With a swift movement, Stella dived into the crowd, enthusiastically greeting the newly arrived grand uncle. She attempted to strike up a pleasant conversation, mentioning how she had eagerly anticipated his arrival at the entrance for quite some time.
âSorry about Stella, Mrs. Lenoir,â Ariana apologized with an awkward smile at Cherise. âSheâs always like thisâ¦â
Cheriseâs expression twisted with confusion and nostalgia as she observed Stella mingling in the crowd.
Discovering that this seemingly pretentious and superficial Stella was actually her former high school classmate was quite a revelation. She couldnât help but let out a sigh.
Although they once shared the same classroom, they seemed to belong to entirely different worlds, with contrasting values and perspectives after those years in school.
âYeah, that makes sense,â Ariana considered, tapping her fingers. Since youâre the same age as Sav and Stella, and you all went to Shawbury High School, itâs totally possible you were classmates.â
She laughed, continuing, âI never imagined youâd have been in the same class as them and Steve, my new brother-in-law. I invited you here for a good time, little did we know it would be a high school reunion. Funny how things turn out, right? Oh, by the way, Sav has invited a lot of her ex-classmates here today. Maybe chatting with them will trigger some memories!â
Cherise nodded, âI hope so.â
Just then, Damien and Blake approached. Mr. Hampson and Otto went to park the car and arrange accommodations for the next few days.
âDeep in conversation, I see. Whatâs the gossip?â Damien quizzed.
âGuess what! The bride and groom today are actually my old high school classmates!â Cherise beamed, linking arms with Damien.
âWouldnât be surprised if the bride was my old BFF,â she teased.
Damien finally lifted his gaze, scanning the names of the groom and bride for the day. He chuckled, âYouâre spot on. She was.â
Cheriseâs eyes widened in surprise. âNo way! Really?â
âAbsolutely, Damien replied, a gentle smile gracing his lips. He mentioned heâd recently delved into her past, confirming Savannah as her high school BE âBut he continued, his tone thoughtful, âduring our investigation, we discovered that back in high school, Savannah didnât seem to have much interaction with her supposed fiancé.â
According to reports from Shawbury, Savannah, who was once close to Cherise in high school, was romantically involved with another classmate. support her boyfriendâs studies with the money she earned.
As a result, she gradually lost touch with her high school friends, including Cherise.
âFollow me,â Ariana beckoned Cherise upstairs, leading her to a table where their former classmates were gathered in the corner.
âPlease, take a seat. Excuse me while I go greet my family,â Ariana excused herself before departing.
Cherise nodded appreciatively, sharing a meaningful glance with Ariana before she departed.
âHey, Cherry! Over here!â a man near the staircase called out, recognizing Cherise as he approached and warmly welcoming her.
Afterward, turning to the others at the table, he declared proudly, âSee, I told you sheâd come! Cherise was Savannahâs closest friend in high school. I knew she wouldnât miss this. You guys doubted me!â
Fetching two chairs, he gestured for Cherise and Damien to join them. âSince youâve been living in the city since graduation, you rarely come back, right? So when I received Savannahâs wedding invitation recently, I knew youâd make the trip back for it. And here you are.â