Alexandra prepared herself for the inevitable drama when her stepmother, dressed in white, came up to her wedding and declared she deserved attention. However, her spouse had a cunning scheme to take an unexpected turn for the better.
As she carefully arranged the flowers, Linda remarked, “These need to be perfect.” It’s a significant day for the family, after all.
I tried to be cool while I sipped my tea at the dining room table.
My father grinned at her. He remarked, “Linda has a great eye for these things.”
I feigned a laugh. “Linda, they do look nice,” I answered.
After my mother died when I was ten years old, I met Linda, my stepmother. She enjoyed being the focus of attention, and she felt the same way today.
Making sure every petal was in its proper place, she fussed over the flowers. She gave off the impression that she was performing. I was curious about the antics she would pull at the nuptials.
“Dad, are you looking forward to the wedding?” I tried to change the topic by asking.
With sparkling eyes, he nodded. Many thanks, Alexandra. It is going to be a lovely day.
“Yes, and everything has to be perfect,” Linda added. We don’t often have events this significant.”
I nodded, but I had other ideas. Linda would find a way to make the day all about her, I knew it. She did all the time.
I remembered holidays and birthdays when mom always seemed to take center stage and push me to the side.
My uneasiness mounted as Linda kept fussing over the flowers. It was always difficult for me to appreciate the wedding when Linda was there.
“Linda, do you need any help?” In an attempt at civility, I suggested.
She dismissed me with a wave. “Oh my goodness, no. Everything is under control with me.
“All right,” I forced a smile and said. Dad, let me take a break. I have to be somewhere.
My closest friend and maid of honor, Sarah, and I met in the wedding planner’s office.
“Why does the bride appear so depressed?” She hugged me as she asked.
“I think I’m just anxious,”
You’ll have the best day ever, so don’t worry! Please hurry up, it’s becoming late.
We went into Grace’s office, the wedding coordinator.
She looked up from her papers and continued, “Well, uh, your stepmother insisted on giving a speech during the reception and requested to be seated in the front row, Alexandra.”
I was taken aback. Linda and I had talked about this. How was she able to?
“Isn’t that typically given to the father or mother of the bride?” With an eyebrow raised, Sarah enquired.
Grace gave a nod. Yes, the bride’s parents are supposed to sit in the front row traditionally. Linda technically shouldn’t be in that area because your father will be present and you have decided to keep a place for your late mother.
“We also need to respect family customs and keep a certain level of decorum.” This wedding has great significance, particularly in light of your mother’s memorial.
I let out a sigh as I felt the old frustration building. She must always put herself first in everything. She probably has a fantastic show in mind.
Sarah inclined herself closer. “We must be ready for anything she has planned.”
Grace cast a worried glance in my direction. “Alexana, how would you like to handle this?”
I paused to reflect. “Is it possible for us to inform her that my parents have the front row allocated for them? Maybe advise her to take a seat in the second row?
Grace said, “That sounds reasonable.” “I’ll speak with her now. Regarding the speech, what are your thoughts?
I gave a headshake. “She shouldn’t be giving a speech, in my opinion. It is intended to be both a celebration of the wedding and an homage to my mother. She will only focus on herself.
Sarah gave a nod. If necessary, we can have a different speaker. Perhaps one of us or a member of your mother’s family?”
I felt a little more at ease and replied, “That’s a good idea.” “Let’s ensure that the speeches are courteous and meaningful.”
Grace wrote down a few things. “I will see to it. We’ll make sure everything goes without a hitch.
Sarah gave me an armshake as we walked out of Grace’s office.
“Alex, don’t worry. We can handle this. Linda won’t throw off your plans.
I hoped she was correct, and I nodded.
I needed to talk to Tom about my worries when I returned to our flat.
I dropped my luggage beside the door and added, “Linda is determined to steal the show.” “She insisted on sitting in the front row because she’s giving a speech at the reception.”
Tom encircled me with his arms. We’ll deal with it jointly. Remain calm.
I scowled as I sank into his hug.
“That’s not all,” I answered, stepping away from him. She has a talent for making things look spectacular. Even though she’s not my biological mother, she’s constantly forced to play parts that belong to my mother. We wish to preserve my mother’s spot in the front row as a mark of respect. She’s going to make our wedding all about her, and I fear that.
