Chapter 20

"You should go greet the guests, Adrian! I've got everything under control with the bridesmaids, so stop fussing!" Sophia Bennett playfully shoved her fiancé out of the bridal suite.

Turning back, she beamed at Evelyn Whitmore who had just changed into her bridesmaid dress. "You look absolutely stunning, Evelyn! No wonder Uncle Nathaniel finally decided to give up his bachelor life!"

Evelyn's lips curved into a wry smile. "Since I'm your bridesmaid today, just call me Evelyn. No need for formalities."

Sophia nodded eagerly. "Alright, Evelyn! So tell me, how did you and my uncle meet?"

'How did we meet? Let me sum it up in five words: Worst mistake of my life!'

Evelyn's brows knitted slightly. "That's a story for another day. Today's about you! I want to hear how you and Adrian fell in love."

Sophia needed no further prompting to gush about her romance. Like most brides, she conveniently glossed over all the red flags, painting Adrian as the perfect gentleman.

Soon, two other girls entered the suite - the part-time bridesmaids Sophia had hired.

After helping them into their dresses, Sophia took a phone call and hurried out, asking Evelyn to assist the fourth bridesmaid who was running late.

Minutes later, the door swung open to reveal Rachel Thornton. "Where's my dress?"

Evelyn pointed without looking up from her phone. "Over there."

Rachel's face twisted in disgust when she recognized Evelyn lounging on the sofa. "You? What are you doing here?"

Evelyn glanced up calmly. "Being a bridesmaid. And saving a wedding."

After losing her auction house job with mounting credit card debt, Rachel had jumped at this $300/day bridesmaid gig. Finding Evelyn here was an unpleasant surprise.

She sneered at Evelyn's dress. "What happened to your sugar daddy from this morning? Got dumped already? Serves you right!"

Evelyn ignored the taunts, scrolling through her phone.

Rachel took the silence as confirmation and smirked triumphantly. "Did you really think those rich men would take you seriously? You're just a plaything to them!"

When Evelyn continued ignoring her, Rachel huffed and went to change. Her face fell when she saw the plain dress remaining.

Spotting Evelyn's more elaborate gown, she marched over. "Switch dresses with me."

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "Why should I?"

"Because you got me fired twice! You owe me!"

A cold smile played on Evelyn's lips. "Funny, I recall someone getting me fired first."

Rachel reached for the dress. "Stop whining. Just give it to me!"

Evelyn clenched her fists but stopped herself. Today was Sophia's big day - finding four bridesmaids hadn't been easy. The ceremony would start soon.

"Fine. We'll switch."

After changing, Rachel preened before the mirror - until she saw Evelyn emerge yawning in the simpler dress.

Somehow, Evelyn still looked breathtaking. The dress didn't make her beautiful - she elevated the dress to new heights just by wearing it.