Chapter 552 - Wedding day (S&F) (6) (1/2)

Outside, in the garden, Stella and Sylvie are walking slowly, Charlotte is two steps behind them.

Stella's arm is bent at the elbow. Sylvie's arm is wrapped under and over Stella's. Stella's other arm is pressing Sylvie's in place.

There is panic in Sylvie's eyes. She can't get her hand out of that grip. She struggles a bit, unsuccessfully, while Stella acts as if nothing is wrong.

Sylvie does not want to cause a scene. It would not be very lady-like. And the person holding her in this iron grip is the host! Sylvie thought that she can complain and cry for help… but to whom will she complain? Security is paid by this scary woman. Besides Charlotte, Sylvie does not know anyone. Even her children, Felix and Bridgette are avoiding her recently. Huh… what a life… She was wondering why she came here. To be mistreated like this? And what kind of a woman has such a strong grip? Sylvie felt that she was sweating.

”And here we have refreshments, if you are thirsty… Are you thirsty?”, Stella pauses for a moment and continues without waiting for a response. ”And here are small pizza bites. I recommend them, they are very tasty. And here…”

Stella is giving a personal introduction of each item available for snacking until she notices that Sylvie's attention trailed off and she is glaring at someone.

Stella follows her line of sight to the family of four. Two teenage boys are asking their father to go to the playroom, and he is telling them that they can go after the ceremony. Until then, they need to stick together.

”Is that your ex-husband?”, Stella smiles. ”Do you want to go and say hi?”

Sylvie shook her head like a pellet drum. She wanted to go and give Damien piece of her mind, but seeing how Stella is handling her, she chose to submit. For now.

Stella's smile widened. ”OK. Let me know if you change your mind. As I was saying… here are stuffed mushrooms…”

After some more 'friendly introduction to snacks', Stella saw that it's almost time for the ceremony to start. She led Sylvie and Charlotte to one table and gestured Charlotte and Sylvie to sit.

Sylvie's arm was numb, and when Stella released her, she felt as if million ants crawled under her skin.

”Please, stay seated.”, Stella smiled at both of them before her icy gaze landed on Sylvie. ”The ceremony will start soon and if you stand up, you might… lose your seat. If you need any food or beverage, raise your hand and someone from staff will help you. Understood?”

Sylvie nodded.

Charlotte frowned slightly while looking at strange Sylvie's behavior, and confirmed to Stella that she understands.

”Good. I will talk to you later. Until then… know that you are being watched.” Stella pointed up and Sylvie and Charlotte looked in that direction until their gaze landed on two drones which hovered few feet above them. They glanced at each other before turning back to Stella. Stella smiled, nodded and walked away.

”Maman… who is that woman?”, Charlotte asked when Stella was out of the earshot. She missed the introduction, but she could see that Sylvie seems intimidated.

Sylvie rubbed her still numb arm and exhaled. She didn't respond.

Charlotte raised her arm and was pleasantly surprised that within few seconds one staff member approached. She ordered glass of chilled white wine.

Sylvie didn't want anything. She was deep in thoughts. Slight frown vailed her face. And her arm was still numb.

On the other side of the garden, Damien, Smita, Rishi and Shibu took their pre-assigned seats.

Smita spotted Sylvie and frowned. ”Isn't that your ex-wife?”