Tom gave a comforting grin. “Believe me. I have a strategy. Give her space and time. Nothing will go wrong.
“What sort of arrangement?” Curious, I asked.
He gave me a forehead kiss. Simply have faith in me. It comes as a shock. But I assure you, it will maintain the attention where it belongs—on your mother’s memories and us.
Feeling slightly better but still nervous, I let out a sigh. “Hopefully. All I want is for things to run smoothly. Linda is really erratic at times.
Tom gave me a tight squeeze. “I am aware. But we can handle this. We are all involved in this.
I nodded, attempting to unwind. “Many thanks, Tom. Thank you so much for that.
“Anytime, love,” he smiled reassuringly at me. “Let’s enjoy our evening and stop worrying about Linda for a little while now.”
I returned the smile, appreciating his encouragement.
The wedding day soon came.
I felt both anxious and thrilled.
As I was getting dressed in my bathrobe, Sarah suddenly entered the room with a pale face.
She pulled me over to the glass and whispered, “You won’t believe this.”
Glancing out, I saw Linda walking out wearing a full-length white bridal gown.
“How the heck is that?” All right, this was a surprise to me. How could she?
“What are you doing, Linda? You cannot attend my wedding wearing white! I couldn’t contain my rage as I rushed over to her.
“Oh, sweetheart,” she grinned without expressing any remorse at all. Alexandra, you’re still young. Your entire life lies ahead of you. I may not get another opportunity to feel like a bride like this one. I’m deserving of this praise.
My temper was about to flare, but Tom pulled me in. “Believe me, we’ll resolve this later,” he muttered, grinning mischievously.
“How could she, though, Tom?”
I gave in when he said, “Trust me, okay?”
As the ceremony continued, Linda was enjoying her moment in the spotlight while seated in the front row. It was obvious Linda had succeeded in getting what she wanted because Grace had a look of helplessness on her face.
Though I was seething inside, I had faith in Tom.
I made an effort to concentrate on the vows and the present as the ceremony went on. I turned to face Tom, and he nodded encouragingly. However, my confidence in Tom’s strategy faltered each time I saw Linda’s arrogant face.
I held my breath until it was time for the remarks. Linda got to her feet, prepared to lead. But Tom grabbed the microphone before she could say anything.
“Ladies and gentlemen, let me share a special video in honor of Alexandra’s late mother before we move on.”
The screen displayed a lovely montage of my mother as the lights went out.
The room was filled with loving messages, videos, and photos. My eyes welled with tears, and the guests showed signs of emotion. Linda’s attitude changed from pride to disbelief.
With a knowing smile, Tom gave me a look after the homage. “Alex, today is about paying tribute to your mother and our affection. Nobody is able to take that away.
He then turned to face Linda. He requested, “Linda, could you join us up here?”
Linda assumed she was going to be honored and appeared arrogant.
“Today, we’ve decided to let her shine even more because Linda has always been a star in her own right,” Tom said as she approached the stage.
Then another slide show started. The first few photos were rather benign; they showed Linda attending the wedding while wearing her white dress from different perspectives. But then Tom started to twist.
The following picture was taken earlier that morning, when Linda had sneaked into my bridal suite.
She was seen on camera attempting to put on my bridal veil and spinning about holding a bouquet she had stolen from the bouquets.
Linda’s face reddened as the room gasped.
Despite her best efforts, Tom was not finished with her.
With a gesture toward the DJ, he said, “Wait, Linda, we’re not finished.”
Abruptly, a tape of Linda bragging to her buddy over the phone about how she was going to outdo me was played over the speakers.
“This little princess must discover her role in society. Her voice resounded across the hallway, “It’s my moment. I’ve waited long enough.”
A few people in the crowd even booed as they were surprised. “I told you I had it covered,” Tom muttered as he put his arms around me.
However, the surprise had not ended.
Tom had made arrangements for Linda’s ex-husband to speak as the special guest. As he mounted the stage, he revealed Linda’s true self to everyone by telling tales of her earlier mischievous behavior.
What was the outcome? Trapped and flushed, Linda hurried out of the hallway as soundlessly as possible. Tom and I grinned, knowing we had given her a lesson. She was the center of attention because she was desired, but not for the right reasons.
At your wedding, did you also have to impart any wisdom to someone?