic.”
I spun on her. “I didn’t drag anyone. We were both wasted.”
She laughed, cold. “Sure. Poor little dancer sees a famous guy, spreads her legs, gets a ring. Manipulator. Slut. You think we haven’t seen this before?”
Zariah lunged. “Say that again, bitch.”
Holland caught her around the waist, pulled her back. “Z, don’t.”
Zariah struggled. “Let go! She’s talking shit about my best friend!”
Jake snapped suddenly, voice sharp. “Sydney, shut up.”
The room went still.
Sydney blinked at him like he’d slapped her.
“Excuse me?”
“I said shut up,” Jake repeated, jaw tight.
“You don’t know what happened. None of us do. So, stop talking like you were there.”
Her lips trembled instantly. “I’m just trying to help. I’m trying to protect him and this band and you’re yelling at me for it?”
Tears welled in her eyes, glossy and fast. She shook her head, backing up a step like she’d been wounded.
“I can’t believe you’d take her side over mine.”
Cal moved without hesitation, stepping forward and pulling her into his arms. She buried her face in his chest, shoulders shaking.
“She’s right,” he said quietly, rubbing her back.
“Everything she said. This girl’s a problem. She saw an opportunity. Took it.”
I felt the air leave my lungs.
