Juddâs complaint was cut short by a commotion from the front of the plane, where a voice exclaimed loudly, âYou there! Who allowed you to take photos? The bride doesnât allow photos!â
Raegan could see only the pale side of a womanâs face and a flash of her wedding dress.
It was Katie, unmistakable in her bridal gown.
The dress cast a spell, illuminating Katieâs usually dull complexion with a delicate radiance.
As Katie turned toward the elevator, her eyes met Raeganâs.
A flicker of surprise crossed her features, but she quickly composed herself.
Raegan expected Katie to seize this moment to exchange barbs, yet Katie looked away, letting her assistant guide her into the elevator.
Without Katieâs distinctive look, Raegan might have doubted what she saw.
Typically, Katie wouldnât miss a chance to taunt her.
When the elevator doors closed, concealing the last of the wedding dress, Raegan felt as if she were in a dream.
Ever since Mitchel had banished her from Ardlens, she had not expected to find herself at his wedding.
Lost in her reverie, Katieâs assistant, who had spoken earlier, approached Raegan abruptly.
âHey, why are you still holding your phone up?â
Looking around, Raegan realized it was just her and Judd nearby, and she was the only one with a phone.
At that moment, she understood the assistantâs accusation.
âI wasnât taking pictures; I was just checking my phone,â she clarified.
Ignoring her explanation, Katieâs assistant attempted to snatch Raeganâs phone but Judd intervened with a firm grip.
âBack off!â Judd commanded sharply.
âYou!â The assistant winced, twisting his wrist from the grip, and called over to a passing waiter.
âWhatâs this about? Werenât we supposed to not allow phones here today?â
The waiter turned to Raegan and asked with reason, âHello, may I know your room number?â
After Raegan provided her room number, the waiterâs attitude shifted to one of respect.
âI apologize for the misunderstanding.
Youâre welcome to return to your room and rest.
â
The assistant stood in their way.
âWhy should they leave? I havenât checked her phone yet.
â
The waiter intervened.
âThis lady is our guest, and sheâs allowed to use her phone.
You have no evidence she took any photos of the bride.
â
Raegan appreciated the waiterâs fairness but wanted to resolve the situation.
She challenged the assistant, âIf you find no pictures on my phone, what will you do then? How will you answer for your mistake?â
The assistant faltered for a moment before responding sharply, âIf there are no pictures, thatâs for the best.
Why not show me your phone to confirm?â
Raegan could barely suppress a laugh.
Katieâs assistant was as unreasonable as she was, assuming the world should cater to his demands.
âIâm not interested in entertaining your baseless accusations,â
Raegan retorted.
âIf you believe Iâve taken photos, present your proof.
The burden of proof is on you, not me.
I wonât waste my time satisfying your demands.
â
Raeganâs firm response silenced the assistant more effectively than any threat of physical intervention from Judd, who, despite his protective stance, would never strike unless absolutely necessary.
With the matter closed, Raegan returned to her room and stayed in for the evening, opting to have her dinner delivered.
While dining, Raegan turned on the TV to the financial news, only to see coverage of Mitchelâs grand wedding.
She had forgotten that the local channels in Ardlens would be focused on broadcasting his extravagant event.