A loud chime sounded through the speakers as Ethan stood up at the head table, holding a microphone.
The room went silent, save for the low hum of the air conditioning.
Ethan adjusted his watch strap, his nervous habit showing even from across the room.
“I want to thank everyone for coming today,” Ethan said, his voice bouncing off the high ceiling. “This is the start of a new chapter for me, and I could not have reached this point without incredible support.”
He looked down at Ashley, who smiled up at him, touching her pearls.
“But most of all,” Ethan said, turning his body toward Carol, “I want to thank the woman who showed me what a real family looks like.”
The room was perfectly still as Ethan kept his eyes fixed on Carol.
“Carol, your guidance, your generosity, and your belief in my future have given me a home I never thought I would find,” Ethan said. “You have been my true source of support, and my real mother in every way that matters.”
A collective murmur of appreciation went through the crowd, followed by a sudden burst of applause.
Carol stood up, her lavender gown catching the light as she bowed her head to the guests.
I sat at table twelve, my fingers brushing my gold wedding band, staring straight ahead at the empty space on the wall.
By eight o’clock, the band had started playing a slow waltz, and the servers were clearing the dinner plates.
I sat alone at my table, watching the couples move across the polished wooden dance floor.
Carol walked over from the head table, her glass of white wine catching the light, and sat down in the empty chair next to me.
She tilted her chin up and looked at me, a cold smile on her face.
“That was a beautiful tribute from Ethan, wasn’t it?” Carol asked, her voice booming over the music.
I remained silent, keeping my hands folded in my lap.
“He is a very grateful young man,” Carol said, leaning closer so only I could hear. “He knows who is helping him secure his future. The fifty thousand dollars for the house down payment is just the beginning.”
